International Reggae Star and Olympian Krueshef Talks Cooking Up New “Vibez” and Opens Up About Going Against the Grain

International dancehall singer Krueshef is back on the scene with his latest single “Vibez,” a strong, melodic follow-up to his 2021 Billboard-charting single, “Ah Good Thing.” Yet with renewed attention on his music, Krueshef remains no stranger to fame or success. In 2004, he was cemented in global history as a boxer on the United States Olympic Boxing Team, competing in Athens, Greece. Now, he’s focused full-time on his music and curating “Vibez” that will continue to shake the world, one song at a time.

The multi-hyphenate artist discovered his love for music at the age of 12 after betting with classmates that he could make his voice sound like legendary dancehall artist Bounty Killer– and he’s been perfecting his craft ever since. Not only did Krueshef win that bet along with $20, but it was the first time he would fall in love with performing for audiences. With time, and while boxing, his talent and desire to make music took on a life of its own.

Krueshef took his music seriously, along with the goal to infuse positive spirituality into his offerings, and has gone on to release the powerful 2015 debut single “Great I Am,” 2018’s “No Response,” and the critically acclaimed 2020 EP “We Rise Up.” The new single “Vibez” is Krueshef’s fourth official single since launching his dynamic career seven years ago.

Krueshef has found fulfillment in seeing his fans dance to the intriguing sounds of his dancehall music and he is intentional about using the lyrics to explore how to deal with real-life situations. While his gift to create music has proven to uplift and touch the souls of his listeners, Krueshef shares that he has received feedback encouraging him to be less spiritual and be more “mainstream.” Still, Krueshef insists that no one is going to change his mind or tell him to take God out of his music—it’s a part of who he is. And “Vibez” is his latest testimony to this overarching purpose that motivates him daily.

Krueshef sat down with The Hype Magazine to discuss his new single “Vibez” and why he’ll never change who he is.

THM: In 2021, your single “Ah Good Thing” from the album Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica: The Reggae Collector’s Edition rose to number 16 on the Billboard charts. What was it like making it to Billboard as an independent artist?

KRUESHEF: To have a song chart on the Billboard was like a milestone for me. I felt great because being an independent dancehall artist in a highly competitive and oversaturated market it distinguishes me with credibility. This was one of my dreams come true and I know that I have so much more to do. While it’s a blessing to be recognized, it’s equally as important for fans all over the globe to recognize that real music touches the heart and I want then to be a light in the darkness.

THM: You shared that you were inspired to write your new single “Vibez” after watching a dancehall music video that you describe as ‘craziness.’ Tell us more about your reaction and resolve as an artist after watching the music video.

KRUESHEF: I was appalled after watching a music video that soon escalated from a good to super crazy. One dancer, in particular, picked up a girl and jumped off of the roof onto another roof. At the same time, several other dancers were body slamming other video vixens on the fence, the car, and the ground. I watched in horror thinking to myself, “This girl, as well as the dancer in the video, could’ve broken their necks. I told myself that I would have to bring attention to it the best way I know how – through my music.

When I saw that the dance hall culture was getting out of control, God gave me this track. This is what people need – they need to know how to respect a woman, how to dance the right way, and how to have fun the right way.

THM: With faith in God as the foundation upon which you’ve built your career, how have you managed to balance being relatable, real, and honest without compromising who you are?

KRUESHEF: I keep balance without compromising my faith by God’s grace and being true to who I am. I always said, let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Nobody is better than anyone, we’re all the same in God’s eyes. No matter where you live, what your financial status is, whether rich or poor – we all have issues.

Follow Krueshef on all social media platforms @Krueshef

Krueshef’s latest single Vibez is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Editor: Craig Dewey Stanley

Photo credits: Steven Williams

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.