J-Vibe’s passion and pursuit of greatness makes him one of today’s best producers in reggae
Photo courtesy of J-Vibe.
Daily Regge spoke with J-Vibe to learn more about his unique approach to production, recent collaboration with Collie Buddz creating the Cali Roots Riddim 2023, and the projects he’s currently excited about!
The Cali Roots Riddim 2023 album came out so amazing! What was it like collaborating with Collie Buddz on the riddim? Some of my favorites on the album are Iya Terra's collaboration with Dub Inc in "No Boundaries" and Busy Signal's "A Thousand Times". Do you also have to work with all the artists as they submit their tracks? What's that process like?
Collabing with Collie was and always is fun. Funny thing with that track was we did it via zoom during the pandemic and it was originally for Rebelution but decided otherwise once it was finished lol. When working with the artists on this project we wanted them to have total creative control with their contribution. Free up the vibes!!
Who were some of your early influences that inspired you to pursue a career in music and can you share one of your favorite early projects that we can dig up and listen to?
Growing up I was exposed to a wide variety of genres ranging from Reggae (of course), Motown, R&B, Rock, Alternative, Jazz, Country, Pop, Ska and Classical to name a few. One of my super early favorite projects was an album I did with the legendary reggae group, Third World called "Ain't Givin’ Up", which landed me my first Grammy nomination.
What does a typical day look like for J-Vibe Productions? I can't imagine how busy you are these days? Do you often work on singles, or full EPs/albums?
A typical day always start with giving thanks for life and all the blessings I have received and still am receiving and those special folks around me I consider family. Then usually followed by a nice cup of coffee lol.. I like to work in the mornings when I'm home. Early morning inspiration. Between family life, production / studio life and touring it is very safe to say I am very busy. I've been doing alot of singles lately but all the singles I do ultimately turn into a full project be it an EP or album. Just cause once we start I make it to where we always end up doing more. Vibes so nice have to do it twice or 3 or 4 or 5 times over lol.
Who are some artists that you're currently working with that you're super stoked on the music you're creating!
Well outside of all the artists from the Cali Roots Riddim 2023 project, I just finished up Collie Buddz's new album set to release in a few months. I have a slew of artist i have some stuff bubbling with at the moment including Fiji, J Boog, Protoje, Lila Iké, Maoli, Sizzla and Common Kings to name a few.
Are you open to working with any new artists and if so, what's the best way for them to get in touch? What advice would offer up-and-comers?
I'm always up to work with new artists once the vibe, attitude, is professional and business is right and locked up. Hit me on any social media platform (IG FB Twitter) @jvibemusic lets get to work!! Advice to all up and comers would be to 1. Learn to play an instrument 2. Do more listening than talking ie LEARN 3. Be confident, not cocky.. humble yourself 4. Learn the business properly (pick up a book!) Nobody likes being taken advantage of!! 5. Love it!!
