DJ Khaled’s ‘dancehall royalty’ track is a sure hit – Music insiders

Last month, veteran dancehall artiste Mr Lexx criticised DJ Khaled for using ‘di same set a artiste dem’ on his reggae and dancehall tracks and opined that the songs were not hits. 

But some persons feel Mr Lexx spoke too early as DJ Khaled’s recent project, Where You Come From, featuring four of Jamaica’s biggest musical acts, is getting rave reviews.

The track, which features Buju Banton, Barrington Levy, Capleton and Bounty Killer, was released last Saturday and acquired more than two million views in its first 48 hours. It is also the number two trending song on YouTube’s local trending list, bested only by Go Down Deh, Spice’s mega hit collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artistes Sean Paul and Shaggy. The single has attracted thousands of comments on the popular streaming platform, with music lovers heaping praises on DJ Khaled for assembling what many have dubbed the ‘Jamaican Avengers’ on one track. 

In an interview with THE STAR, music analyst Donovan Watkis said that Mr Lexx’s comments now seem premature. 

HE PAID HIS DUES

“Based on the song’s YouTube success, he (Mr Lexx) missed the mark commenting so early before knowing or hearing what the song was about,” he said. “Artistes have no place critiquing Khaled negatively. As artistes, they can go make their own songs and make it hit. Khaled does not need to prove anymore why he chose to work with the artistes he chooses. He paid his dues already to the culture, and continues to do a lot for reggae and dancehall and Jamaican culture on a whole.”

Public relations guru Tara Playfair-Scott said that with all the artistes’ unique styles and sounds woven together remarkably well, the track seemed poised to be a hit from the beginning. 

“‘ Anyweh we go we tan trang‘ sums up my vibe for this track. The combo with Buju, Bounty and the Fireman, with Barrington’s smooth melodies woven between their lyrics, is all the more reason to ‘ load up another cup‘,” she said, quoting a now-viral line from the track. “It really is a brilliantly produced single that showcases the best of Jamaica’s talent.”

When THE STAR contacted Mr Lexx for a comment, he said he believes it’s an “OK” single. “I listen to the song and it’s an OK song. It’s all right. Me think Capleton a di baddest part inna the song,” he said. He did not comment on whether he believes the song is a hit.