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Talking Sex, Love & Reggae with
Gyptian
by Laura Metcalfe
The album “Sex, Love and Reggae”
features many collaborations,
including Toronto’s own Melanie
Fiona (featured on our Winter 2012
cover). What was working with
Melanie like?
Working with Fiona was like magic.
She knew exactly what she was doing.
She’s a professional by doing music,
you know. It could never have been
better, so give thanks. Give it up to
Fiona. Mighty!
BOSS MAGAZINE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
There’s much more to Gyptian
than the ever popular single ‘Hold
You’. Growing up in a large family
in Jamaica’s rural King Weston
District of St. Andrew, Gyptian
had an early start in singing. He
first gained attention when he
won a 2004 talent competition,
landing him a major spot in a
major local reggae show. Today,
Gyptian is one of Jamaica’s most
internationally recognized and
loved reggae artists. His success
has not come without the essential
mix of raw talent and hard work.
Since the release of his first album
“My Name is Gyptian” in 2006, the
artist has released three albums,
won the 2010 Soul Train Award
for Best Reggae Artist, and
landed a gold record single.
Gyptian’s most recent album,
‘Sex, Love and Reggae,’ released
in October 2013 by VP Records,
has already seen the popularity of
hit singles including ‘Overtime,’
‘Wine Slow,’ dancehall hit ‘Non-
Stop’ and ‘Wet-Fete’, the socainfluenced
collaboration with
Kes the Band. The album also
features a collaboration with
Angela Hunt on the track ‘Vixen’.
Gyptian is quoted as describing
Vixen as “a song for the really
strong women, who like to be
in control… It’s for all the boss
ladies.”
Boss Magazine spoke with
Gyptian about his music, his
fashion sense, his freestyle with Snoop Lion and his advice
for our readers.
Your international hit song ‘Hold You’ went Gold this past
summer, the first reggae artist to go Gold in almost a
decade. What do you attribute the success of this song
to?
First thing I got to say is the fans because they’re the ones
that even made me who I am in the first place, and for me to
get the chance to achieve such success.
You have recently been touring across North America and
Europe to promote the release of your latest studio album
“Sex, Love and Reggae”. How have your fans responded
to the new material?
I’ve been promoting the new album Sex Love and Reggae all
over the world. People have been enjoying the new music
so far. It’s surprising to a lot of the places, the LP SLR so far
everybody is enjoying themselves and looking forward to
the album.
Your latest mixtape (mixed by your dj
Spinciti) features a freestyle with you
and Snoop Lion. What do you think of
Snoop’s foray into the world of reggae
and how was working with him?
The latest Mixtape was all about
informing the fans that Gyptian has
a forthcoming album. Working with
Snoop Lion, well any artist would want
to because he is a very successful
person. For you to be in the same
building with him, that’s a good look.
At the same time for me, I don’t really
think whatever a lot of people are
thinking. Music is music to me, no
matter what you are or what you do
or where you are from. Once you’re
doing music it’s positive vibes and love
and peace. Gyptian is a fan of yours and
Gyptian really give you support.
In addition to touring you have been
working on several new music videos,
including the steamy ‘One More
Time’. What is your favourite new
Gyptian video?
I would say my favourite video now
is “One More Night,” and the new
one coming out “Vixen.” There are a
whole lot of videos and it’s all about
promoting the new album. Really just
push out images…
Who are you listening to today?
What’s on your playlist?
Queen Ifreka
I’ve heard you have a thing for shoes
and it is clear that you are always wearing the latest styles
that incorporate Jamaican and North American trends.
What is your personal style and your favourite fashion
trends?
Being creative as in you make the clothes look good on you
while you’re wearing them. And I like the name brands.
“Music is music to me, no matter what you are or what you do or
where you are from. Once you’re doing music it’s positive vibes and
love and peace.”
- gyptian
Your music has inspired many young fans, from the real
issues you talk about in ‘Serious Times’ to the romantic
love songs like ‘Beautiful Lady.’ Do you have any advice
for Boss readers following their dreams?
Yes, never give up on your beliefs, your dreams and your
wishes.
WINTER 2013 BOSS MAGAZINE
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