As someone who compiled mixtapes for several years, Rishardo “DJ Treasure” Treasure certainly has his ears to the ground in terms of what’s hot in Jamaican music.
Recently, the Spanish Town native made the transition from mixtape distributor to actual producer. Along with James “Tasjay” Smith, he produced Missing You and Unexpected, songs by singer Rad Dixon.
Both singles are released by Tasjay Productions, Smith’s independent company that has worked extensively with the South Florida-based Dixon.
DJ Treasure also previously collaborated with Dixon, helping to get his songs out to the streets via mixtapes. He said there is a distinct difference working the two mediums.
“As a producer we can dictate to the artiste the type of music we want. Before, anything the artistes brought to me I just put it out there,” he explained.
The mixtape was the rage in Jamaica up to two years ago. Just about every dancehall act, from established to emerging, had one of the multi-track CDs on the market.
They are sourced to taxis, buses or bars which are usually packed with dancehall fans keen to hear the latest jams.
DJ Treasure got into the mixtape business in 2014, after a successful run as a selector on sound systems in Spanish Town and central Jamaica.
He considers himself fortunate that his first songs as a producer are with Dixon, best known for songs like Better Must Come and Everything I do I do it For You.
“He has a refreshing voice and we’re trying to get him to the right places,” said DJ Treasure.
You must log in to post a comment.