Producer Spotlight: D'JorfromWhim - His Story and Music

Music comes to life with vocals, instruments, and lyrics. We dance and sing along, but we do not think about the background work involved in putting a song together. I have written about numerous artists and their albums, but this blog post is about D’JorfromWhim.

Who is D’JorfromWhim
D’Jor Baptiste, also known as D’JorfromWhim, is a producer and audio engineer from Whim in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. His family has made significant contributions to the Virgin Islands music scene. D'Jor's relatives include his father, Deanroy Baptiste, his uncle, the late Alwyn Baptiste, Sr. of the Express Band, and his cousin, Alwyn Baptiste, Jr., also known as Daddy Jones. These musicians helped to modernize the sound of Virgin Islands soca and calypso into the groovy sound that we enjoy today.

The Journey
D’Jor shared that his musical roots started in soca and calypso when he was seven (7) years old. As he got older, he would create instrumentals or what we call ‘riddims’ for soca songs. However, as he matured, he shifted his focus to hip hop in 2014 because he always enjoyed the genre. Also, he switched because he wanted to create what people preferred to listen to all year round.

At first, he focused on making beats, and as he grew in the business, he learned to be a producer. By working with his brother and as he continued to hone his craft, he became an audio engineer. When I asked if he raps or writes lyrics, he quickly said he focuses on the beats, but he has added content to lyrics on a small scale. D’Jor has the resources for professional studio recording and has worked with numerous artists.

Creative Energy
This producer shared that when he is working with the beats, he feeds off the energy in the studio, which he calls his “mood room.” D’Jor shared an experience when a friend in the studio was shaking a marker. The sound inspired him, and he immediately went to his equipment and within five (5) minutes, he created a beat.

First Song Produced
The first song he produced was King Ponche’s “Blue Benjis,”  which was later remixed to feature Kapo Di’kaprio.

Discography Snapshot

• April 20, 2017: He released “Whim” under the Beach Gang label featuring Nyce, Winny2Cool, MugZee, Bentley Bell, Imho Dan, Kapo Di’Kaprio, Rose, King Diesel and Rayo Dan.
• June 5, 2020: “Flexing” was released with seven (7) tracks featuring Nyce, 2Klip340, Kid Sparta, TizZi TizZi, Rayo Dan, Dingo, Wil, and Guzzo.
• April 20, 2021: “4-20” included Uncle Mundo, King Ponche, TBMG Rose, Winny2Kool, and Dan Dadda.
• April 20, 2021: “Whim 2” included Kay Kay, Uncle Mundo, Rose, Koda Kvng, King Ponche, 2Klip340, Rudeboy Brow, Wil4romcruz, AP OG, and Dan Dadda.
• August 13, 2021: He produced a five (5) track EP for Dan Dadda titled “Lil Medi.” 

Upcoming Work
D’Jor shared that he has unreleased work that will be released soon.

• “Deluxe Edition” album to be released soon
• Another mixtape is coming before the end of March 2022
• He also has new work coming soon with Ponche, TBMG Rose and Uncle Mundo

After consistently releasing new work on April 20 since 2020, D’Jor promised new music on April 20, 2022.

Advice from D’Jor to Youths Wanting to Get into Music
"Be You. Eliminate having a goal - a goal puts a roof over your success when the sky is the limit."

Musician and More
In addition to producing music, D’Jor owns and manages Gwan Mannyè, a restaurant that serves contemporary Caribbean cuisine. His uncle suggested the name, which has creole origins. It has several meanings: good eating, good living or everything positive.

POEM: Seeing the Similarities

Light and dark

Contrasts with similarities

Open the passage to clarity

But without the vagueness of insanity

Or the vengeance of vanity

Because I’ve shifted focus

on building my capacity

while watching the earth in its entirety

because I can’t tune the opacity

and you never forgave my senility

My naivety and lack of sincerity

Development is risky

And with no vision, the ground is shaky

Do you see how the bird’s feathers are silky?

It is easy to sit in the contrast

When you don’t see the similarities

© Linette Rabsatt

Album Spotlight: Excuse My Accent 2 by King Ponche

“They pushing vibes,

I could feel the energy,

I was blind to it now I can see,

if ain’t broke don’t fix it,

I rather keep my distance,

they don’t see my vision”

King Ponche performs these lyrics in “Pushing Vibes,” a song on his latest album, Excuse My Accent 2. He is an artist from St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. 

