Teejay’s “I Am Chippy” EP Blazes a New Trail For Dancehall
Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine
Hailing from Montego Bay, Teejay aka “Up Top Boss”, grew up in a small boardhouse with his mother, uncle, four brothers, and one sister. With such a bleak outlook, Teejay quickly found salvation in music, releasing his first song (“I Know”) when he was only 9 years old. A song that would go on to receive heavy airplay on Jamaica’s IRIE FM radio station and earn Teejay a coveted spot on Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest in 2015, broadcasting his gift from his hometown to the the nation.
Following Teejay’s Sumfest appearance, he continued to record on riddims, developing a cult-like following over his fast-approaching 10 years in the game. Recognized for his vocal range, lyrical dexterity, and effortless “singjay” flow”, Teejay has earned respect and co-signs from fans and Dancehall legends, like Vybz Kartel and Grammy-winning, diamond-selling Dancehall legend, Shaggy.
Speaking of Shaggy, aside from being Teejay’s mentor, he also co-executive produced Teejay’s debut EP, “I Am Chippy”, alongside Sharon Burke and Steve Carless. The flawless 9-track project offers a range of original and hard-hitting dancehall anthems, which is definitely more of what the world needs.
Showcasing Teejay’s lyrical and vocal versatility, “I Am Chippy” is something you want to keep on repeat all 2024, as it's vibe fits perfectly in all seasons and locations. This makes all the sense when you consider Teejay’s mission is to redefine what Dancehall looks like in mainstream spaces and break new boundaries for the genre…
“This EP has something for everyone. The world is going to dance to ‘Dip.’ The ladies got ‘Twerk It.’ The streets have tracks like ‘Fully Auto’ and ‘Chop Life’ and we're gonna uplift the yutes on ‘Star.’ That one of my favorites tracks and features Quada and my 11-year-old son Jaydon. I made this album for this next generation, but most importantly my people”
- Teejay
