Sainty was already in the works
Ever since he decided to align his brand with corporate Jamaica, red-hot dancehall artiste Valiant made it known publicly that he would not be singing any more songs about scamming or ‘science’ (Jamaican parlance for obeah).
On May 21, a new single titled Sainty was released. Its lyrical content speaks about science and its accompanying music video has images of sorcery.
There has been an uproar on social media with some individuals questioning the decision echoed by the deejay some days earlier.
However, Matthew “Mapcaan” Wilson, of NSG Music Group, main producer for Sainty, had thrown cold water on the concerns from fans.
He said the song was recorded before Valiant made his declaration.
“Well, the song Sainty was actually made before he went corporate and also before his statements regarding the controversial topic of science songs. The project was already in the works to be released. So I was just focused on getting the project together properly and having it released along with the team,” Wilson disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.
Sainty shares production credits with Diplomats Records.
The video, which was shot and edited by 9Mile Visuals, which has been described as creditable art of work, has racked up more than 481,000 views on YouTube since its upload to the platform on May 21. Up to Thursday, it ranked #10 on the local YouTube Trending chart.
According to Wilson, he knew Valiant prior to the deejay’s astronomical achievements in dancehall music circles.
“Well, we have known each other before his huge rise to stardom in the industry and we have been doing projects together since then, but this project is the first to be released. So, we have been collaborating for some time now,” said Wilson.
He explained the origin of the concept for Sainty.
“Honestly, I think it came from the rhythm, because he actually started putting words together as soon as he heard it. The words came to him naturally, it wasn’t like he premeditated what he was going to sing. It was just the energy and the vibe that he got in the moment,” said Wilson.
Along with his brothers Noel Palmer, Ian and Jonathan Wilson, Matthew started NSG Music Group (Never Stop Grinding) three years ago.
Wilson had been around music for some time before he and his brothers decided to make their production formal.
This isn’t the first time that the label has worked with a major act.
“I have previous works that include She Like It by Bayka along with Sean God Music and Dimking Records, Pirate by Silk Boss, Brand New by Prince Swanny, Ghost by Rajah Wild with DJ Mac Productions and Alva Muzik; the Truth rhythm with Spot On Records — which includes Truth by Bayka, Hustle by Jafrass — and also upcoming projects on it with Demarco and many more,” said Wilson.
“I produce, compose, and I also work as a mix engineer. I’ve worked on a wide range of successful projects outside of NSG Music productions also. I think my ability to do all three allows me to be a part of every step of the production process. I think it helps me to learn and adapt quickly in terms of sound, because I never stay in the same sound. I dive into all genres that inspire me and implement them in my productions,” Wilson shared.
He added: “For my music, I just hope to take it as far as I possibly can and to also inspire. It was inspiration that led me into music, so I just hope to do the same. I’m hoping one day to have some major placements with international acts as well.”