Jamaican music has always been a vibrant, diverse and influential force in the music industry. But in recent years, one producer has been making waves and taking the scene by storm with his unique sound and undeniable talent. His name is Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, and he is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after producers in the business.
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Di Genius grew up surrounded by music. His father, the legendary Freddie McGregor, is a well-known reggae singer, and his mother, Judy Mowatt, is a member of the iconic I-Threes, Bob Marley’s backing vocalists. It was only natural for young Stephen to follow in his family’s musical footsteps.
But instead of pursuing a career as a singer, Di Genius found his true calling behind the scenes as a producer. His unique blend of dancehall, reggae, and R&B has caught the attention of artists and fans around the world. His versatility and ability to deliver hit after hit has made him one of the most sought-after producers in the industry.
Recently, Di Genius sat down with Billboard to talk about his rise to success and his latest project, the “Riddim of the Year,” also known as the “Money Order Riddim.”
“It’s been a whirlwind of a year,” Di Genius said with a smile. “I’ve been blessed to work with some amazing artists and create some incredible music.”
Indeed, the “Money Order Riddim” has been taking the dancehall scene by storm since its release in 2019. The riddim features some of the biggest names in Jamaican music such as Agent Sasco, Masicka, and Mavado, and has become a favorite among DJs and fans alike.
When asked about the inspiration behind the riddim, Di Genius explained, “I wanted to create something that would make people want to dance, something that would bring people together. The beat just came to me, and I knew it was something special.”
And special it was. The “Money Order Riddim” has become a staple in dancehall parties and clubs, with its infectious beats and catchy lyrics. But what makes the riddim truly special is the co-sign it received from one of Jamaica’s most iconic artists, Buju Banton.
“Having Buju Banton on the riddim was a dream come true for me,” Di Genius shared. “He is a legend in the genre, and his stamp of approval meant everything to me.”
Banton, who was recently released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence, jumped on the riddim with his song “Trust.” The track was an instant hit, and Banton’s presence on the riddim only added to its success.
But it’s not just the “Money Order Riddim” that has been making waves for Di Genius. He has been busy working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Rihanna, Drake, and Jay-Z. And with each project, he continues to prove his talent and versatility as a producer.
“I’m just grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given,” Di Genius humbly expressed. “I never take anything for granted, and I always strive to bring something unique and special to each project I work on.”
And his hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated for numerous awards, including a Grammy for his work on Drake’s hit song “Controlla.” But for Di Genius, it’s not about the awards; it’s about making good music and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
With his infectious energy, undeniable talent, and passion for creating music, Di Genius is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. And as he continues to push boundaries and break records, there is no doubt that he will continue to be in high demand for years to come. The future looks bright for this Jamaican producer, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next.
