1st Class Musiq reaps success with Skeng and Tommy Lee Sparta song

Six years after making its debut with the Training Yaad rhythm, New York-based label 1st Class Musiq believes that is has hit the jackpot with Protocol, a song by Skeng and Tommy Lee Sparta.

Released last November, Protocol has been a hot favourite on FM radio, while making its presence felt on several music charts. Producer Trevaughn 'Russian 1st Class' Nosworthy, who is originally from Mandeville, Manchester, says that he is not surprised at the success.

"When I first heard the song, I knew it would have been a hit. What I am surprised about is how quickly it all happened, and all the positive feedback it has received in such a short space of time," he said. The official video for Protocol has garnered more than 16 million views on YouTube since its upload last November. Nosworthy said that the single's success has brought more people to notice the label.

"The work was always being done, it's just that now, more people are paying attention and the expectations are more. It has also increased my network in the industry, and there are more artistes wanting to collaborate. So we are grateful and just continue as usual, working hard and staying focused," he said.

Nosworthy has musical genes. His father was once a disc jock, who also worked in the tourism sector.

"I guess my father, being involved in music, also introduced me to other genres of music like jazz, pop and country music. While I was in high school, my passion for music grew, as my friends and I would skip classes to knock rhythms on desks and build different playlists and create CDs," he recalled. The producer said that the label has a number of projects in the pipeline, featuring both established and up-and-coming artistes.