Legendary reggae label Trojan Records continue their output on new sister label Trojan Reloaded with Reggae Roast’s ‘Drop It’ ft. Ward 21, out Friday 24th August.
Following on from earlier releases ‘Murder’ and ‘Real Reggae Music’, Reggae Roast’s third offering on Trojan Reloaded highlights their diversity, taking things in a whole different direction. ‘Drop It’ is a high-energy dancehall banger that harks back to the 90’s golden era of Jamaican dancehall, but with all the added oomph and crispness that comes with 2018 production quality. It’s no coincidence that its release this Friday comes on the same weekend as Notting Hill Carnival; it’s the perfect carnival soundtrack.
Vanguards of UK reggae Reggae Roast Soundsystem have been at the forefront of soundsystem culture for the past 10 years. A steady stream of quality releases on their own Reggae Roast Records from the likes of YT, Charlie P, Mungo’s Hi Fi and Earl 16 has made them one of reggae’s best respected crews, and the perfect first signing for Trojan Records’ new imprint Trojan Reloaded, highlighting Trojan’s dedication to pushing forward the scene they helped forge 50 years ago.
Ward 21 are dancehall legends in their own right, having released a slew of albums and singles since they formed in Kingston, Jamaica in the late 90’s. The list of artists they’ve produced riddims for reads like a who’s who of 21st century reggae/dancehall artists and includes the likes of Capleton, Sean Paul, Bounty Killer, Vybz Cartel, Konshens and Junior Kelly. They’ve enjoyed widespread success on their own as well, scoring hits with ‘Haters’ and ‘Judgement Day’, amongst others, as well as touring Europe and headlining the legendary Summerjam Festival.
The remix, out on September 7th, comes from jungle stalwarts Aries & Kelvin 373. Aries has been a part of the scene since DJing on pirate radio in the early 90’s and his production skills have seen him release on some of the best respected labels in jungle/drum & bass, including V Recordings, Congo Natty and Dread. One third of the notorious Chopstick Dubplate crew, Aries has been at the forefront of reggae-centric jungle music over the past 10 years. Regular collaborator, Bristol’s Kelvin 373, is part of a younger generation helping to push forward jungle’s recent renaissance. His own Born On Road imprint releases a steady stream of quality reggae/dancehall-influenced jungle and drum & bass, featuring vocals from the likes of David Boomah, Serocee and Solo Banton. Their remix adds simmering snares and extra bassweight, retaining the vibe of the original, whilst taking ‘Drop It’ to an even wider audience.
The news of a new frontline label is another element to what’s been a busy summer for Trojan Records as they embark on their 50th anniversary celebrations. 2018 marks five decades since the iconic reggae label changed the British musical and cultural landscape, bringing a new sound and ethos to the world. To mark the occasion, Trojan Records have plotted a year long celebration of their unparalleled history, taking in a series of live events, catalogue music releases, a documentary and definitive coffee table book about this richest of histories.
