How did you get your start in the business?

Rayvon has been a musician & fooling around w/instruments since he was a kid. Rayvon's avid interest in music encouraged him to learn how to play the bass guitar. In addition to traditional musical instruments, Rayvon had mixers in the late 80's and entered the DJ scene. "I recorded my first song ["Sweet & Pretty"] at Living Room Studios in Brooklyn". This is where a strong music industry bond was formed, a bond that would last more than a decade. It was in this studio that Rayvon met Shaggy. Shaggy was there working on a solo project. When they met, the vibe was right and they ended up collaborating on the tune "Big Up". The song was produced by Sting (radio DJ @ 98.7 Kiss FM), and that was primarily how their music began getting airplay. That was around 1991 and early 1992. Rayvon and Shaggy have worked together (for the most part) ever since.

What was your experience like working on the Showtime movie soundtrack?

"The work [on Showtime] was the same [as recording an album]. A lot of the times you don't get to meet the actors unless you are doing a video [and]...the actors would be in the video." Rayvon is not new to this, he also had a songs on both the Speed 2 and Flipper soundtracks. The song on the Flipper soundtrack is titled "In the Summertime" and the song on the Speed 2 soundtrack is titled "Some People". Rayvon is extremely glad that his song was included on the Showtime soundtrack. In the movie Showtime Eddie Murphy and Robert De Niro play cops on a reality series. The song from the soundtrack, titled "My Bad" is also the title track on his upcoming album, which will be released on June 4, 2002.

With the release of your album coming soon (June 4, 2002), what do you see yourself working on in the near future?

"Basically my motto is the sky's the limit." Rayvon stated that he would like to work on commercials to help promote the album. He is also interested in doing production for other artists and a lot MORE TOURING. I asked Rayvon how he felt about touring and he stated "touring is more of a family thing", however he has no qualms about touring with any artists, whether they are fellow label members or not. One of the artists that Rayvon would love to tour with would be Sade. Rayvon feels that touring with artists like Sade would expose his music to a wider audience. But at the end of the day, he would welcome the opportunity to tour with anyone.

What is this about your job at UPS? I was reading that you never really quit is this true?

"I was actually on a long leave of absence and I never returned...At the time I was juggling my career & the UPS job. I wasn't sure if this (music) would have turned into anything. I guess I made the right choice and I'm definitely not complaining. I'm gonna stay on my leave of absence." Good for you Rayvon...too bad for UPS (lol), I'm sure they miss you over there!

Are there any Hip-Hop/R&B artists that you are particularly interested in working with?

"I am a big fan of hip-hop and I always was I would not mind collaborating with any of them from
NAS to Jay Z, Scarface to 8 Ball or Ludacris. There are a lot of R&B artists I would collaborate with". For those of you who don't know, Rayvon did a couple of tracks on a Funk Master Flex mix. The two most notable of those songs was "No Guns No Murda" and "Pretty".

How far do you think dancehall has come in the past few years?

"For every reggae artist that comes to the forefront it bridges another gap with other music and other
people can listen to it. Yellow man, Shabba, Shaggy, Beenie and Bounty [made] a lot of collaborations [that] have helped the music and it [the music] continues to bridge the gap." And I cannot argue with that statement...Dancehall Reggae, as a genre continues to bridge the great divide. "This music definitely sells, it's not a fad music it's a worldwide type of music." As Rayvon stated, the music industry often underestimates the Caribbean consumer, but they are beginning to realize that we too have buying power.

What do you attribute your appeal to? Is it strange for you as a dancehall artist to have so many young fans?

I watched you on 'Teenapalooza' with my son and my niece. My niece is 10 years old and she loves both you and Shaggy.... "When we do music, we just do what we love...we just do music and the music just speaks for itself."

Do you plan on incorporating any original dancehall riddims in your upcoming album?

"It's mixed up, some Dancehall, Lovers Rock, R&B, Reggae & hip-hop. Definitely a flava to be sampled."

Will there be a remix to the song "2-Way"?

"Yes there will be a remix...should be in the mix right now"

Shout out for the ladies....Are you single???

"Yeah, I'm single." Break out the champange ladies!!

Is there some way that Bashment Link-Up® can get a sample of the song "My Bad"? We would like to introduce it our viewers and get them ready for "My Bad" the album, coming in June!

"That shouldn't be a problem. I should be able to hook that up." So there you have it ladies and gents. Be on the look out for a sample of the title track off of Rayvon's soon to be released album, "My Bad" which will be in stores June 4, 2002.

For those of you interested in dubplate information you can call the Big Yard office at 516-568-1343 and ask for Rayvon or Tom. This will get you access to dubplates from any of the artists on the MCA/Big Yard label. Please remember that a lot of these guys are constantly on tour...so be patient!

At this time Bashment Link-Up® would like to take the time to thank Rayvon, King Adonajah, longtime friend & Dianne who is responsible for Rayvon's Internet Public Relations (you go girl) in addition to the MCA/Big Yard family for giving us a great opportunity!

Interview conducted by Kimmy-blu for Bashment Link-Up®