I’m a bit late to the party on this (as my esteemed colleague Erik Magni has already written eloquently on the subject) but London-based Parisian producer Frenchie has sent me a armful of his new tunes on vinyl.
The rootsy Skateland Killer rhythm is based on an old Eek-a-mouse track and named after the famous Kingston-roller-rink-turned-dance-venue. It appeared previously on Anthony B’s Stop Fight Reggae on his 2009 Rise Up album but now it’s been released with cuts from Tarrus Riley, Alborosie, Luciano and saxophonist Dean Fraser. Where some European producers seem indifferent to Jamaica – Frenchie has from a young age shown the island full respect and likes to work with their very best.
Similarly, he loves both roots and dancehall with equal vigour. So there’s also Ghetto State, his recut of the Letter From Zion rhythm, featuring Half Pint, Assasin, Bounty Killer and Sizzla . Then comes the bouncing Koloko, with guests including connoisseurs digital singer Carl Meeks, as well as household names Mr Vegas, Assassin, Burro Banton and Lukie D.
Check all these tunes, available now. And look out for a really really long interview with Frenchie himself (which I’ve been tinkering with for over a year due to its size – apologies in advance for some of it being out of date!) coming soon…