By Kevin Jackson
Observer writer—
Rihanna says her forthcoming ninth studio album will be heavily reggae influenced. The yet-to-be titled album will feature production work from several producers, including Jamaica-born Dwayne “Supa Dups” Chin-Quee.
Rihanna shared little details about the album in a new interview with Vogue magazine, though she did speak about her love for the work of late reggae icon Bob Marley.
“I’m gonna sound like a real tourist when I tell you my top Bob songs. Three Little Birds, No Woman, No Cry, and Redemption Song,” she said.
Redemption Song is one she has covered on tour, while, according to her, Buffalo Soldier is a song which resonates with her on a deeply personal level.
Originally from Barbados, Rihanna emerged on the music scene in 2004 with the dancehall-infused hit Pon De Replay. A remix of the song featured dancehall artiste Elephant Man.
She also recorded a cover of Dawn Penn’s You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No), of which a remix featured dancehall act Vybz Kartel.
In 2006 Rihanna teamed up with Sean Paul for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit Break It Off, which was produced by Donovan “Don Corleon” Bennett. Four years later, she scored a chart-topper with the uptempo dancehall hit Rude Boy.
Man Down — a 2011 reggae song written by Barbadian Shontelle and Virgin Islands songwriting duo R City — charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 and R&B Hip Hop song chart.
Supa Dups has worked with several pop and hip hop acts in recent years. Among his recent works are Latin singer Shakira’s Grammy-winning and Billboard Music Award-nominated album El Dorado.
Efforts to reach him for a comment proved futile.
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