Greensleeves Records to Sign Delly Ranks?

Information reaching the roving reporter indicates that the London-based Greensleeves Records is about to sign dancehall deejay Delly Ranks. Information at press time was a bit sketchy, but what we were able to gather, is that the label has been in discussions with the deejay’s management for sometime now.

Edmond James, Independent Consultant to Greensleeves Records, confirmed Greensleeves’ interest in the young deejay. "Greensleeves is very much interested in working with Delly Ranks. He has been one of those talented deejays who has been making a name for himself over the years. Particularly in recent years, he has demonstrated his maturity and his lyrical content has improved. The same can be said about his performances at a number of events," Mr. James said.

Delly, who is best known for a string of singles including "Headache" (with Elephant Man), "Dem Vex Now," "Wagga Wagga Fat," "What a Gal Can Wine," "Head of the House," "Bun Him Up" and "Work Round Dem," recently completed work on his second production, "The Hennessey" rhythm. Songs on the rhythm, which will be released on his Pure Music Production label, are getting heavy rotation on local radio. Asked whether his company will be releasing the "Hennessey" on any compilation albums, Mr. James said "that is a possibility which we are looking into right now."

Mr. James refused to divulge any information on the pending album deal with the deejay. The deejay’s publicist said, "I cannot divulge any information right now. Things are still in their early stages. I am just glad that Delly will be given the opportunity to be heard on a larger scale now. If this comes through for Delly, it will be a major coup for us, as both of us have been working hard to get his career going."

Over the weekend of August 19, Delly performed on a major music showcase in New York City. The showcase titled ‘YUNAD Enterprises Presents a Melodic Syndrome Production" was held at the Baggot Inn in Manhattan.  It was organized by representatives from various record companies in the United States, with the hope of artists being discovered and signed through that medium. Delly was the only reggae/dancehall act on the lineup. The other artists were upcoming rappers, R&B, hip-hop, rock and folk acts.

According to reports, Delly presented himself well. Armed with "What a Gal Can Wine" and his latest single "Miss Call Me Too Often," Delly had the crowd on its feet from the moment he hit the stage. He interacted with the crowd and demonstrated the new dance craze out of the island, "the log on" dance. Artists who have performed on the showcase over the years and have gone on to the big times, include Macy Gray, Musiq Soul Child and girl group 3LW.

Prior to heading off to the showcase, Delly was interviewed on Hot 97 by Bobby Konders and Jabba. The day before that, he did the media rounds on WWRL radio with Francine Chin and Irie Jam FM with Dubb Master Chris.