Pictured: Shaggy | Photo Credit: Martin Kierszenbaum
Shaggy is the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history. His distinctive voice, combined with his melodic delivery of relatable themes make him one of the most recognized voices in Reggae and Dancehall. His crossover successes (“It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “Bombastic” to name a few) make him the most streamed artist from the Caribbean.
Shaggy’s latest sonic effort, ‘In The Mood,’ is a 7-track EP that leans on Soca. Drawing from inspiration from the vibrancy of the Caribbean, and the fast-paced exuberance of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, Shaggy applies elements of EDM and Dancehall by way of guest performers who are hitmakers in their respective spaces.
The EP begins with “In The Mood” featuring Kees from Kes The Band which is a groovy Soca track that hears both musicians throw inhibitions to the wind as they seek girls, rum and fun. Immediately encouraging the listener to move to the rhythm, “In The Mood” literally puts fans in the mood for light fun, smiles and laughter.
Colleagues Noah Powa and Konshens join Shaggy on track 2, “Buddy Bye.” This up tempo effort applauds the jiggle of the female derriere, and seeks to use words to describe what her anatomy looks like when it moves – much to the happiness of this trio of onlookers.
Female Soca star Patrice Roberts adds her sultry voice and energy to track 3, “Whine and Jumping.” Paired with Shaggy, the duo captures the feeling of revelers as they ‘whine and jump’ in their carnival costumes behind the big truck on the parade route. Designed for all the Carnival hot spots (Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto, Notting Hill, Miami and more), the groove of this track and the visuals of the music video keep you in the mood for Carnival.
Continuing with track 4, “I Love Her” is a liquified xylophone-infused ode to the special lady who captures Shaggy’s excitement. With clever double-entendre and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Shaggy describes why his love interest is appealing to him. She may not be Miss World on the pageant circuit, but she is everything to this Reggae star.
EDM meets Soca on track 5; “Don’t Run” featuring Skinny Fabulous. With vigor in each beat, Shaggy and Skinny Fabulous lock their attention on the female of their fete desire to enjoy ‘whine’ from the beginning to end of the song. Emphasized with laser sounds and an infectious party resonance, “Don’t Run” is a hardcore power Soca chune that makes listeners move no matter how much they resist.
Track 6, “Liquor Buss,” styles the rum in the cup as the perfect party accessory. Endless shots of liquid courage results in a staggered walk, slurred speech, and vibes that make for a memorable night with guest performers Future Fambo and Noah Powa.
Closing out Shaggy’s EP ‘In The Mood’ is track 7, “Well Talented” featuring Bunji Garlin. Produced by Tony ‘CD’ Kelly, the best of Dancehall and Soca combine on this electrifying and happy song that playfully appreciates a female’s physique. Emphasizing the natural beauty women possess and how it moves when they dance, Shaggy and Bunji trade compliments with ladies who are not shy to show off their attributes.
About his EP ‘In The Mood,’ Shaggy says “I always try to bring the fun when I’m performing, and keep everything very lighthearted and joyous. I think my purpose and my job is to bring joy to as many people as I can, and I want that to resonate within all of the music that I create.”
‘In The Mood’ is a joint release with VP Records and Ranch Entertainment. The EP was released on Friday May 12th, 2023 on all platforms.
DIGITAL RELEASE [VP Records]
Release date: 05/12/2023
TRACKS
01. Mood feat. Kes
02. Buddy Bye feat. Konshens & Noah Powa
03. Whine & Jumping feat. Patrice Roberts
04. I Love Her
05. Don’t Run feat. Skinny Fabulous
06. Liquor Buss feat. Noah Powa & Future Fambo
07. Well Talented feat. Bunji Garlin
Stay connected with Shaggy on IG, Tik Tok and Twitter @direalshaggy
