Bascom X & Ras Shiloh “Chaos” (2006)

@LeoOReggio
Hailing from the artist capital of Jamaica, Portmore, is Ryan Sudlow, better known to his fans as Bascom X. Born in Tivoli Gardens, Jamaica on August 30th, Bascom X discovered his passion for music at an early age. Starting out as a deejay, this artist got his first big break while venturing out ‘in the streets with his friend and area deejay Frisco Kid. In the year 2000, the recordings began. Tracks like ‘OK’ featuring Vybz Kartel and ‘Jah Mercy’ with Frisco Kid became favorites across the island. It was in 2004 however, that the name Bascom X would gain popularity, as the single ‘Lonely Girl’ on Stephen Gibbs, ‘Hardtimes’ rhythm went soaring to the top of local and international charts. The track which features newcomer Brady became an instant favorite, and Bascom X found himself exactly where he needed to be. In the spotlight. Having toured Europe with Frisco Kid and General B in 2002, this artist is well prepared for the demands of his chosen career. He has performed on shows such as ‘Champions In Action’, ‘Reggae Sumfest’, ‘Fully Loaded’, ‘Sting’ and on various stages throughout the Caribbean and the US. Recently in New York City, at the IRAWMA, Bascom received the ‘Best New Entertainer’ award. With the influence of fellow artists such as Buju Banton, Sizzla, Vybz Kartel, and Tenor-Saw on Bascom’s career, you can expect variety within his music. Songs of reality, as well as ballads of love, makes Bascom X versatile. One never knows what to expect. Somehow you just know you will be satisfied.

Thomas Williams, aka Ras Shiloh, is the cousin of R&B/soul singer Betty Wright, Williams began his music career in 1984 as a child when he performed as Big Belly Youth for the Golden Touch sound system in New York. His stage name, a reference to his stature, was given to him by Nitty Gritty. The local production team of Ras Shaka and Knotty B recorded Williams’ debut, ‘You Say You Love Jah’, over the rhythm of Bob Marley’s ‘Natural Mystic’. With the revival of roots and culture, Ras Shaka advised the singer to change his name to Ras Shiloh. Under the new moniker, he released a series of roots tunes, including ‘Time’ and ‘Jah Calling’.

In the mid-90s, having established his career in New York, Ras Shiloh relocated to Jamaica. The singer embarked on a series of recording sessions with top producers including, Donovan Germain (‘Child Of A Slave’) and Tony Rebel (‘Are You Satisfied’). With Buju Banton, Ras Shiloh performed ‘Give I Strength’, which was featured on Banton’s Inna Heights. In November 1997, the singer returned to New York where Ras Shiloh & Idrens Chants was released to critical acclaim. The stand-out tracks include ‘Virtuous Woman’, ‘Cocaine Cowboys’, and a classic combination with Shelene Thomas on ‘Caught Up In The Circle’. He embarked on a tour of the east coast with Rebel and the Flames crew followed by a tour of Europe supporting Yammie Bolo. In addition to his hectic touring schedule, Ras Shiloh worked on sessions for his second album with Knotty B and Noel Alphonso (the son of Roland Alphonso). To promote Babylon You Doom he participated in New York’s Culturama festival and the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival and toured Florida and the west coast. Further hits ensued including, ‘Brass Gates’, ‘Child Of A Slave’ and ‘Are You Satisfied’. In 1999, the singer performed in 48 major cities of the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean as well as a making a guest appearance on the Jay Leno television show in America. His third album, Listen Well, featured guest productions from artists such as Rebel, Morgan Heritage, and Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell.