http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/supamodel-joelee-runway-studio
The 1990s and first five years of the 21st century were good for dancehall music. Shabba Ranks, Shaggy and Sean Paul were rarely off Billboard charts and American radio.
Though she was about to start a modeling career then, Joelee Smith also focused on making it in music.
With life on the runway winding down, she kicked off her singing career as Joelee seven years ago. Her latest song, PFAT, is a mix of hip hop and dancehall.
“I love to stand out, I don’t want to blend in. I want to bring a different type of music so people can do something different to it,” she said.
Released in late 2015, PFAT has been serviced to major urban radio stations in the United States including Power 105 in New York and Chicago’s Power 102.
Those outlets were receptive to dancehall acts back in the day and helped introduce them to hip hop and pop audiences.
Joelee recorded her first song, Fret, in 2009 while she was with Saint International, a leading Jamaican modeling agency.
Wey Yuh a Go Do, So Sexy and Model Chic followed. Like PFAT, those songs are produced and marketed by DAGCK Records.
Working with one producer and company, she points out, has its benefits.
“Its important to work with people who share your vision. DAGCK knows the type of beats that’s good for Joelee,” she said.
Love Letter, her follow-up to PFAT, is expected to be released soon.