Chronixx tops Billboard’s reggae chart
BY KEVIN JACKSON Observer Writer
FOR the past three years, reggae singer Chronixx has built an enviable track record. His efforts are paying off as the ‘conscious music crusader’ is number one on Billboard’s Reggae album chart with his latest EP, Dread & Terrible.
Released on April 1, the Dread & Terrible project contains 10 tracks including Alpha & Omega, Here Comes Trouble, Capture Land and Eternal Fire. The set features production work from Phillip ‘Winta’ James; Lloyd ‘John John’ James; Chronixx’s in house production team, ZincFence Records; Overstand JA Records; and France-based Pierre Bost.
“Dread & Terrible for me is like a state of mind, ideology, whatever is good and pleasant is dread and terrible inna Babylon system. I’m kinda educating the youths about certain realities. Like a wake-up call,” Chronixx explained in an interview from his hotel in Spain, where he is in the middle of a 22-date European jaunt.
Dread & Terrible became an instant hit on iTunes reggae charts around the world. It is currently only available digitally. However, vinyl and compact disc editions are to be released shortly.
“We are aiming for everyone to discover the project. It’s a collector’s thing,” said Chronixx.
Born Jamar McNaughton Jr, 22-year-old Chronixx formerly recorded under the name Little Chronicle. He developed a love for songwriting and music from an early age. His father Jamar McNaughton Sr recognised his talents and nurtured his musical aspirations.
A former student of the St Catherine High school in Spanish Town, Chronixx made his professional recording debut in 2003 working with producer Danny Browne. He later provided harmonies on tracks for the likes of gospel artiste Jermaine Edwards and reggae artiste Lutan Fyah.
By the age of 14, he got involved with producing and building riddims, among them the Freezer riddim for Ice Box Records.
Following his brother’s death in 2009, Chronixx teamed up with Romaine ‘Teflon’ Arnett of Zincfence Records and, the rest, they say, is history.
Songs including Behind Curtain, Odd Ras, Smile Jamaica, They Don’t Know, Ain’t No Giving In, Here Comes Trouble, and Warrior have kept Chronixx on playlists and the charts at regular intervals.
His European tour kicked off on March 27 and ends on April 21. The tour has already made stops in France. Portugal, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Germany are among the upcoming stops.
