On Monday night, Rickey Lil Rick Reid, one of the island’s most popular artistes, thrilled his legion of fans by hosting the first installment of Hypa Dawg’s Party.
It was a family affair with both of Lil Rick’s sons showing that they share their father’s skills on the wheels of steel. At its peak viewership, more than 5,000 people tuned in to his Instagram live.
His son, Rinicko Niqo Vybz Reid, and his mic man, DJ Gunner, warmed up the audience for the main attraction. When he emerged 20 mins later, Hypa Dawg showed why he has continued to maintain a loyal fan base even after more than 25 years on the scene. For dancehall lovers it was nostalgic as they travelled back to the Penthouse Days.
Lil Rick showed why he was a formidable force in the deejay clashes that were prevalent in that period. He drew on his arsenal, which included 15-year-old plates from top artistes like Luciano, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa and Vybz Kartel. For some international flavour he included one by Richie Spice, Akon and Chuck Fenda, which he assured no one else could play. He even brought it to the modern day with a fiery dub from SK.
The show attracted attention from local performers like Hypasounds and TC. The deejay fraternity also tuned in to show their support. Verseewild, Chris Gayle, Jon Doe and the internationally acclaimed Puffy were among those enjoying the production.
The session had something for everybody; with the selection of big tunes it was easy to be transported to a time where dubs were among the prime sources of entertainment.
It was fitting that the host paid tribute to the late John JP Pollard who was one of the top deejays of the era. The girls’ segment that followed was engineered to make the ladies go wild.
On completion of his solo segment, Lil Rick was joined by Rene Unda Dawg Reid dropping some newer big tunes. Ever the businessman, Chihuahua informed the massive audience that despite the COVID-19 restrictions preventing gatherings, he was still available for bookings for private online performances and deejay sessions.
The veteran performer has promised that this would be the first of many more editions. In the coming weeks, viewers will enjoy some guest appearances, DJ clashes and performances from him. Though Barbados’ move to reopen has intensified, he shared that his annual Dis is Rick concert will take an online format this year.
The Hypa Dawg Party was originally scheduled to run for an hour and a half but was extended to two hours as a result of overwhelming requests to continue. (STT)
