Ebuzz News
Archived: US Rapper Fredo Bang, USVI De Wapp Collaborate on T&T Production in New Smash Hit Rap Single.
US rapper, Fredo Bang has collaborated with creatives out of Trinidad and Tobago and the US Virgin Islands on a track that in one week, has amassed over 130,000 views on YouTube. The collaboration signals the potential for a merging of creative ideas and energies between artistes from North America and the Caribbean territories, as the world ultimately gets smaller.
The single, ‘Blowing Up’, was produced by Trinidad and Tobago producer, Shane Howell out of Bing Bang Studios. He has been responsible for dancehall productions featuring the likes of Jamaica’s Aidonia, Charly Black and Trinidad and Tobago’s Medz Boss and Prince Swanny, to name a few. “This was my first international rap production. I got the opportunity to provide the beat for these artistes after an initial collaboration between West Bank Records and Prince Swanny. They called me up to work on this project,” said Howell. He said a previous single done for T&T artist, Medz Boss, had caught their attention, and they wanted to get a sound that was similar. “This opportunity feels really good- the chance to work on a track that Fredo Bang is on and to be a part of creating a song I believe will push De Wapp even further; that’s a good feeling.” he said.
A youth from the country area of the US Virgin Islands, De Wapp, as he’s popularly known on the island, has seen a massive amount of interest being paid to him, in recent time. At 22, he has big dreams of making it to the big leagues in the entertainment industry and credits Caribbean record label, West Bank Records for its involvement in taking his career to new levels. The collaboration with Fredo Bang- a 25-year-old US artist signed to Def Jam Records and known for singles like Oouuh” and “Top”, came as a welcomed surprise for him. “I had already recorded the song and I knew it was hitting. I didn’t know he would’ve been on the song. When he came on the song, I said, ‘wow it really hittin’ now,” he said. He explained that the entire collab was arranged by West Bank Records and T&T’s Bing Bang Studios.
With a thick USVI accent, De Wapp, whose real name is Tevin Chesterfield, jokingly said it was a bit difficult for the international rapper to understand his accent. “When I talked to him, he didn’t really understand what I was saying because of the accent, until I started to ‘yang’ to him and I told him I am from the US Virgin Islands where Money Bag just filmed a video, and that was when he got a better understanding of who he was dealing with.”
The new release is just one of many songs already unleashed by the artist who is fast becoming one to watch in the USVI. With a distinctive rap flow that’s described as Trap rap, De Wapp maintains strong work ethic, putting in the hours in studio to make his dreams reality. “We’re gonna be pushing really hard. This is just the beginning,” he said, confident that his ability and ambitions will prove effective in securing him his own space in the global music industry.
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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.
