MASICKA is excited about a new phase of his career after signing with American record label Def Jam Recordings, a cornerstone of the hip hop movement that has worked with dancehall artiste Capleton.

The two-album deal will bear fruit later this year, with the release of his sophomore project.

“It’s a great feeling. It feels good to know that a legendary label like Def Jam has acknowledged the hard work that I have been doing over the years. The fans can expect a next classic album soon and more major moves,” he said.

In late 2021, Masicka released 438, his sole album, which rose to number two on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. He said Tuma, a representative from Def Jam, heard the album and approached him and his management about a partnership.

The deejay insists that signing with a hip hop company will not alter his hardcore dancehall sound.

“They can expect more great music and more growth. My music has always been consistently growing over the years, I look forward to continuously doing so,” he said.

Pieces, a collaboration with Jahshii, is the first release from the deal with Def Jam. The song came out February 16 and has to date racked up more than 1.1 million views on YouTube.

“Pieces is a song of triumph. It’s a celebration of what you have worked hard for and motivates the listeners to keep going. You will be victorious. The song touches on overcoming challenges and obstacles you face along the way, as we navigate through this thing called life,” Masicka explained.

“The challenges you’re faced with make you stronger. They mould you into a warrior. The warrior which is needed to be successful. Just picking up the pieces from the puzzle of life on my journey.”

In a press release, Def Jam’s chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun said, “Def Jam has always been the home for great artistes across the wide spectrum of black music, and Masicka is very much emblematic of that vision. Representing the new wave of Jamaican dancehall and reggae, Masicka’s versatility and unique sonic perspective has the potential to impact markets all over the world. It feels like the beginning of something very special. We’re excited to welcome him to our Def Jam family.”

Masicka, Jahshii, Skillibeng and Valiant represent the new wave of hardcore dancehall acts. His hit songs include They Don’t Know, Update, Love Story, Suicide Note, I Wish, Top Form, Stay Strong, and Pack A Matches.

He recently received a YouTube Award for attracting over one million subscribers to his channel. The album 438 was Jamaica’s #1 album of 2022 on Spotify and the first project to spend a year in the Top 10 on Apple Music Jamaica.

Def Jam was founded in New York City by producer Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons nearly 40 years ago. It played a pivotal role in launching the careers of Public Enemy, LL Cool J, and the Beastie Boys. Today, Def Jam’s roster includes major artistes like Justin Bieber, Pusha T, YG, 2 Chainz, 070 Shake, Jeremih, and Alessia Cara.

Capleton recorded two albums for Def Jam — Prophecy in 1995 and I Testament in 1997.