Five Questions with Rvssian

Before making headlines in January over the part he played in breathing life into dancehall, Tarik ‘Rvssian’ Johnston was dominating the space in the 2000s during a historic run that saw him producing for some of entertainment’s biggest names.

The Kingston native first started to develop a love for music during his early days at Ardenne High School in St Andrew – not, ironically, during the same time as fellow dancehall hit-maker Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor.

In an interview with popular Jamaican personality Jaii Frais, Johnston explained that he started off his musical journey with a sound system named Nocturnal before growing and evolving his brand into the well-known Head Concussion Records.

It is the love for music that has kept him in the business from that time as a teenager until now.

Over a decade of experience, and dozens of accolades later, Rvssian has carved out a space for himself that has allowed him to work with the likes of Tarrus Riley, Rihanna, Sean Paul, Kevin Gates, and Vybz Kartel.

Speaking of the ‘World Boss’, the two have enjoyed a long history of collaboration, with Johnston gaining some of his earliest and biggest hits with him.

Five Questions had a chance to catch up with Rvssian to hear about his recent successes and views on the dancehall space.

1. You and up-and-coming entertainer Nigy Boy have been creating magic together. How has it been working with him?

To be honest, the chemistry between me and Nigy is undeniable. I understand what he needs, and he understands what needs to be done. Right now, we’re two for two, so the rest is history.

2. As you work with the National Commercial Bank to help raise fraud awareness, what do you think it will take to reduce instances of cybercrimes across Jamaica?

One of the best things that we can do to help cut down on cybercrimes in Jamaica is to make everyone more aware. People both young and old need to know about the dangers out there and what they should do to protect themselves. It’s important to remember that fraud isn’t just something that happens far away or online only — it can happen anywhere, any time, and to anyone.

3. The dancehall genre has evolved significantly over the years. How do you see the future of dancehall music unfolding?

Dancehall is definitely growing. A few years ago it was at a little standstill, but now it’s blooming and elevating. I think it’s only going to get bigger. I think the world is excited to hear new reggae and dancehall and it’s showing. For the last few months, there has been a lot of attention.

4. What role do you hope to play in shaping the trajectory of dancehall?

I’m trying to help bridge that gap as someone who has had success in and outside of the culture. So as someone with experience in that space, I’m trying to meld both of them together.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring artistes looking to make their mark in the industry?

They just have to understand and be aware of what’s going on, where the music is at, and where they want to go in the future. Just be different. You also have to be able to look ahead to the future and anticipate what’s coming next and keep yourselves relevant in the social media space because that plays a big part today. Some artistes don’t get the right exposure as they’re a bit too hidden.

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