March 20 saw the release of Shake, a high-energy, dancehall-hip hop collaboration riding the Logwood Productions rhythm.

Available on all digital music platforms, Shake brings together US-based rapper Barzini; Ding Dong, the undisputed Jamaican king of dance music; and Qraig Voicemail, member of the iconic group Voicemail known for their catalogue of dance anthems.

The concept for Shake was driven by Barzini (Jamal McDonnough), whose musical identity is shaped by Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall culture as well as the swagger and hard-hitting rhythm of hip hop.

Capturing the spirit of the record, Ding Dong noted: “Shake is an international dance song. In hip hop they say twerk, in dancehall we say wine.”

For Barzini, this collaboration marks a milestone moment.

“[It] means the world to me. Hip hop started with breakdancing, and dancehall is pure movement and heart. I wanted to work with the ‘King of Dance Music’ Ding Dong and with Qraig — one of the legends who shaped dance music culture in Jamaica,” he said adding, “Recording in studio was a straight, high-energy, dance experience. Ding, Qraig were dancing and jumping while recording the song.”

According to Qraig Voicemail, Shake is crafted as a tribute to women everywhere — their beauty, confidence, and undeniable presence.

“It’s a fun, infectious record designed for every woman who loves to dance, and every man who loves to watch the energy of the dance floor come alive. Without the ladies, there is no dancehall.
Shake is one of those songs that will get the ladies moving — no matter where in the world they are,” he explained.

The track is produced by Barzini on his label Change the Stars Records, which is dedicated to creating music that bridges cultures, genres, and audiences.

Barzini credits his musical evolution to the blend of Jamaican and American popular music genres. Although born in Omaha, Nebraska, he spent his first 10 years in Kingston, Jamaica. After returning to the United States, he settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but his Jamaican roots remained strong as he travelled back to Kingston every summer and Christmas, keeping his cultural and musical connections alive.

On moving back to the US, he discovered hip hop, immersing himself in the sounds of Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G, Turk, Master P, and Silk Shocker. Lil Wayne, in particular, sparked his desire to become a rapper. By age 12 he was already writing his own lyrics and entering rap competitions, eventually emerging as one of the winners. The following year, he premièred a music video on WorldStarHipHop. He was also featured in Hip Hop Weekly magazine, marking another significant achievement.

During his annual visits to Jamaica as a teenager, he came to appreciate the Jamaican sounds – dancehall and reggae – and had the opportunity to interact with many outstanding Jamaican artistes through his friend DJ Karim, who produced for major artistes such as Elephant Man, Wayne Marshall, Kid Kurup, Sean Paul, and Bounty Killer.

A defining milestone in his life and emerging music career came through Jamaican rapper Ges, who introduced him to Sugar Minott. There he benefited from the mentorship and encouragement of the reggae legend, ultimately earning his first major break — the chance to record a song with Sugar Minott himself. He and Ges later appeared in what would become the icon’s final music video before his passing, an experience that remains both an honour and a cherished memory.

Ding Dong.

Qraig Voicemail.