by Howard Campbell
BROOKLYN, New York – Whereas he was conversant in his grandmother’s love for Bob Marley’s music, Emil Troy was extra taken with hip hop music in his native Brooklyn, New York. However when approached by a veteran Jamaican producer to file a reggae track, the African American singer/songwriter accepted.
The result’s Call On Me, a track produced by Michael Eaton, a veteran of the Staten Island reggae scene. It was not too long ago launched by the Eaton Music label.
“Name On Me happened fairly randomly. At some point whereas within the studio, Mr. Eaton got here by and requested me to sing for him. I used to be sort of nervous, however since then he’s requested me to sing different issues for his label,” stated Troy.
Eaton and Troy met by Agent Blurr, an American rapper/producer the latter considers a mentor. Eaton is from St. Ann parish in Jamaica. He’s well-known in Staten Island reggae circles. He primarily works with native artists.
Influence on Reggae Music
He satisfied Troy to take a crack at reggae.
“Recording a reggae track was not likely a significant aim of mine, however I undoubtedly loved the expertise. If I can sing extra of Mr. Eaton’s music I’d,” stated Troy, who has been recording music for seven years.
Most of his musical heroes, like Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler The Creator, are rappers. The Police, whose pop-reggae albums bought thousands and thousands of copies through the Eighties, is the closest Troy got here to embracing Jamaican music.
The African American contribution to reggae music is modest. Impresario Danny Sims and singer Johnny Nash helped put Bob Marley and The Wailers on the worldwide map by recording and releasing their music abroad. Musicians Al Anderson and Donald Kinsey recorded and toured for a few years with Marley Tosh, whereas singer Gwen Guthrie was a daily collaborator with Sly and Robbie.
