REVERSE The Curse, Richie Stephens’ first solo album in nine years, will be released August 26 by DubShot Records. It was co-produced by his Pot O Gold Production and Boomrich Productions.

The singer’s previous solo album, Real Reggae Music, came out in 2013. Internationally, his collaboration set with The Ska Nation Band (out of Italy) was released six years ago.

Stephens told the Jamaica Observer that Reverse The Curse’s title song has done well in the tri-state area. It was number one on the Foundation Radio Network New York Chart for two weeks while the video has accumulated over two million views.

“I wrote this song based on obstacles that I have been through in my life, which lots of people also experience in their lives as well — and this is why people all over the word can relate to this song in a true way,” said Stephens.

He is not surprised the single’s motivational message has hit home, calling it “real and profound”.

To promote the album, Stephens has a number of dates confirmed in the United States, including a September 9 show at The Garden in Fort Lauderdale. That will be followed by other Florida launches in Orlando and Port Charlotte.

Based in New York City, DubShot Records was launched in 2018 by American music industry veteran Chris Schlarb. The company has distributed albums such as the Grammy-nominated The Final Battle (Sly & Robbie vs The Roots Radics), Now I Rise by Dre Island, and Natty Christmas by Jacob Miller and Ray I.