For his debut musical project, Nannyville dancehall artiste Rushawn decided that he wanted to work with the best of the best.

With 12 tracks, the EP titled WYHR (Why Y’all Hate Rushawn), was released on Friday. It features production work from several well-known as well as established producers.

Hours after its release, the project soared to #1 on the US iTunes Reggae Albums chart, removing Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Legend from the top spot to #2.

“We have a handful of producers like Mr Chin, CJ Chemist, Craig Cream Entertainment, Chinnaman Records, Streets Blocks Records, 13 Gang Entertainment, Young G’s Records and Dynasty Global. So, its really some great minds that we got together in the studio, just to get the project to the high quality that it’s at,” Rushawn told Observer Online on Thursday.

The first single from the project, GLE is already generating a buzz on social media platform TikTok, while gaining traction in the streets.

“The time is now, and the project is here. I have poured my all into this project and I am expecting a positive result. I must say thanks to God, my team and the fans for making this possible,” Rushawn stated.

He shared that there is a song on the project for everyone to enjoy.

“We have 12 multi-faceted tracks, so there is a song for every personality to enjoy. From you love music, you a go love this project.”

Asked what the inspiration behind the title of the EP was, Rushawn explained “It’s both environmental and within the dancehall diaspora where often times doors have been closed on me for no reason at all and as it relates to the environmental aspect of it is where I’ve seen repeatedly people who I show so many love tend to try bring my name to the ground so I went on and I created a song called WYHR? so the song is what really inspired the name of the EP.”

He also said that a lot of hard work went into creating the project.

“I only work hard and truthfully whenever I’m doing music. So, it’s nothing but hard work, pain, anger and also happiness that actually went into creating this particular project. I believe that it’s a great body of work and we tapped into every mood you can think of,” Rushawn reasoned.

He continued, “The feedback is great but will get better, I mean there’s a lot of posts on the internet especially on Instagram and people are just vibing to the sound so we will continue to press gas on it. The inspiration behind the song GLE is what I know and what I am seeing and hearing in our everyday life. Every youth these days wants a big house and GLE, so my inspiration was from the people around us,” he said.

Born Rushawn Williams, the 26-year-old was inspired by music at a young age, when he was a member of a group called YGMG.

“I chose music and music chose me. I have been recording since I was a kid, so music was always the love of my life and you know I am seeing the success of Ding Dong, who is from my community, so there comes that added inspiration,” Rushawn confided.