Masicka talks Def Jam album, Christmas, and being a top chef

Generation of Kings, Masicka’s sophomore album, but the first under Def Jam Recordings – the international label to which he signed earlier this year – is available now on all major streaming platforms and has been showing lots of muscle.

Fans and music critics alike have high expectations of the 17-track project which follows the acclaimed début, 438, wich recently won Dancehall Album of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards. Masicka is confident that fans will be thrilled and shared that his focus is moving numbers. Interestingly, if every fan who turned out to Streetz Festival in Septemer – the dancehall sensation’s first performance in Kingston in five year – purchases a copy, Masicka will find himself sitting pretty on the charts for a long time.

Generation of Kings (GOK) made a huge début last Friday when, hours after its release, it took over the number one and two slots on the US iTunes Reggae Chart, boldly pushing Legend by Bob Marley and the Wailers to number three.

Fans, as well as Masicka’s peers, have been taking to social media to express their thoughts and it would be fair to say that the endorsement is all-encompassing.

Sean Paul commented: “Moving through the gears so smoothly mi fam,” along with a series of crown emojis.

“Name inna stars go getter for sure,” Lila Iké posted, while I-Octane and Dexta Daps showed their endorsement with a slew of fire emojis.

Jahshii simply posted the numeral one.

A press release stated that Generation of Kings “showcases Masicka’s dynamic range and solidifies his status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry [and] takes listeners on a captivating listening experience, shining brightly in each track, from the empowering anthem Fight for us to the introspective Broken Home”.

Producers on the album include Masicka, Boi-1da, Atto Wallance, Moz ‘Mozeeko’ Hamm, Donald ‘Razzy’ Chen and Mario ‘Dunw3ll’.

Never one to shy away from collaborations, the album sees Masicka joining forces with Popcaan on Stars R Us; linking with Spice for the upbeat Wow; teaming up with Chronic Law and Lila Iké on Triumph; tapping Dexta Daps for March on; and featuring Fave on Fight for you, and Fridayy on Wet.

The lead single, LimeLight, which has already garnered 177 thousand Spotify streams and more than 2.4 million YouTube views for its music video, serves as a powerful introduction to Generation of Kings.

The Sunday Gleaner last week caught up with Masicka during some down time, prior to celebrating his birthday tomorrow. The Genahsyde superstar, who recently joined Afrobeats stars Adekunle Gold and Nonso Amadi for their Tequila Ever After Tour across North America, will head home for a concert on December 16 at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann.

1. Share with us the story of your moniker, ‘Masicka’.

Growing up, 50 Cent was my favourite rapper. One year he came out with an album called The Masacre and it became my favourite album. So Masicka is really a spin off ‘massacre’.

2. In February you made headlines with the Def Jam signing. Some fans were overjoyed; others felt that it wasn’t the right move for someone with so much talent. How would you describe that journey so far?

Well ... to be honest, the journey has been great.. I have a really good team working with and I am able to create and release music that reflects me and my own journey.

3. Your début album 438 received many accolades, quite deservedly so, and to whom much is given much is expected. Is the new album another masterpiece?

Most definitely. The album 438 was a great one but it was only the beginning. GOK is coming out bigger and better.

4. Do you have a favourite track on Generation of Kings?

All the tracks are my favourite (chuckles). You know ... everybody worked hard on their individual piece ... so I can’t really say that I have a favourite.

5. Share with us a memorable moment during the creative process for GOK.

A memorable moment during the process of creating GOK was when my team and I realised that I had many more songs than required for the album. It just reminded me how hard I work and how blessed I am.

6. Another journey round the sun takes you to a significant 32 years on December 4. (Blessed Earthstrong when it comes.) What is your special wish on this birthday?

Well ... you know, life is the greatest gift so we always give thanks for life. My special wish this year is for everyone to buy the album (laughs).

7. As an artiste who has collaborated with some of the biggest entertainers do you think this kind of synergy is important?

Definitely. It is very important especially nowaday because it’s not just about the music. It’s also about the cultural awareness and the awareness of what is going on in the world, and fortunately, music is also a uniting force for that.

8. Do you celebrate Christmas? If yes, what do you like about the season and where will you be spending it this year?

Yes, my household celebrates Christmas. My favourite thing about Christmas is that it brings families together. All who live a foreign ... country ... everywhere ... find themselves a yard for hte holidays. I will be spending Christmas at home with my family.

9. Tell us one thing that people would be surprised to know about you.

One thing that people would be surprised to know about me is that I love to cook. I’m the top chef in my house.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com