Ebuzz News
Archived: Hittin’ ‘Em With Island Pop Again, Tyrel’s Released Somethin’ HOT.
He may have started off singing parang as a pre-teen, but at 22, Trinidad and Tobago’s Tyrel Ross is delivering island pop- a genre saturated with that fresh Caribbean vibe that the world just can’t seem to get enough of. If you’ve never heard about Tyrel, here’s what you should know :
Tyrel’s studying International Transportation and Trade at Suny Maritime College in New York but he’s presently at home in Trinidad until the end of August when he’ll return to continue his studies. His passion for music just cannot be overlooked however, and he told EBUZZTT that he’s received a lot of support from his step-father in the pursuit of his musical ambitions. His mother, he says, keeps him driven academically and for that, he is tremendously grateful.
The release of his brand new single, ‘This Girl is Hot’, complete with a video that’s already uploaded to YouTube, boasts a message that’s much bigger than what’s shared on the surface level. “For me personally, the song’s hook, ‘this girl is hot’, stands for a lot more than physical beauty. I want women to understand that hot doesn’t just mean their physical makeup, but their mind, their attitude, their vibe, their flair, the way they carry themselves,” he said, encouraging females to believe in themselves. “No matter how you think others perceive you, that shouldn’t really matter. You should know that no matter what, you are beautiful ; you were made beautiful. Just believe in yourself and you”ll be just fine.”
A former Holy Cross College student, Tyrel plays the guitar and says he wants to learn the piano. He has a great appreciation for music and it shows in the quality of what he delivers. The new track, which was produced at Dan Borgers Studios in Toronto Canada was co-written by Jenna Nation Music out of Toronto and Ross himself. “I worked with Dan Borgers and Jenna Nation on my previous release and I really enjoyed that experience so we did it again,” he said. Already, Tyrel says he’s been receiving a lot of good feedback on the new release, explaining that while at home in Trinidad and Tobago, the urban market facilitates mostly Soca and Dancehall music, he feels there’s a growing appreciation for Island Pop. “I’ve been influenced musically by many of our local artistes. I love what Kalpee’s been doing musically and it’s good to see how far he’s reached,” said Tyrel, noting that Kees and Voice are two other favourites of his. “Internationally, I love all kinds of musical genres really. From John Legend to Chronixx, Hood Celebrity, Koffee, Ed Sheran ; once the music sounding good, I’m vibin’ to it..”
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.
