Blade - Contributed

Western Bureau:

Dancehall artiste Blade from Merital Family has parted ways with the group to pursue a solo career, which has surprised many in western Jamaica following the huge success the group has had since their breakthrough hit My Money Ha Ha.

"Actually the split was from October of last year, but not many persons knew about it until now," Blade, whose real name is Noel Mason, said in an interview with The WEEKEND STAR.

freedom to explore

He further added that he met with the group prior to his decision and discussed his intent to pursue a solo career out of respect for the other members and they accepted it.

"It was mutual so there are no hard feelings. I want to have greater freedom to explore other avenues in building my career and being a successful entertainer. This is just my way of stepping out of the shadows of being in a group and do my own thing," he explained.

The four-member group from Flankers, Montego Bay, shot to stardom in 2010 when they did My Money Ha Ha on the Strip Club rhythm and was part of the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire.

But a year later, the group left the Portmore Empire clan, citing their careers were being stifled and lack of payment for royalties for their hit single. The unit went on to record other popular songs before their current hiatus from the dancehall scene.

greater successes

With a new hit single dubbed Bring Yuh Body Come by Blade, he hopes to put the tumultuous incidents associated with his career in the past, and focus on achieving greater successes as a dancehall act.

"The experiences of the past have helped me to put a lot of things into perspective and with Bring Yuh Body Come along with other singles I have soon to be released, the public will get to experience Blade in ways they have never seen," Blade reiterated.

He outlined that the single is currently doing very well locally and feels confident that his career will get traction especially since he has now teamed up with producer Notnice, who once worked closely in producing several hits for Vybz Kartel.