Kingston, Jamaica March 1, 2022, Collin “Bulby” York’s super talent was formed and developed through an original foundation studio in Waterhouse, Jamaica, King Tubbys. His musical calling would see him in the studio after school each day. Eyes, bulbous in nature – hence the nickname‐ would take in the full scenery including the engineers on the boards and the artists in the booth. After closing time, he would practice the same knobs and controls he saw being used by steven Stanley, Steely & Clevie, and Sly & Robbie to name a few.
2016 saw Bulby York branch out independently under his label, Bulby York Music. His premiere release “Epic and Ting”(VP Records) showcased his genius of mixing retro sounds with a new age feel. Supporters were treated to collaborations bridging the generations between veteran artiste and rising star; Lee “Scratch” Perry & Jesse Royal, Tenor Saw & Agent Sasco, and, Beres Hammond & Bounty Killer. With the success of this formula, he went on to release “Master Blaster” (2018 – VPAL Music) and “Heartcrafted” (2020 – VPAL Music).
Reggae fans worldwide waxed nostalgia of a time when basement parties and sunrise bashments were the norms. Bulbysearched his memory banks and released “Padang Padang Riddim” (2021) utilizing his star alongside star formula. This would be his first release to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Reggae Chart (debuted at #10). “Padang Padang” is a sample of a Steely & Clevie ‘unnamed riddim’ most celebrated with the single from Admiral Bailey “Kill Them with It”.
It’s no wonder that in March 2022, he would breathe life into one of your favorite original riddims. Known as “Far East Riddim“, made popular by Barry Brown’s “Far East” (1978 ‐ Channel One), this 9‐track release ranges in topics from love to social injustice. Yes, that is Barry Brown’s voice you hear at the beginning. “I grew up on this riddim, I had to give it my own twist and toast the masses!” Collin “Bulby” York”.
Sizzla Kalonji kicks off this riddim with “Rumors”; a song on the awareness of false narratives on the internet and in the news. The title track is Spragga Benz with “Race to Waste Your Life”, his homage to youth crime and ongoing fights between private citizens and political figures in Jamaica. “Love Like Never Before” is a sweet serenade from Bushman dedicated to obtaining the object of his affection and the many ways he’s going to maintain that relationship. Anthony Redrose heeds a warning “Watch What You Doing”, as your negative words/actions will have a huge impact on your future activities. Focused on a higher power, Red Fox deejays “We Nuh Fraid” of anything that comes against him.
Rising Rastafarian artist Jahbar I encourages you to put your everything in all you do. Kim Pommel, with the strength in her voice of a lioness, wants to know when will the “Blood Stop”? Female artist Shav‐A rounds up the riddim with “bring back the Niceness”, a perfect ending that embodies the feeling of the compilation.
“The Far East Riddim” releases for download/stream globally on Friday, March 4th. A VPAL Music distribution.
