IT’S been just over 22 years since Da Real Thing by Sizzla was released. With songs like Thank You Mamma, Solid As A Rock, and Just One of Those Days, it is considered the roots artiste’s most potent album.

The singjay recently completed recording sessions with emerging producer Andre “Dretegs” Hawthorne in New York.

So In Love, the first song from their proposed album, was released on June 20.

Dretegs told the Jamaica Observer that it was his first time working with Sizzla, who he was introduced to by mutual friends Dapa Flex and Speedy Judgment.

“[T]he chemistry was instant. We built everything from scratch and completed an entire album in just three days. It was a powerful, organic process. Sizzla wrote everything,” he said.

Working with one of contemporary reggae’s biggest names is a feather in the cap for the Bronx-based Dretegs, whose stocks as a producer/musician have risen in the past three years. During that time, he has produced songs by Dexta Daps, Jesse Royal, Dre Island, and Yaksta.

Projects by the aspiring Alandon, Khappa, and Tyrich are also expected to be released this month by Dretegs Music Jams.

“[The year] 2025 has been incredibly productive. I’ve released multiple singles and videos with artistes like Dexta Daps, relaunched our Jamcoustic series with [brother] Damion Hawthorne spearheading the production, and produced several standout tracks, including Lockdown, X Gyal, and Real Bad Gyal featuring Stalk Ashley,” said Dretegs. “Of course, Sizzla’s new project is special. It marks a return to his roots, both musically and spiritually.”

Born in Kingston, Dretegs cut his musical teeth in the church where his family have strong ties. He played keyboards in the church band.

In 2022, he and Damion launched Jamcoustic Live, an unplugged event in The Bronx that has featured new wave reggae acts such as Kranium, Dre Island, Naomi Cowan, and D Major.