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Bahrain-based rapper Richmond Shaw, who goes by the stage name Hotline, is set to heat up the musical airwaves with sizzling tracks in collaboration with international soca singing star Kevin Lyttle.
The dynamic duo have been working together on a project tentatively titled A LYTTLE twist of LINE featuring two tracks boasting Caribbean vibes that Hotline says will make you want to move!
“I don’t want to give away too much before it’s all locked and loaded, but yeah it’s going to be great fun to hear,” said the 34-year-old former soldier from the US state of Michigan who works in Bahrain as an international liaison and concept design specialist ranging from private to the government and royal sectors. “Kevin and I have known each other for quite some time. We met while we were both working at an event at the Abu Dhabi Yas Island and during the meeting we shared a few laughs as well as found out we have a lot in common including industry colleagues.
“I worked with him again when he came to Bahrain in November last year and performed with him in concert. He has great energy and knows what works for him. I admire that aspect. He was also scouting for movie talent locally.”
The Caribbean singer Kevin, who has performed in Bahrain a few times at a reggae beach party and at a lounge, used to be a radio DJ and is known for his 2004 soca ballad and worldwide hit Turn Me On with dancehall’s Spragga Benz.
The song reached Number Two in the UK, spending seven weeks in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart. It caught on around the globe, reaching Number Four in the US, Number Three in Australia and placing within the Top Five in many European countries. In 2007, he performed at the Cricket World Cup opening ceremony in Greenfield Stadium, Jamaica, and in the same year he founded his own record label, Tarakon Records. Kevin has also collaborated with superstars such as Flo Rida and Shaggy. His self-titled debut album went multi-platinum, selling over two million copies, and follow-up hits for the superstar include Slow Motion and Last Drop.
Hotline, who has released seven albums and performed around the world with a number of famous names including rapper 50 Cent’s G-Unit through to Kelly Rowland, Yung Joc and Kurtis Blow, is excited to be collaborating with Kevin.
“We will be sharing a couple of tracks in the near future and it is about making it work for both of us when it comes to concept vision, timeline, and of course execution. The songs will be out soon and that’s all that I can say. But get ready for a heat wave when it hits cause the tracks are lit!”
Hotline, who writes, produces and performs, is known for his inspiring and insightful music that units people through soulful beats and sounds. His album, Brothers in Bars, for example, features collaborations from artists around the world, many of whom also have a military background. He linked up with artists from Africa, Iran, Brazil and Germany. His music has also crossed oceans. His track, Amnesia, for example, which features popular Brazilian group Mixtape, grew in popularity in South America. He has also brushed shoulders with music greats such as Oscar award winners 3-6 Mafia, Cassidy and Bone Crusher. He released a single with Hip Hop Legend Kurtis Blow and has been featured on several official movie soundtracks that featured greats such as 2pac, 50 cent, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, and Fat Joe.
“My career has been a story of commitment, dedication, and forward thinking. I’m really excited for the year ahead, musically and creatively. I’m also looking forward to working with more international artist on the production and songwriting side of things.
“To all artists and creatives out there hit me up,” he said. “Creative minds are meant to share. Believe in your vision, dream big and trust the process. Sometimes your dream is a bit larger The songs will be available on all digital streaming services, as well as on each artist’s respective websites.
To find out more, follow @hotlinetime on Instagram.
