The dancehall star also previews his Jamrock Cruise takeover, new gospel track, and why dancers deserve more respect.
Ding Dong is in full promo mode. Stopping by Hot 93.7 for a sit-down with Buck n Regg, the dancehall dynamo offered an animated look into his upcoming album May Dust, dropping May 2. From a buzzing listening party in NYC to an early morning interview in Connecticut, his hustle shows no signs of slowing down.
Leading the rollout is the high-energy single “Street Jump,” a fresh, dancehall-powered take on Kris Kross’ classic “Jump.” Ding Dong says it’s the “street version,” blending nostalgic flair with the rhythmic fire his fans know and love. “We put Skank on it, we put Kaka High Flames on it—it’s the street way,” he explains.
The conversation dives into Ding Dong’s passion for dance, the foundation of his artistry. “Dance is my root. Dancehall can’t spell without dance,” he states. His mission is clear: to uplift the dancers who help make songs go viral, both in Jamaica and globally. Drawing comparisons to Chris Brown and Teyana Taylor’s live shows, Ding Dong advocates for similar levels of respect and visibility in the Caribbean music scene. “Dancers deserve credit. They bust the songs,” he insists.
A standout moment in the episode comes when Ding Dong details his admiration for Shaggy and Sean Paul, two icons whose relentless work ethic inspires him. Recalling a recent studio session with Shaggy, he notes the reggae legend’s punctuality and perfectionism: “This man showed up before everyone, even earlier than me. He’s rich rich but still works hard—how can I not do the same?”
May Dust promises a diverse lineup. Among the surprises is a gospel song with Vanessa Bling that’s already earned an emotional stamp of approval—“She cried while recording it,” he shares. The project also features a remix of his breakout hit “Bad Man Forward,” updated by Ricky Blaze and featuring Skeng, extending its legacy for another generation.
As for live performances, Ding Dong is ready to own the deck on the Jamrock Cruise, a space typically reserved for more roots-based reggae acts. “Me own the deck,” he declares, unfazed by genre expectations. He even teases viral moments like dancer Buck lifting a fan mid-performance—despite nursing an injured arm. The cruise, which sells out annually, has already booked Ding Dong for its 10th anniversary edition.
With the album on the way, the cruise lined up, and singles heating up, Ding Dong’s movement feels bigger than ever. As he puts it, “Every time, it haffi be a different experience.”
