VERSHON has been in the studio working assiduously on completing his debut album titled Poetry. The 14-track project is slated for release this December.

The dancehall deejay said fans can expect a different side of his musical talent on this latest body of work, which may also feature collaborations with top-flight acts.

“The difference between this project and previous works is that this is a different side of Vershon; it’s more reggae … Inna Real Life, Use To Hungry, and other hits are now acoustic… live instrumental,” he told Jamaica Observer.

While sales for dancehall music have declined in the last five years, Vershon has high hopes for the album.

“I hope it will offer me more awareness to my musical talents and to broaden my fan base, both local and internationally. The album is for everywhere but, initially, the main focus will be on the European market,” he said.

Included in the track listings are the title track Tear Drops, Solid As A Rock and Bring Back, a single which he lists as his favourite.

“That song really shows a different side of me and it’s a real product of dancehall and reggae, and I would really love for the music to come back how it used to be,” he said.

So far, Poetry features productions from Birchhill Records.

Vershon (given name Adrian Brown) said his passion for deejaying began when he was nine years old. He remembers skipping classes at Greater Portmore High School in St Catherine and hanging out at recording studios hoping to get a break.

That break came after deejay Mr G introduced him to Birchhill Records’ principal, Christopher Birch, four years ago. One of their initial recordings was Boom. Other songs that followed included Ruff Up The World, Nuh Join, and Barbie Doll.

In addition to the upcoming album, Vershon is also working on a new single for Cashflow records called Pray.

— Simone Morgan-Lindo