Interview by: Nicholas Nam
Two decades into his career, Gyptian remains busy as ever. The Reggae fusion singer-songwriter is working towards the release of his next album, the follow-up to Sex, Love, and Reggae; continues to experiment with new sounds when recording; and maintains an active performing schedule, with upcoming show dates in Miami, Brooklyn, and Atlanta.
“Only Room for Two” and “Hot Gyal Walk Out,” the lead singles from his upcoming project, are set for release via VP Records on May 19, and are visualized in a split video directed by Dameon Gayle of Warrior Films JA. Gyptian recently reflected on the key to his success in music, the concept behind his upcoming releases, and what fans can expect from him this year. Read on for that Q&A.
VP: When you reflect on your career, what has been the key to creating music that resonates with people across cultures and stands the test of time?
G: My contribution as an artist has always come from a real and authentic place. I stress “real” because every song was taken from not only my experiences, but also from those around me. So being true and relatable is and was my mission from the start. My music makes you think, laugh, party, and make love. As humans, we’re all connected. Music transcends many things, and it is an honor to serve as an ambassador because music is life.
VP: What kinds of music have you been blending into your reggae fusion style recently?
G: Pop, R&B, Afrobeats.. a lot of flavas makes the dessert sweeter.
VP: You’ve been performing your upcoming singles “Only Room for Two” and “Hot Gyal Walk Out” at your shows ahead of their release in two weeks. What has the reaction been from the audience?
G: The fans’ reaction is cool. I normally introduce new songs in my set to warm my fans up to new sounds. It works for me. The ladies move different when “Hot Gyal Walk Out” plays. That’s a good sign.
VP: What was the thinking behind releasing both songs at the same time and using them for a two-part video?
G: I wanted to display two sides of human nature, more like “competing fantasies.” The first is longing/sharing a moment with a special person and blocking out the noise (“Only Room for Two”). The next … let’s just say singular versus plural (“Hot Gyal Walk Out”). Ya dig?
VP: What else can fans expect from you in 2023 and beyond?
G: New music, new sounds, new project; Just new yah suh.
Stream The Best of Gyptian
