Stephen McGregor adds to his rhythm by playing his guitar.

Most persons never get to witness the creation of a hit song, however last Tuesday, THE STAR team experienced just that when they visited the Big Ship studio, where 'Di Genius', Stephen McGregor was caught in action.

What started out as a quiet night of work for Stephen soon turned into a crowded affair as selectors, promoters, artistes and a video crew soon filled the 'ship'.

When THE STAR team arrived at the studio it was dub time as persons got their fill of Chino and Laden dubs. Later 'Di Genius' was in true form in studio as he joked with friends, mixed music and voiced Portmore Empire's Blak Ryno on a new single, yet to be named.

Inspiration struck

Inspiration struck Stephen earlier that morning when he recorded the rhythm for the track in ten minutes, having spoken to Blak Ryno before about recording a single.

An enthused Blak Ryno listened to the beat blaring through the speakers as he meditated for a while and was soon easily freestyling. As Ryno got ready to voice, Big Ship artiste, Laden, popped into the studio. he and Ryno easily joked before Ryno got serious and soon the words began to flow.

Vibe in the studio

With Stephen preferring to work in near-freezing temperatures, the vibe in the studio mellowed as all listened to Ryno at work, nodding and taking in the song. After voicing for a while, Ryno came back in obviously excited, jumping up and down as all listened to the 'guide track' that had just been recorded.The producer gave the artiste a few tips on his clarity.

Thinking of more dimensions to add to the song, Stephen quickly went to his guitar, strumming out a few beats. Ghetto Bomb, who promotes songs for Big Ship, selector, Nicco, Bam Bam and members of the Big Ship management team were all in studio as they observed 'Di Genius' in action.

As the crew for Dancehall Draft Picks Volume II started to film and Chino and Aidonia made an appearance in the studio, Stephen began playing his new 'Advocate' rhythm. This is one of four rhythms, including the 'Eternal Darkness'rhythm, soon to be released.

marlon vickerman

A Few Tips From 'Di Genius'

Artistes are always banging on the doors of super producer Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor. With years of experience in the business 'Di Genius' has worked with countless artistes young and old. Here are Stephen's tips for aspiring artistes:

1) Melodies - "Really important especially in today's music where you want to go International. People abroad can't understand us sometimes so the more melodic you are the more it carries across."

2) Lyrics - "Another key factor. Artistes have to come with something different. if you are saying the same thing as everyone else you have to say it different so that it's not the same clichéd line."

3) An artiste's energy - "This is really important. a lot of artistes in Jamaica are really talented but as a person... if you work with someone difficult you're gonna be turned off from working with them, they have to be professional and focused."

-K.H