In early 2011, Orville Burrell – better known to the entertainment world as Shaggy – launched a new reggae fusion label, Ranch Entertainment, Inc., he brought together a few of his closest friends to celebrate. The Ranch Entertainment label boasts a roster of world-renowned artists, including reggae superstar Shaggy, long-time collaborators Rayvon and Red Fox, in addition to acclaimed producers and songwriters and a state-of-the-art recording studio.
But this isn’t Burrell’s first foray into label ownership; after departing Big Yard Music Group, he and his team formed this new label because they share a common vision of expanding reggae fusion and furthering global appreciation of the genre at a time when the music industry continues to pose hurdles and challenges to the success of rising stars. The label’s mission is to facilitate innovative approaches for up and coming artists to excel in the current market. Headquartered in New York and Jamaica, this new label is an opportunity for Burrell to use his extensive knowledge of the industry to catapult Jamaican artists into the musical mainstream.
Named after Burrell’s long-time recording studio in New York City, Ranch Entertainment also partners with established artists by providing them with access to opportunities outside their usual channels. In addition to Shaggy, Ranch Entertainment’s world-renowned artist roster includes Rayvon and Red Fox. With fusion as their formula, they routinely collaborate with a variety of artists including Tarrus Riley, J Boog, Gyptian, Alaine, Laza Morgan and Assassin. Their impressive international collaborators include Ne-Yo, Eve, Kat DeLuna, and Joe and Mario Wynans, to name a few.
Ranch Entertainment is also home to famed producers such as megahit-maker Shaun “Sting International” Pizzonia, who was responsible for Shaggy’s hugely successful “Angel,” “It Wasn’t Me” and “Boombastic,” and also Andre “GC” Fennell. Their internationally-known affiliate producers includes Anthony “CD” Kelly, Teflon The Producer formerly of Ruff Ryders, Jerry Wonder, Christopher Birch, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, and CostiIoniţă of Romania.
Current projects for the pioneering label include a collaboration album between Shaggy with Sly & Robbie, a Jamaica 50th Independence commemorative single, the official 2012 Jamaica Olympics Team song, the popular Kingston13 Riddim – in addition to various riddim albums and singles – and Shaggy’s Grammy-nominated Summer In Kingston album. Look for the German edition to be released in spring 2012, featuring Eve on the new single, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
The label launch party was hosted by HOT97 radio personality Jabba and was attended by a number of artists, including Beenie Man. Rayvon also filmed the music video for his breakout track “Selecta,” which is featured on Ranch Entertainment’s Kingston 13 Riddim album. Attendees were treated to drinks and food from sponsors Bartenura Moscato and Golden Krust (YUM!). For more information, visit www.ranchent.com and be sure to keep up with the team on Facebook and Twitter.
Me and Shaggy
Me soaking up the atmosphere at the launch in my silver tunic dress from the Milagros Clothing Design Sp ’11 collection
Me and Red Fox
Rayvon with his choreographer
Shaggy arriving at the launch
Golden Krust Cocktail Patties
