Breaking Grounds in Reggae

'Reggae' – the word takes us back to the 1960s making us think of Jamaican music, rhythmic music, The Wailers with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Desmond Dekker, Prince Buster and so on. It reminds us of various forms of lyrics dealing with religion, love, sometimes social and political issues, poverty, injustice, peace and more. Yes, this is a music genre was first developed in Jamaica originating from the Ska and rocksteady styles. Reggae is flavored by African and Caribbean music as well as American Rhythm and blues.

Groundbreaking Records, established in 2000, to give the reggae and hip hop genres of music a supporting platform. Based in St. Croix it is founded by Donny Dread and his brother Dale Melody. 'Straight & Narrow' was its first release with a hip hop reggae style and the lyrics deal with injustice of the 'ghetto youth', as Danny Dread calls it. The compilation is dedicated to lend a voice to the voiceless and encourage youth. The album was not released for the public though, but is a major feature of the USVI sound being created for St. Croix.

Groundbreaking Records boasts of talented artists in its band with Donny Dread Xkaliba, Bishop - longside, Batch, Ras Attidude ,Boy Blue and Vaughn of Midnight. In 2002, Groundbreaking Records recorded 'Aneed' with Midnight. Donny Dread's first album is Set De Pace, which was released under Groundbreaking Record in 2004.  It has several other ongoing projects by its budding artists such as the 'Baptize In The Ghetto' by their foundation artist XKaliba Lp and "Nah Go Like Me" by their newest aspiring artist Nubian Natty Lp. Meanwhile, their I Grade compilation Weep Not includes Danny Dread's collection 'Step Inna Right'. He has played instruments for the other artists as well.

Groundbreaking Records has currently released their newest album 'United States of Africa' by its budding artist XKaliba.