Shanty B!

Photo Source: VPAL Music

*Updated December 27, 2018, 12:25 pm

Shanty B!, Belinda Mercado Reid, presents her latest EP with the song, “Mix Up!” In collaboration with Fat Eyes Records, Sly and Robbie of Taxi Records, and VPAL Music, a division of VP Music Group, this dancehall song released December 14, 2018 is now available for purchase and streaming on all music platforms. Like any mix up, this EP is banging down the door to share the news that dancehall is not letting go of its throne.

And to this we add, “Shanty B!, please stop running away from the spotlight.” As a singer, director, and actress featured in numerous sitcoms, commercials, and theatrical productions, there is a much at stake. A lot of work for Shanty B to complete. With the convergence of multi media platforms, the ability to communicate across all entertainment platforms with one clear voice is important. And corporations are finding it a challenge to fulfill this demand in high level market strategies. This is an area for Shanty B to supply the demand internationally.

Many with the talents of Shanty B are running directly to the spotlight. And after listening to this song, “Mix Up!” and other works of Shanty B, we remain perplexed as to why she evades the light of stardom that is perpetually seeking her. Thankfully, it has patience. And we finally see Shanty B take another step forward into the light. And we suggest she stands firm and rescind suggestions to fall back into the shadows. Study the works of great narrators and expand on the talent and skills of timing and delivery. Because creativity is a gift that is sharpened with knowledge, especially when the star prefers to observe.

Arguably a bright light scoping darkness is an intimidating experience, especially when we do not know its intent. And depending on our lifeworld of relationships and perceptions a search light can either mean run to the periphery to observe and later relate the event or boldly showcase all that you are with shameless pride. Perhaps to some extent Shanty B gained from the former.

She is an excellent storyteller on “Mix Up!” Having a well studied skills sets, Shanty B convincingly deliberates the negatives of gossip with expert articulation. An exceptional style of delivery and lyrical content from the song writing team that are somewhat reminiscent of the 90s that made us listen to every verse. Rare in current dancehall songs in which we prefer the rhythm more than to the lyrics.

But the musical composition is also a commander of our attention with detailed sound production and engineering. From the intro, the rhythm is pounding, reverberating throughout with the refined structure of a symphony and the tone of rebellion of electronica simultaneously. And the “Crank Handle,” version is hypnotic with a rhythm that hits hard in the chest. Detailed sound production and sound engineering.

Since we also tend to listen to dancehall songs at a higher volume, we reduced the volume several intervals for a few more takes. All remained sharp, the first affect of a remarkable vibe still intact. A vibrant rhythm and solid lyrics. And a brilliant play on words and sound effects on the explicit version that arguably can receive radio rotation. Detailed sound production and sound engineering.

With such a great team of talent and expansive project, we have an opportunity to ask for more, such as a dub version featuring Shanty B’s lyrics on the “Crank Handle” rhythm. There is an amazing feature of a break, where the rhythm is dropped at 0:31, which for us took the production to another level. Although there is a pause, the rhythm remains assertive even with the variances of the instruments and timing. And it is this dynamic form of the arrangement combined with Shanty B’s skillful delivery of word play and enunciation at a slower pace that would also maintain the dancehall energy and have the place moving. Looking forward to more great works of art from this team. Shanty B, step forward! Also respect to the graphic artist, amazing cover art.

The EP Mix Up! is available for purchase and streaming. View the video, https://youtu.be/KtGqGBHRkP8 .

*Update, December 27, 2018, 12:25 pm

Shanty B's contribution to the field of the performing arts spans over fifteen years. Adding to this editorial, we also encourage a viewing of Shanty B's work as an actress in theatrical productions and television series as Adopted Child,Plumber, Force Ripe Pickney, and Joint Tenants.

Here is a sample episode of, Joint Tenants, written and directed by Paul O Beal of Pragmatic Productions, starring Belinda Mercado Reid Marshall, aka Shanty B.

Video Courtesy of Pragmatic Productions