Ebuzz News
Archived: Ricardo Drue On A Whirlwind Adventure. You’ll Never Guess What’s Coming!
A weekend reminder that rest and relaxation does exist. Soca heartthrob, Ricardo Drue spent last weekend on the beautiful island of St. Lucia where he bore witness to the marriage of two of his very close friends. It was a good reality check for the ‘Stamp Yuh Name’ singer who’s been jetting across the region and internationally for months. With several projects high on his priority list, Ricardo shows no sign of slowing down and he admits, quality time with family is most missed. The artiste, whose front line status with the Roy Cape band is only the beginning of his professional pursuits, has major feats to conquer this year and he’ll stop at nothing.
Ricardo Drue has been traveling from city to city, non stop since carnival 2017.
In the past few months, following Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2017 festival, Drue has travelled to Toronto, Antigua, Jamaica- two weeks prior to Jamaica’s carnival, St. Martin, St. Thomas, Bahamas, and after that he jetted over to Los Angeles where he met up with production team, Mad Decent. He recently signed a deal with the group for the re-release of his hit single ‘Vagabond’ and with a thrust being made to take the single to the mainstream global music market, Ricardo’s definitely in for the ride of his life in the next few weeks and months. He said a new video is being done for the single- something fans will be blown away by.
A few weeks ago, he was pulled in by Mad Decent to represent for them as they launched a speaker. A couple international interviews presented even more opportunities for the young, Caribbean entertainer to shine internationally. “It’s been quite a ride so far and things have only just begun. I’m enjoying every moment of it though. There’s nothing for me to complain about. I truly believe victory comes to those who put in the work so my team and I are pushing hard,” he said. Ricardo’s been making a lot of strides, this despite the fact that he’s yet to taste the success of capturing a major crown in Trinidad and Tobago. He has however been a king in his birthplace of Antigua and continues to thank his supporters there, for the love they constantly show him. On August 1st, Drue will present his first concert showcase in Antigua. Dubbed ‘Druesday’ the concert will see the merging of several Caribbean music genres and the collaborative energy of a number of local and international performers, who’ll share the stage with him on what he promises will be a very special night.
Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Ebuzz News
Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.
Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.
One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’
The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.
In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.
The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’
Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.
