While working on Reggaeland, his first album, Yaadcore wanted to make a bold statement. One that would earn the respect of fans and pundits that he is an artiste to be taken seriously.

Reggaeland was released in late March by his 12 Yaad Records through California-based company Delicious Island Records. The set is a blend of roots and dub-style songs.

“It feels great to finally have this LP out. Transitioning from a DJ, I had to do this to let people know I am serious about the journey and not just doing songs here and there,” Yaadcore told the Jamaica Observer.

For years, he was the sound system face of the much-touted roots-reggae revival in Jamaica. His live events attracted leaders of that movement including Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid and Protoje as well as a middle-class crowd.

After releasing a series of popular mixtapes, Yaadcore (real name Rory Cha) moved into music production four years ago with No Fenke Fenke, a song by Kabaka Pyramid and Shanique Marie.

Yaadcore eventually began recording songs as an artiste including Nyquill (Spliff A Light Spliff), a collaboration with Richie Spice. A remix of that track is on Reggaeland, so too is a cover of John Holt’s Police in Helicopter and Play God, a collaboration with Lee “Scratch” Perry.

“I’ve definitely grown a lot since my first release in 2019. Writing has become much easier since that time and vocal range as well but there is still a lot room for growth as always,” said Yaadcore.

With Reggaeland, the dreadlocked artiste was determined to emulate the great reggae artistes and producers in one area.

“I think artistes should release more albums that are more original, not traditional. Jamaican music has always had periods where new sounds and grooves were created but they were original to Jamaica,” he said.