Reggae tracks drive video game

JAMAICAN reggae, dub, and dancehall music feature prominently on the soundtrack for the latest edition of popular video game, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) released on Tuesday.

The creators of GTA V have designed 17 playlists, known as radio stations, based on a specific genre of music to accompany the video game’s on-screen action.

 

The Blue Ark is the radio station featuring reggae, dub and dancehall music.

Hosted by veteran reggae producer and artiste Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, the station interestingly features more older, roots-reggae music as opposed to its younger sub-genre dancehall.

Of the 14 tracks, nine are from older foundation acts, while the remaining five are from the younger breed.

The artistes featured are Joe Gibbs — Chapter Three; Half Pint – Crazy Girl; Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry – Disco Devil and I am a Madman; The Upsetters – Grumblin’ Dub; Dennis Brown – Money in My Pocket; Gregory Isaacs – Night Nurse; Yellowman – Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt, and Junior Delgado – Sons of Slaves.

Dancehall is represented by Konshens – Gun Shot a Fire; Protoje – Kingston Be Wise; Chronixx – Odd Ras; Tommy Lee Sparta – Psycho; and Vybz Kartel & Popcaan – Never Fear Dem.

This is not the first time that Jamaican music has been represented on Grand Theft Auto soundtracks. In 2008, deejay Mavado’s Real McCoy made it onto the playlist of the video game.

“The cultural impact and artistic quality of the game also demonstrates just how far video games have come,” says Richard Wilson, head of games industry trade body Tiga.

 

By: Jamaica Observer

For the original report go to http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Reggae-tracks-drive-video-game_15095476