‘Country Yutes’ — the debut album by Olympian-turned-producer Usain Bolt, done in conjunction with his long-time friend Nugent “NJ” Walker — took over the number one spot on the USA iTunes Reggae Albums chart on Sunday.
The 14-track set, removed Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Legend from the pole position.
Bolt said he was elated about the early success of the project, released last Friday.
“Any association with the legendary Bob Marley is a significant blessing to us. It’s a truly humbling feeling for us,” Bolt told the Jamaica Observer.
Country Yutes was released on the A-Team Lifestyle Records/United Masters label. It features collaborations such as Say Less (with Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner and Kamal), Need Your Love (with Jae XO), and the chart-topping It’s a Party (featuring NJ).
Bolt and Walker have shared a friendship since their childhood in Sherwood Content, Trelawny.
Bolt explained the meaning of the album’s title.
“Being from the rural area of Jamaica which most people call ‘country’. We always just owned that name and we felt that we needed to represent. So, it was the perfect title for us,” Bolt shared.
Prior to the release of Country Yutes, Bolt released three rhythm projects — Olympe Rose, Immortal and Clockwork. He is quite upbeat about the response to Country Yutes.
“The response to the project has been brilliant. We are humbled by the response of the fans because we worked very hard in studying the craft and just felt we would show our growth in music by putting out this album,” Bolt said.
He explained the creative process that went into the production of the Country Yutes.
“We wanted to create relatable music. We explored all the subsets of dancehall/ reggae music with the aim of giving fans a taste of what they love.”
Bolt continued, “we appreciate all the support given so far by the fans. Whether they purchase or stream it, as long as they are listening to the project is win for us.”
Asked how he plans to juggle his business ventures with his musical exploits, Bolt said, “We are excited about all our different ventures. It’s no secret to the world that I am not satisfied by doing one thing and I will always be diving into other ventures. As I always say, I don’t think limiting anything is possible.”
source: Jamaican Observer
