The biggest unintentional secret in Dancehall Reggae music sinceSNOW is that the fluid sound you hear on tracks recorded by Voice Mail is not the singular range of one singer; but that of a group. Stacked with an abundance of control and timing these three manage to belt out each bar and verse in such harmony that it is easy to be mislead. It truly takes a skilled ear to initially distinguish the different voices. A shared destiny and ambition has bonded these three singers: Craig Jackson, Kevin Blaireand Oniel Edwards together as one group. Performing as a unit for the last 5 years, the three have remained as the final legacy of Voice Mail.
Quickly recognized for their intro trademark, “You’ve got mail – Voice Mail, heyeee” as only Craig can deliver; they have been making waves in Jamaica with charting singlessuch as “Weh Di Time” and their succession of videos for songs like “Gal Hunt”, “Weddy Time”, “She Want It Harder”, “Ready To Party” and “Wacky Dip” in addition to features in the Strip Tease riddim and Kylmaxx riddim medley videos. It’s their energetic stage performances, that fail to hide the enjoyment shining in their eyes from the pure pleasure of being in front of audiences at key events like: Spring Fest 2004, Sumfest 2004, 2005, Fully Loaded and world wide touring, which is allowing them to win over critical audiences.
Like many groups in Jamaica today, the three met up a local talent show. It was there that the foundation of Voice Mail began with two additional members: Robert Manning and Leonardo Grant, all committing themselves to a recording career in 1999. However, as the road to achievement is often long and hard the music industry in Jamaica very trying, two of the members eventually moved on; parting the group amicably. However, for remaining three; Craig, Kevin and particularly Oniel Edwards, whose father is a famous Jamaican recording artist and producer; Rupee Edwards, this was never a consideration.
By 2003, the trio began to actively record with producers testing the waters without the missing members, their initial lead vocalists. Their first recording was with radio personality and producer Arif Cooper. They laced an R&B fashioned tune “Never Really Want To Let You Go” with such ease and finesse that if this song was your introduction to Voice Mail, you would assume they were strictly an R&B group. However, like many talented youths from Jamaica, Dancehall Reggae is the heritage, the music and the largest influence. Although the group is notably inclined to R&B, appreciating artists such as Boyz To Men and Jodeci, it was the direct exposure growing up to Wayne Wonder and Sanchez as well as Scare Dem Crew, to which Craig’s older brother was a member, which molded their musical direction.
Like any group, the three have their distinctly different dynamics. Craig is the “mushy one”, who is always cuddling, lovable and laid back. However at the same time, he’s the one that they all agree is most miserable and meticulous when it comes to recording. Anything less than perfection is simply not an option! Kevin Blaire, a former model is surprisingly the quietest and most unassuming member of the group. He describes himself without airs, “for the most part, I’m just a happy go lucky person – always bouncy and ready for anything”. Once you get to Oniel, the baritone voice of the group, it’s clear he is the leader, the organizer and the unspoken boss. Always an entrepreneur, Oniel had his own business importing and selling goods prior to joining the group. Kevin even shares “He’s the man that while we sleep, he’s there pon the phone calling this person and that person, setting us up to record and all those things. He’s the man in charge.”
While the group Voice Mail has become identified with catchy, upbeatand fun dancing anthems, this is not the full spectrum of their catalog, nor is it by any means their limitations. As Kevin expresses, “we strive to be full fledge entertainers, entertainment for us is consistent of a variety of things; singing, dancing, acting – whatever it takes to keep the audience aware at all times. At the same time our three biggest songs to date are dance songs, so we are going to be associated with that. It’s all about entertainment for us at the end of the day”.
The group’s debut album “HEY” with VP Records is one of the more anticipated releases for Dancehall. The album itself shows diversity with tunes like their fun filled dance party anthems “Wacky Dip”, “Weddy Time” and “Ready To Party” which was forged by working with Danny Champagne of Champagne Records. These recordings signaled the start of a distinctive period of growth in group’s recordings and industry relationships. This independent producer actually puts forth more energy in promoting his recordings as demonstrated by the coordination of the video for “Weddy Time” featuring Delly Ranks as well as the now deceased dancing icon Bogle. Later, thanks to the introduction by Champagne, the group recorded with esteemed Dancehall producer Tony “CD” Kelly, known for his timeless riddim tracks for the Kantana riddim, which allowed them another hit locally titled “Fatima” and more penetration in International markets.
Their special chemistry impressed Robert Livingston and they are featured on his popular ‘THE RETURN’ riddim creating a crossover friendly track “Jamaican Jiggas”. With lyrics that tell a tale understandable by all English speaking nationals with just a few patios such as evident in phrases like; “Gal love our style and love how we flow, dis a voicemail and we dun set the pace” the song has huge potential.
Doing so much work around the Big Yard studios in Jamaica has afforded Voice Mail close relationships with the camp’s producers. As such, “Get On Up” from Christopher Birch’s Thrilla riddim and the upbeat “Get Crazy” from the Gangster Rock riddim have both been popular tunes for the group. Birch also recorded the exclusives “Shake Dat Thing”, “One Wish” and “Dance Floor” which features Teka for the group’s album. Another album track from Birch is the recording“Playing Games” on the Reggae one drop Cry Baby Riddim. This relationship oriented tune has Craig pleading for more quality and has women lining up to be the group’s special someone.
A stellar producer, Don Corleon, who’s had a slew of popular hit riddims the last two years got together with the group to record “Bring Your Body Come” for the upbeat Sweat riddim. Corleon also laced the group with an exclusive for the album titled “Sweet Thang”. The song“Get On Up” was recording for Renaissance Crew on the Ice Breaka riddim, after the success of their production on Sean Paul’s “We Be Burnin”, there is high anticipation for another breakaway hit. “Back To Basic” was done with the production team ‘The Ballaz’ who’s biggest international credit to date is the number one hit “Hey Sexy Wow” in France with Lord Kossity and dancehall singjay Chico. The collection of hot popular singles along with exclusive cuts allows for a comprehensive and jam packed album that takes you on a journey of the heart, to the dance floor, in the streets and back around.
This group, whose material is comprehensive, often patterning their writing style in a similar fashion to R&B are not the ones to look at for controversy. They are focused on quality recordings, not mixing up the pot or going for the shock factor just for the sake of publicity. Songs they record portray feel good vibes and at the same time intelligence. Voice Mail is determined to keep moving forward and break into the International market. They have the right discipline, dedication and commitment to their craft. They could very well be the first strictly R&B fashioned Dancehall group to not only stay together but really make an impact with their debut album: “Hey”. Look out for a website shortly!
Bio written by RudeGal for VP Records.
| ~ Biography obtained from: http://www.rudegal.com/?p=74 |
