On the heels of the success of his debut solo album, Ascension: Out of Many… 1, which topped the iTunes Reggae Albums global chart and earned Grammy consideration, international dancehall artiste Craigy T is preparing to release new music.

The entertainer has joined forces with producer KickRaux for his upcoming single, Music Within Me, slated for release in late November.

For Craigy T, the song carries a deeply personal message, reflecting the passion and resilience that have sustained him throughout his nearly three-decade musical career.

“Music Within Me kinda defines my very essence in its lyrics. It verbalises what keeps me going when times are tough. It was written several years ago and has chosen now to reveal itself,” he said.

The collaboration developed after the two connected through Instagram, with KickRaux expressing an interest in working with Craigy T after listening to Ascension.

“I did some research into his work and was equally impressed. Skip, skip, skip, and here we are,” Craigy T recalled.

Although their creative partnership is relatively new, the artiste said they have already established a productive working relationship, particularly when navigating their unconventional musical ideas.

“Both of us tend to have way-out, unorthodox ideas. Whenever one wanders too far, the other provides grounding for the project, and we interchange those roles throughout the process,” he explained.

For KickRaux, the objective was to create something distinctive without sacrificing the musical appeal that allows listeners to connect with a song.

“We live in an impersonal, digital world where trends and algorithms run our lives. As soon as something catches a hype, everyone starts copying it. Craigy T and I didn’t know where our collaboration would land, but the one rule was ‘Don’t blend in,’ ” he said.

“I used organic sounds to paint the musical backdrop. I wanted the music to be creative and forward-thinking, but not so left field that you couldn’t just put it on, hold a vibe, and enjoy yourself,” the producer added.

KickRaux said he was particularly impressed by Craigy T’s willingness to experiment and the vulnerability reflected in his solo material.

“Working with Craigy T feels like working with a new artiste, because he’s so open to trying new sounds. But at the same time, he’s reggae and dancehall royalty. A hitmaker who knows what people want to hear,” he said.

“You can really hear his classical training in the way he approaches harmonies. He’s always coming up with ideas you wouldn’t expect. We kept finding new ways to approach the music,” he continued.

Released on August 7, the 17-track Ascension: Out of Many… 1 showcased Craigy T’s versatility, blending dancehall, reggae, and soul influences. The project also attracted international radio spins and play list placements in territories including the United Kingdom, Japan, Latin America, and Africa.

While the album introduced audiences to a more personal dimension of his artistry, Craigy T believes his forthcoming single will take listeners even further into his creative world.

“I think Music Within Me is an evolution of the material in Ascension, not a departure. So, not different, but diving deeper into my mind,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the entertainer’s evolving solo journey has earned praise from international radio personality DJ GQ, who recently interviewed him on
Dancehall Cyaan Done, aired on SiriusXM’s Bob Marley Tuff Gong Radio.

Describing Ascension as a masterpiece, DJ GQ said the project represents a long-awaited opportunity for audiences to experience Craigy T’s individual creativity.

“Massive! This type of energy, vibe, and expression was long overdue. Definitely a masterpiece,” he said.

Having known the entertainer for more than 30 years, DJ GQ said one of the highlights of their recent conversation was discovering that he had unknowingly influenced Craigy T’s early career through a childhood stage show featuring Spragga Benz.

The radio personality also underscored the importance of providing platforms for established entertainers who continue to contribute to the evolution of Jamaican music.

“Veteran dancehall artistes don’t just guide and influence the new generation of music; they are literally the role models and legends for the genre!” he said.

As he prepares for the release of Music Within Me, Craigy T remains appreciative of the support he continues to receive while embracing new creative opportunities.

“I am truly grateful to be able to continue sharing my gift with my tribe. Every day is a new day with new experiences or sometimes similar experiences from a new perspective. I welcome life’s changes and new directions. It excites me,” he expressed.

Fans can also anticipate additional material from the partnership, with KickRaux confirming that more collaborations are on the horizon.

“Definitely look out for more from us,” Craigy T added.