We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
Jamaican singer Gyptian‘s “Hold You (Hold Yuh)” has been omnipresent on R&B and rap radio in recent months. Not bad for a song that was originally released in 2009. Thanks to its simple, finger-tinkling keyboard beat, Gyptian’s patois-filled falsetto melody, and a hip-hop remix with Nicki Minaj, this syrupy tune has become the biggest reggae-related crossover since Sean Paul‘s prime a few years back. And there’s a Caribbean soca remix, too. Gyptian, born Windell Edwards, will be at the Crossroads Entertainment Complex tonight.
He first came to fame in 2005 with his roots-reggae single “Serious Times,” which he followed with a 2006 album debut, My Name is Gyptian, that featured anti-violence roots reggae numbers and romantic lovers rock cuts. On his 2008 follow-up, I Can Feel Your Pain, he upped the polished R&B quotient, and that continues on this year’s Hold You album. While sometimes he sounds more squeeky than a ladies-man balladeer ought to, on most cuts he displays an effective vocal range, going from a warm conversational tone to a more mannered, higher-note approach.
Gyptian performs tonight at 11 p.m. at the Crossroads Entertainment Complex, 4103 Baltimore Ave. (Route 1), Bladensburg, Md. $20 (women can text “liquid” to 28527 for free admission before 11 p.m.). (301) 927-1056.
This isn't a paywall.
We don't have one. Readers like you keep our work free for everyone to read. If you think that it's important to have high quality local reporting we hope you'll support our work with a monthly contribution.