Even before it was released in April, the Hill And Gully Riddim from producer Stephen McGregor was creating the proverbial buzz in dancehall circles. The genre’s top artistes, as well as emerging acts, wanted a piece of the action.

Turban X was among the eager. In May, he released From The Gully to The Hills, one of the flood of songs on the “riddim”.

Unlike his colleagues, the New York-based artiste was not just looking for a hit single. He remembers listening to the original Hill And Gully folk song as a boy in Jamaica.

“His (McGregor) revisions gave it a modern feel and that appeals to the younger generation,” said Turban X. From The Gully To The Hills, he added, is a spiritual song.

“It’s telling people to praise God no matter the circumstance. Whether rich or poor, high or low, sick or healthy.”

McGregor, who has worked with dancehall’s elite artistes, put a contemporary feel to the Hill And Gully, a Jamaican folk standard usually performed by traditional groups and mento bands. The risque Slip & Slide by Masicka, was the first song released on the “riddim”.

Since then, a flurry of artistes including Anthony B, Chronic Law and Valiant have contributed songs to McGregor’s uptempo production.

Turban X launched his recording career 17 years ago with the song Jah Love. My Jamaica and Kings And Queens are two more of his previous songs.

— Howard Campbell