Veteran dancehall toaster Lloyd D Stiff is back in the island promoting a new lover's rock single called All Night Long.

"I have been working on my mix tape entitled Unfinished Business and my album Big People Sitten to be released sometime this year. The mix tape will be the first to hit the public, and will consist of some of my hits of the '80s and early '90s digi rub-a-dub style then a barrage of new, more up-to-date songs dancehall style. All Night Long is one of the first singles from the album and the response has been great so far," Lloyd D said.

A music video was released over the weekend, and will hit cable TV this week.

In the meantime, Lloyd extolled the virtues of the mix tape which has a mainstream appeal because of the lyrical content featured in the various genres of the music.

"This mix tape is one to look out for because unlike other mix tapes this one has music for everyone. It has rub-a-dub style, one drop, soca music and of course nuff things fi di hardcore dancehall lovers. The album, however, is a much smoother laid back, one drop style for the more mature audience," Lloyd D said.

He said the album will be released in April and is 'grown and sexy' without being explicit.

"The album has clean sexy non-explicit lyrical content that anyone could be played loud on a Sunday afternoon without offending your church-going neighbours. Trust me, every song has a story to tell, a story that each of us could relate to," he said.

dabbling in the media

Although Lloyd D is known for his roots rock and rub-a-dub material, he took time out to voice on the Aurora Skies rhythm produced by Elvis Redwood of Unique Records, and the Mercury rhythm produced by Claude Mills and Rohan 'Jah Snowcone' Fuller. Lloyd is also dabbling in the media as co-host of a popular cable show.

"I'm also currently co-hosting a monthly show called 'Cool Storm' which is aired on one of the local network cable stations in New York," Lloyd D said.

Since arriving, he has made appearances at Stone Love 40th Anniversary celebrations, the street dance Weddy Weddy, Rebel Salute press launch and the Sherlock All White Party.

Last year, the talented crooner released a video, directed by Deuce Benny, for Call Me, to rave reviews.

Lloyd is a stalwart in the West Indian community in New York because of his tireless, sterling contribution to the community through his music, and his charitable efforts to combat cancer and diabetes. He is still on a high after landing a Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed on him by the West Indian community in Albany, NY.

Lloyd grew up in Kingston but in 1980 migrated to the United States with his parents. He recorded his first song in 1987 for Gyasi on the Witty Label titled Jamaica Girl, written by Phillip 'Dark Vader' Brian.

Although the track was a local hit, Lloyd didn't receive prominence until the monster hit Nuh Lef Yu Condom was recorded and released and became a safe sex anthem in the fear-addled early days of the HIV/AIDS virus.

The entertainer's unusual name often elicits a sly smile and a double take when people hear it. Lloyd is only too aware of this reaction. "It is Stiff for the ladies, and just Lloyd for the men," he said.