How King Ponche Started in Music
King Ponche wrote poetry while he attended school. Then around 2012, he linked with Teh’ron Tull, who encouraged him to record his performances. He considered music a hobby; however, he became inspired as people showed interest in his songs. King Ponche’s first song was “Ambition.” In 2015, he released his first album, Trap Paradise.

Excuse My Accent 2
Every Caribbean native who has visited or migrated to the United States can relate to Americans asking about our accent. King Ponche shared that he also had similar experiences because his Crucian accent is strong. He released Excuse My Accent in 2018 with 20 tracks.

The follow-up Excuse My Accent 2 has 11 tracks, which were all written by King Ponche. He recorded some tracks himself and some with Big A Prado. King Ponche shared that Excuse My Accent 2 offers a flavor of trap, rap, melodic, money music and R&B.

1. “L.O.A.D” (“Life of A Don”)
Producer: SDProductionzVI
Lyric snippet: “I hot like I catching a fever, trendsetter, money maker, n***a, I a leader, spin on the block in a Beamer, ducking an dodging the reaper, straight out the projects, I need a deposit if you trying to talk cause I talking bout business….”

2. “Harden” 

Producer: Emkay
Lyric snippet: “I can’t relate cause we don’t have nothing in common, I don’t forgive and I don’t give too many chances, if he flossing then my cuzzy going to extort him, how you a killer, dog and ain’t no bodies dropping….”

3. “Shadows”
Producer: SDProductionzVI
Lyric snippet: “Pocket watching, knock yo eye out the socket. This sh*t could get tragic. Deep in the projects with all the assassins. Sh*t could go left you don’t know what could happen.”

4. “Ain’t Safe” featuring DahReal Kmoney
Producer: BeatzOnLockdown
Lyric snippet: “I so fly – got a bird’s eye view, I just wanna be a young tycoon, when it come to the hate, I immune, they just mad cause we never does lose….”

5. “Catch Myself”
Producer: SahBeats
Lyric snippet: “I remember times I would sleep on the floor, had to hustle like never before, I too busy, catch me on the go, I be high but I move on the low….”

6. “Pushing Vibes”
Producer: Polack

7. “Hold It Down”
Producer: DJorFromWhim
Lyric snippet: “Only loyal n***as in my camp, they will light you up just like a lamp, when it’s time, I don’t step, I does stamp, them n***as confused looking ranks….”

8. “Top Shelf” featuring 2Klip340
Producer: Animeted
Lyric snippet: “I don’t smoke what you smoke, that s**t gyab, I got different flavors by the bag, top shelf all I smoke is gas”

9. “Sacrifices”
Producer: Greytest & Kyd Ace
Lyric snippet: “They don’t see the struggle, they only see when you shining, had to switch it up, I had to make some sacrifices, seeing is believing, but love for you made me blind, let my feelings get the best of me, that might be the death of me….”

10. “Prayed Up”
Producer: JGotMelodyz
King Ponche shared that this track is a relatable song about how people go through different things.
Lyric snippet: “I perfecting my craft, I try not to stress, cause life goes on, it be moving so fast, don’t get lost in the sauce, now I in 1st place but I started in last….”

11. Don’t Forget Me featuring VI Jo
Producer: Ant Chamberlain
Lyric snippet: “You say love me but you got n***as on the side, I shoulda know cause you showed me all the signs, that mean that everything you told me was a lie, you did me wrong but all I did was treat you right….”

Where to Find Excuse My Accent 2
You can find this album on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, etc. Visit his Link Tree. 

Shout Outs to Persons Who Assisted with Excuse My Accent 2
King Ponche gave a special shout out to SD Productions VI, producer for “L.O.A.D.” and “Shadows.” In addition, SD Productions VI, a long term acquaintance, created the cover art.

King Ponche’s Favorite Track on Excuse My Accent 2
King Ponche’s favorite track is “Sacrifices.” According to him, “in life, you have to make sacrifices” regardless of the various trials, tribulations and milestones.

Facts You May Not Know About King Ponche

• King Ponche is an audio/sound engineer and producer.
• The artist he listens to most is Future.

Music Videos
King Ponche already released a music video for “Shadows” and one for “Sacrifices” is coming soon.

Advice to the Youth Wanting to Get in the Music Business
King Ponche advises:

• “Anything is possible - just put your mind to it”
• “Before you sign off on anything, make sure the business is right.”
• “The music is a plus but to make income and to get the music out there – you have to get the music right.”
• “Do you and be yourself.”

Upcoming Projects
King Ponche asked that we stay tuned to his social media pages for his upcoming projects.

