Hitmatic Records announced their arrival on the scene with their ultra successful Ackee Seed riddim project. BOUNCE sat down with CEO O’Neil Clarke to find out more about his record label.
1. When did your label begin?
Well I been in the Business from 1999, I start out with my first label Shy Shy Records in 1999, but in 2010 I start Hitmatic Records.
2. Who are the persons behind the label?
I O’Neil “Clarkie” Clarke am the Producer/C.E.O, My good friend Ricky “Madman” Myrie is the Producer/ Engineer/Musician, Adrian “Donsome” Hanson is the Label Manager, while Ivan “Tabu” Williams and Duke “Niko” Miller stand as an assistant Manager.
Ricky Myrie is no stranger to the Industry. He was responsible for riddims like, Headache, Hurricane, Blue Draws, All Out, Truths and Rights riddim and many more hits.
3. When did you get involved in music?
In 1999 my friend Lenkey and I start Shy Shy Records, Under Shy Shy Records we Produces a lot of big name Reggae artists From Sizzla to Shabba and many more
4. What are your projects so far?
In 2000 we put out the Shag-A-Delic Riddim that features songs like Poky man by Spragga Benz (which went # 1), No good by Lexxus feat. Red Rat, Live like a king by Lexxus, That’s the way we roll by Cobra feat. Lukie D, We run di world by Harry Toddle, Yuh own di man by Elephant Man and Do me by Red Fox feat. Rayvan.
2001 we produces the Bionic Riddim which features artists and songs like, Woman dem agwaan by Capleton, Hands up there by Cobra, More pum by Elephant Man feat. Kiprich, Moco Dough by Galaxy P, John up by Lexxus and Rally Bop, to how you livin by Spragga Benz feat. Assassin and Bionic Performance by Zicka P.
We also put out the Thunderstorm Riddim with songs like, Yet by Beenie Man, Nuh badda dan nuh man by Kiprich, Come in a mi room by Lexxus, Fiesta by Razah, Dead bout ya by Spragga Benz and Money is a must by Shabba Ranks.
2002 we put out the Spin yu Roll Riddim with songs like, Mi know mi self by Beenie Man, Woman turn mi on by Capleton, Caan stop me now by Galaxy P, Just friends by Major Christie, Rall di bop by Rally Bop, Di gal dem by Sizzla and Spin yu Roll by Spragga Benz.
2006 we release the Bust Head Riddim featuring songs like, Gyal Yu Gone by Devonte/Tanto Metro, Bounce & Dun a Gal by Elephant Man, Nah Beg Nah Gal by Vybz Kartel, Why U Gonna Go Do It by Lady Saw, Independent Woman by Macka Diamond and Don’t Want to Know by Cecile All these songs are under Shy Shy Records.
In 2012 we put out the Ackee Seed Riddim which features song like, Hairdresser Dont like her by Mad Cobra, Fire light Dem by Caplton, Gimme Wha Mi want by Flexxx feat. Miss Ting, Truth be told by Lady Saw, Thunda Roll by Beenie Man, Talk by Face, Tell a Gal fi back up by Sana S, Dancing Begun by Moiika, Thing that you’re looking for by Sizzla, Mix up Time by Derrick Parker, Needle one by Pinchers, Just as I am by Jevari, Bed a Rattle by Merciless, Naw beg no gal by Vybz Kartel, Giddy up by Lisa Hype and Gal Chat by Spice. All these songs is under Hitmatic Records
5. Which project has been the most successful?
I would say the Ackee Seed Riddim
6. When will you be releasing your next project?
We just produced the title track off Richie Stephenson Album that came out on May 22, but my next big project will be out in June 2012.
7. Where are the projects sold online?
The Ackee Seed Riddim is available on iTunes, Amazon and Emusic, We are planning to re-release all the songs that we produces under Shy Shy Records so the Fans can buy them digitally.
8. Have you signed any artistes to your label?
Yes!! We have an RnB Singer name Markizz, he is the next big RnB singer, So please look out for him, We also have our eyes on some young Reggae Artists that we have in mind.
9. What are the biggest challenge facing independent labels today?
I would say, getting the music out and across to people, but when you have a team of people working, I think it easy to overcome.
10. What is the guiding philosophy of your company?
First I would say Hard work, Team work and Loyalty, These are the Things that make up Hitmati Records and it help us to stand by our motto “where we create the hits”.
