ONLY A FEW months ago, Damon Dash, the 34-year-old head of the Damon Dash Music Group (DDMG), was a bit disconsolate over his public fallout with American rapper Jay-Z, and ticked off with the politics of the music biz. But now that he has discovered the world of what he calls 'Jamaican reggae-dancehall', he believes that he may be getting his groove back.
"I have always liked Bob Marley's music, and the reggae stuff I heard on the radio, but I didn't really know much about reggae-dancehall, but right now, I am learning the music and the roots of it, and the spirituality. Sizzla is introducing me to it all, and I love the message of peace and love in the music," Dash said.
Sizzla inked a deal with Dash's DDMG in August of this year, and his upcoming album marks his first major label debut. Sizzla has recorded over 30 full-length albums released for labels like VP Records, Greensleeves, and Jet Star, and has achieved iconic status in Jamaica. However, he first showed up on the international music radar in a big way with last summer's crossover smash Just One Of Those Days (Dry Cry)
"I love Sizzla's spirituality, I have watched him give back to his people, I admire his work. He is a very structured artiste, very savvy, and businesslike, and I really like his work ethic," Dash said.
In terms of his work with Sizzla on the artiste's upcoming project for DDMG, Dash says: "It's been a great experience working with him so far. Y'know, after I sold Roca-Fella, I had no desire, and then I met this artiste who is such an iconic individual, and he represents what I represent, not just America, but a sense of being and seeing yourself in this world. I feel he may be the next Bob Marley, because what he represents, is so real so natural, he's a natural leader, and a natural provider."
Damon Dash told THE STAR that he has plans to be in August Town in St. Andrew soon, so that he can hang out with Sizzla in his hometown, and to interact "with Sizzla's people".
