Skillibeng has experienced a whirlwind of success since his 2019 single "Brik Pan Brik" took Jamaica by storm. From sold-out shows around the world to a steady stream of #1 hits on the dancehall charts, he has made a significant impact in the music scene. His follow-up hits, including "Badman," and the release of his debut album, Prodigy, have propelled him into the global spotlight. This success has led to collaborations with some of dancehall's biggest names and endorsements from internationally renowned artists such as Drake and Nicki Minaj.

Emwah Ryan Warmington, who hails from Saint Thomas Parish and grew up in the rural community of Lyssops, has built a solid discography with two previous EPs and three albums. His EP International is particularly notable for its diverse fusion of sounds and genres, further solidifying Skillibeng's position as a leader among the new generation of dancehall artists.

The EP begins with a remix of "New Gears" featuring Vybz Kartel, where both artists flow over a solid beat. It showcases the veteran artist working alongside a next-generation star. One standout track is "DADA," which features a sample from "Din Daa Daa" by George Kranz, along with a snippet from the 1966 "Bam Bam" by Byron Lee. Skillibeng shared, “The inspiration behind ‘DADA’ was the beat. It had the sound I was looking for. ‘DADA’ is the first track released from my highly anticipated EP titled International. This project essentially involves using different types of beats from various cultures and mixing them with Jamaican Patois as an experiment to showcase creativity and diversity.”

"Nipple Point" opens with a heavy beat, featuring electronic sounds that guide us through the song as Skillibeng delivers a strong and distinctive flow. Ghanaian pop sensation MOLIY joins Skillibeng on the track "Too Hot." This Afrobeat-inspired song highlights Skillibeng's immense confidence, emphasizing that his talent is so exceptional that he is "too hot to handle," making it difficult for other artists to compete with him.

The song "Anywhere" features a solid dancehall track with Ty Dolla $ign and Major Lazer. It speaks to the desire to escape a difficult or monotonous life and the longing for a change of scenery, often through money or travel, to achieve a better and more exciting existence. The lyrics convey a yearning to be in a place that is more glamorous, expensive, or exotic than the current reality. Skillibeng delivers a tight flow, while Ty Dolla $ign elevates the track even further.

On the other hand, "Bakaz," featuring Shaz, showcases a fusion of styles in its production, driven by a snare drum that guides the listener through the song. Skillibeng adopts a quicker flow here; however, I would have liked to hear more from Shaz.

"Big Strap," featuring Young Nudy, brings an old-school hip-hop vibe by sampling "Misdemeanor" by Foster Sylvers, which is also well-known from "It’s Funky Enough" by The D.O.C. Skillibeng delivers a fantastic rap flow, while Young Nudy sounds like he stepped straight out of the 90s for his verses.

Next is the "Tip Remix," featuring Ayetian and Nvtzz, who deliver a fast-paced flow with Skillibeng keeping up as they flow over this upbeat, Afro-Caribbean-inspired track.

"Ivany" refers to Jamaican TikToker and social media personality Ivany Wright. This track is a dancehall song dedicated to her and is produced by JWonder and Addy Prod. It’s a provocative song inspired by the viral spread of her explicit content, resulting in a bass-heavy dancehall banger.

The iconic Bam Bam riddim, famously known for Chaka Demus & Pliers’ hit "Murder She Wrote" in 1992, has been sampled by American producer Yeti for Skillibeng’s song, titled "Boom." The track features Dominican singer Tokischa, who delivers a rapid-fire verse that contrasts with Skillibeng’s slower, laid-back flow.

The EP concludes with the track "New Gears," which features a sample from the 1964 song "Mon amie la rose" by French singer Françoise Hardy. This sampling of Hardy's classic song brings a unique and unexpected element to the collaboration.

Skillibeng's latest project, International, marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his reputation as an artist who transcends genre and leads the new wave of dancehall. He skillfully blends contemporary styles with innovative and creative elements, while still paying homage to the past. Skillibeng's knack for merging raw, street-oriented lyrics with global musical influences and pulsating beats makes him capable of energizing dancefloors. His storytelling keeps fans engaged and captivated. This project celebrates the power of music to unite cultures and touch hearts around the world. Skillibeng invites listeners on a sonic journey, weaving together authentic street narratives with international sounds, and once again demonstrates why he is a voice for a new generation.

One Love – Todd M. Judd