POEM: A Michael Jackson Story

He said "Billie Jean is not my lover"

but Annie was upset

No matter how he asked,

"Annie, are you ok?"

She was not having it

He said "The kid is not my son"

People always 

"Wanna be starting something"

but all she said was

"Remember the time"

and he knew she was fed up

He tried to be a "Thriller"

but she only believed what

she saw in "Black and White"

He kept pleading

"I just can't stop loving you,"

"I'll be there,"

It's just "Human Nature,"

those other people

"They Don't Care About Us"

but this "Pretty Young Thing"

only wanted to "Scream"

She said look at the

"Man in the Mirror,"

you'll see a "Smooth Criminal"

"The way you make me feel"

is "Dangerous"

I want to "Rock with you"

but you better 

"Leave me alone"

or there will be

"Blood on the dance floor"

You are "Bad"

because at night

"You are not alone"

I remember when

"Love never felt so good"

and when I would say

"Don't stop till you get enough"

but now I need someone

to "Heal the world"

that I live in

© Linette Rabsatt

New Album: The Bad Heart by Jus Khe

Who is YDO JUS KHE (YODEFOWA) [Jus Khe]?
Jus Khe is a hip-hop artist from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.

His Story
Jus Khe wrote poetry, and he collaborated with other St. Croix poets to start a poetry club at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix campus. Jus Khe and other poets visited schools to inspire the students and share their talents. He eventually ventured into music because he enjoyed performing in front of a crowd. He debuted as a featured artist on ‘Too Lit’ by Kay Dinero in 2017.

Jus Khe performed under several stage names:
2017: K-13
2018: Jus Khe

2021: YDO JUSKHE

2017 became an unprecedented year for Virgin Islanders with the passage of Hurricane Irma and Maria. Jus Khe also faced challenges brought on by the storm, and he put music on hold momentarily. He left the US Virgin Islands to continue his studies, and in 2020, he renewed his passion in music.

Album: The Bad Heart
Jus Khe released The Bad Heart (TBH) on February 14, 2022. He began the project in October 2021. The artist shared that he enjoys trap music but wanted to do something different with this album.

When asked about the significance of releasing this album on Valentine’s Day, Just Khe shared that “all songs come from a different point of view – from ventures in today’s reality – primarily from a betrayal of trust – which is very vivid in the album.”

Jus Khe wrote his lyrics and shared appreciation for his producer, Arl Polydore, and engineer, Mark Sciaruto. While this artist can also mix and master, he booked a studio to ensure TBH had a professional studio sound.

The album comprises seven tracks:

1. Spazz
Lyric snippet: “I guess the pain does make a n***a stronger, I hope the world make you feel abandon, I want you hurting, hope you understand that”

2. Deserve It
Lyric snippet: “I don’t think that you deserve it, I put my time in you cause I thought you were worth it, I wiped you down and you turn around and do me dirt”

3. Flip Flops
Lyric snippet: “I be caressing her slowly, you working too much so she lonely, sad that you think she's a trophy, when you go to work she does throat me, that’s not your b***h, that’s your homey”

4. Interlude

5. Bundles
Lyric snippet: “cause I a demon in the streets and a demon in the sheets and demons like fire so you know I bringing heat”

6. His Girl featuring Cue Soul
Lyric snippet: “Don’t get mad at me, I tell you honestly, I’m not the one who supposed to be showing you loyalty, these broad ain't none to me, but they in love with me, you gotta grow up and that’s why I had to let you feel the pain”

7. Bridges
Lyric snippet: “I ain’t trying to build no bridges, I’m gonna let them bridges burn, I’m trying to build my riches, getting everything I deserve”

Where to Find The Bad Heart
You can find Jus Khe’s music on all streaming platforms: Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, etc.

Links:
· Link tree: https://linktr.ee/Juskhe
· Album Link: https://album.link/i/1610179145
· Artist Gear: https://ydogearsnwearscom.creator-spring.com/

Feedback on TBH
Jus Khe shared that fans have shared encouraging feedback. He has been surprised by the positive feedback from the female fans. While he could not say which track was his favorite, Jus Khe stated that his fans’ most popular choice is “Spazz” because they said they feel the energy, and it is an ideal first track for the album.

Who Jus Khe Listens To

Mainstream: Kodak Black, PNB Rock, Young Dolph, and Key Glock
Virgin Islands: Dan Dadda and OTT

Advice to the Youth Who to Pursue Music
Jus Khe encouraged young people to “make sure you have a distinctive Plan A and Plan B – because this music life is not cheap. Plan A should be where you can get the money to get started."

Anything Else that You Want People to Know about Jus Khe
The artist shares his music to symbolize that:
1. “you don’t have to follow the crowd in your music. So many people like and don’t like – (but) people will choose good music over common music. You can be different – the next new thing. You don’t have to be the existing artist but you have to be the new one.
2. in music, if it is not right, it is wrong – no in between. You can’t change the past – focus on the next future step.”

Music Video
Jus Khe plans to release a music video for “Spazz” soon.

Upcoming Work

He plans to release an EP on April 20, 2022, and a Mother’s Day song on May 8, 2022. Fans should also look for another album on Jus Khe's birthday, August 2, 2022.

POEM: Who It Is

I don't always know
where to go
but I surely know
who to turn to
who will
answer the call
I know who will not
let me fall
and who I can
bear my all to
and as I am short
who can stand tall
and will ensure
I don't look back
who will always

pull up the slack
It's a fact
I know who's
got my back
I know who will 

walk far for me

who will help me

to portray a better me

I appreciate 

who is my light

who is my inspiration
and who is my number one

fan, cheerleader

and co-conspirator

in all things good

Ⓒ Linette Rabsatt

Behaviors We Need to Check Ourselves On

I get my inspiration from many places, but it is more prominent when I garden or hang clothes. I draw ideas from conversations, happenings, memes, or concerns. This blog post came from a series of different events that alarmed or surprised me. I started to consider growing up and what people told me. I also thought about what I say to my children and other young people. Therefore, I decided to pen this list of behaviors we need to reconsider.

• No Comparison to Siblings, Parents, or Other Members of the Family

We are all not the same. We don't process things the same way, and we do not have the same talents. Please don't compare each other. I say this to teachers and employers. Learn about each person through interaction and encourage them in their journeys.

• I am Not My Hair or My Skin

A hairstyle is a personal choice and does not depict anything but a personal choice. You do not have to like someone's hairstyle, but you should not judge the person by how their hair looks. I would say it is the same for tattoos. Some religions frown on tattoos, and I don't have any. However, some people enjoy wearing their tattoos, dreadlocks, perms, etc. That is fine!

• Custom and Culture are Different

I have said this before in a previous blog post. We must recognize that culture evolves; therefore, we should record the history that we create. Our future generations need to be able to appreciate our journey.

• Don't greet me with "You Get Fat!"

Somehow, we think it is cute to greet someone with, "How you get so fat?" or "You lose so much weight - you sick?" We emphasize physical appearance, yet we encourage unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. We can ask how someone is doing or about their family or job. Maybe, we could greet the person and not ask them anything. I think we have hurt too many people with our words. It's time to change the conversation.

Meme: https://me.me/i/all-caribbean-people-do-is-ask-you-to-bring-something-17898247

• "Mind your Business"

Please refer to the previous bullet point and focus on developing yourself or encouraging those around you. We call it "melee" when you gossip. If you put more energy into your personal growth instead of digging into others' personal lives, you can use that time to learn new skills or enjoy yourself with your family. In this category, I also ask that you do not speak ill of other people's children, despite any wrongdoing. Instead, pray for them and their parents.

• Let People Choose their Career

When I was growing up, people told me:

1. Don't be a lawyer because they lie a lot
2. Join the army
3. Not to say you want someone's job because they will block you in life

Today, I smile. I have exploratory conversations with my children. I chose my path based on my interests because I wanted to be happy and inspire others. We do not have to agree with our children's choices, and we should encourage them to weigh all options. However, I know what it feels like to be unhappy in a job, so I will not pressure anyone to choose a career they are not comfortable pursuing.

• You Can't Force "Big People!"

We love to push our personal opinion on others. Stop it! If someone asks for advice, share it. If you see another person going down the wrong path, encourage them to do better. However, do not push your agenda on other people. Whether you are forcing them to side with your political, religious, or biased view, stop it! Share your side and let the person make their decision.

• Listen!

Please listen to the person speaking with you. We clutter the world with activity, media, and confusion, so you cannot always focus your time to listen. However, if someone reaches out to you, please hear them out. Don't be quick to hear and dismiss. Sometimes, people need your help or need to vent. 

I mentioned the word 'journey' several times and alluded to communication and perception throughout this post. We have to be mindful of ourselves, relatives, friends, co-workers, and the community. We all are on a journey and need each other. Be good to those with who you come in contact.

Ribbon