Firmly established as an in-demand collaborator for everyone from Sean Paul to Chip and Aloe Blacc, the London-based, Jamaican artist Claye’s now prepares for the release of his new album ‘Medicine’ by sharing the new track ‘Bamboo’ featuring Ayo Beatz.
Recent tracks ‘Forever’,Walls and ‘Murda’, have gained support from KissFresh, 1Xtra, House of Solo and Clash and Claye builds on this with the sweltering, sultry vibes of ‘Bamboo’. A killer R&B-flavoured hook driven by his golden vocal tone alongside plaintive piano and surging synths, and with lyrics that show a pure expression of lust – slick seduction is the game plan.
“Bamboo is a metaphor for a certain type of love. ‘Want bamboo’ means she (my lady crush) needs that flexibility but stability” explains Claye.
‘Bamboo’ demonstrates Claye’s wide-ranging artistry, with the musician again independently writing, producing and performing the entire track cementing his growing status as one to watch. The new album ‘Medicine’ stirs genres at will with a rush of Island flavour further infused by elements of contemporary R&B, reggae and pop. It’s unified by Claye’s eclectic voice, which seemingly effortlessly floats from boisterous to party-starting to tender and affectionate and back again. You can hear his songwriting pedigree throughout, with hooks that quickly embed themselves into the memory.
While the singles demonstrate Claye’s strength as a one-man force, his also excels when calling on some featured guests. New single and album highlight ‘Bamboo’ features Ayo Beatz, whose dynamic bars once again elevate the track’s energy. Elsewhere, Doktor brings the dancehall vibe to the global-facing ‘Body Language’, J Spades adds reggae-tinged raps to the sunshine grooves of ‘Cure’, and the CostaRican artist Mar Villarreal simmers with soul and sensuality on the duet ‘Green Light’.
Claye first developed his production skills in his early teens, overseeing numerous reggae tracks by artists with more experience than he had at the time. His pure musical ability was vital. A classically trained pianist, he broadened his skill set by teaching himself drums and guitar too, while his vocal talent was always evident.
That talent was first recognised by Roc Nation, who signed him to a publishing deal. And a breakthrough hit soon followed when he co-wrote Sean Paul’s ‘Hold My Hand’ (featuring Timbaland’s protégé Keri Hilson). Hitting charts across the globe, the track hit 50 million streams and reached a wider audience of part of Sean Paul’s Grammy-nominated ‘Imperial Blaze’album. That resulted in demand for Claye’s enticing gift for pop nous and island flavour from artists such as Chip, Aloe Blacc, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Ky-Mani Marley, Busy Signal and Michael Patrick Kelly.
With his raw talent matched by his determination and ambition, Claye is destined to step up a level.
Pre-order/pre-save the album HERE.
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