Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter

DJ Spragga Benz - Herbert McKenis photo

Spragga Benz will be one of the artistes performing at 'Integration Thursdays' at the University of the West Indies Students' Union tomorrow evening. THE STAR, instead of doing a regular old feature on Spragga, caught up with the top lyricist to talk about Red Square's new acts, his album, collaborations and of course Foxy.

Daily STAR:Who are some of the artistes that you are working with now in Red Square?

Spragga: "You have people like Ilano, Taji Dinero, Don Youth, Natty Chris, Assassin, Biggy, Sugar Slick and we have a lot of friends and extended family members like Hollowpoint."

Why haven't we been hearing many songs from you, have you stopped recording?

"No I am always recording, but some of them are not really being released and played because they fall into too much politics. So some of the songs are coming on the album and I'm working on that right now."

What do you mean politics, regarding the playing of your songs?

"You done know the business set a way where they move from talent to friendship and money and the money your manager is spending."

What are your thoughts on Jamaica's music industry?

"I love it. It feels fresh. There is an injection of fresh blood and vibes now, like Alaine, Tami Chynn, Tami Chynn's sister, Aidonia, Busy."

How come you named so many females?

"A long time we nuh have nuff woman a represent inna the music. They are beautiful and talented as well."

Is there someone you would love to collaborate with?

"Musically?"

Aahm, yes.

"Me nuh know. There is Tessanne Chin. She is mad, mad, mad. Mi love her energy. She is creative and unafraid, fearless. Whether other people want to get it or whatever, her capacity as an artiste is good."

When was the last time you collaborated with an overseas act?

"I have a new song with Kelis called Fire. It mad, mad, mad. It was released on her European album, cause you know how dem people split up their thing in the different territories."

Will a video be made for it?

"It is not specified as yet. You know because dancehall has not been fully accepted though people a capitalise pon it. Once it (song) picks up a vibe pon the street, then they will decide."

How did that collaboration come about?

"They sent the track to me and they were saying that they needed it to be done by (the next day). So we went over to Daddy Champagne and did the mix...They said that from them hear the track they wanted to go with a dancehall artiste and they thought that I was the person to do it."

Do you think collaborations with overseas acts are important?

"Yes because it widens our market. It introduces you to people who only listen to that music. Like for the people who only listen to hip hop and you collaborate with.