Tucuzins Records, a Philadelphia-based company, is scheduled to release its debut project in late August. That will come in the form of ‘S.O.U.L.’ (Sincerely Outpouring Unconditional Love), a compilation album with songs from eight artists.
One of those acts is XKhraig, a Jamaican who lives in The City of Brotherly Love. He started Tucuzins Records with his cousin Adrian Hilary.
XKhraig said ‘S.O.U.L.’ fuses dancehall with Rhythm And Blues which, hopefully, is a winning combination for the fledgling label.
“It has all kinda elements, that’s the goal. Jamaica is a small place, you have to make music for the world, and that’s what we did,” he stated.
His song, ‘My Love’, is the lead single from ‘S.O.U.L.’. Several of the artists on the compilation are based in Philadelphia and Delaware. Among them are Synga Splaash, Rastabiggz,
Ras Jem, G Warrior, Nanko, Ntriig and Lena Aura.
XKhraig is from rural St. Andrew parish in Jamaica. He was raised on the songs of Anthony B, Beenie Man and Capleton, but developed greater appreciation for neo-soul acts like Boyz II Men when he migrated to Philadelphia in 2011.
While he is attracted to hardcore dancehall music, XKhraig also admired artists like Shabba Ranks and Shaggy who crossed over into the American pop market with great success.
“There is a big audience out there for the music. We as Jamaicans mus’ realize that we can’t just make music for you and your friends,” he said.
WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL