When Ya Hold Me JonQuan × Screechy Dan

Stepping into the spotlight with a profound reverence for the roots of the genre, producer and multi-instrumentalist JonQuan delivered a stunning tribute to the golden age of reggae with his September 2021 single, “When Ya Hold Me”." Serving as a brilliant introduction to his collaborative album Easy Star Presents: JonQuan & Associates, the track demonstrates JonQuan's ability to craft brand-new tunes that feel like long-lost vintage classics. Working closely with two-time GRAMMY-winning producer and dub specialist Victor Rice (Easy Star All-Stars, Ticklah), JonQuan meticulously built a soundscape that perfectly balances deep, analog warmth with infectious, danceable grooves.

The centerpiece of “When Ya Hold Me” is the electrifying vocal contribution from legendary dancehall veteran Screechy Dan. A Jamaican-born, Brooklyn-raised pioneer, Screechy was a vital force in putting the New York City dancehall scene on the map in the 1990s alongside artists like Shaggy and Redd Foxx. Known as one of the first reggae artists to seamlessly weave hip-hop style and flow into his delivery, he brings an unmatched pedigree to the track. As JonQuan himself notes, "Screechy Dan is such a G. Lyrics for ages and style to match. His voice still echoes his early style."  

Released as part of a steady rollout leading up to his full-length debut, “When Ya Hold Me” perfectly encapsulates the collaborative spirit of the wider album project. Accompanied by a superb B-side dub version—"When Ya Dub Me"—mixed by Rice, the single set the stage for a record packed with reggae heavyweights, including Carlton Livingston and Elliot Martin. Ultimately, the release stands as a testament to JonQuan's visionary approach to production, proving that while he may be a relatively new name on the marquee, his understanding of reggae's foundational magic is second to none.