STAR on the Rise: Shellinz puts hardcore dancehall on display

Shellinz wasted no time in making a statement this year when his first official recording as a Golden Rock Music’s artiste,Price Right, was released. The 31-year-old deejay put his lyrical ability on full display as an unapologetic hardcore dancehall newcomer.

“It is about selling love. People always a talk say woman only a look fi man weh independent or have money, and many times [that] make them look bad. But the song is saying nothing not wrong with doing that,” Shellinz told The STAR.

The deejay says he wanted to write and record something that would go against the norms or beliefs, and by doing so, it has worked to his benefit.

“Mi a try show an interest in the woman them, show them nothing not wrong once the price is right because at the end of the day everybody want to be able to light them pot,” he said.

Shellinz said feedback from males has been quite interesting. He said that one male commented: “gweh, a sell yuh waan sell love” .

The single has made its rounds on popular local mixtapes, including DJ Kenny’s Ina Life Dancehall Volume Two last month.

“The song is also on radio stations, locally and internationally, but the mixtapes are where it is at because those always bring you to the public and into the streets.”

He believes that despite the change in technology, and the high status that social media marketing receives globally, mixtapes and hard copy CDs are still a must for an aspiring deejay like him.

Shellinz, given name Leon Slash, shares that his upbringing was not necessarily permeated with music, having been raised by his grandmother. However, her constant teachings about being dedicated to whatever path chosen have pushed him to stay true to the goal of making it big in the music industry.

“She also warned me about having too much company and the company that surrounds me, so I am not about that image,” he said. “I am committed to delivering music that is true to the rhythm and culture of not only dancehall but reggae as well – I want to be seen as an ambassador.”

Price Right was released as part of his upcoming EP titled Price Right, which he hopes will be ready for May. He now awaits the completion of the music video that features popular social-media personality and actor Deno Crazy, and Black Dice Dancers.

Releases: Rocket and Price Right

Inspirations: My inspiration comes from the environment, things or events that happen; not necessarily from people like other recording artistes.

Interesting Fact: “It would probably be that I am serious about being a dancehall-reggae recording artiste, since most people in my community did not see me as the music type.”