ONE TO WATCH: RIK JAM DROPS THE GENESIS ROOTS REGGAE WITH REAL HEART
Rik Jam’s story starts long before the first track of his debut album The Genesis plays. Back when he was moving through the Irie Yute camp, he crossed paths with Philip McFarlane, a musician who would later step away from EarthKry to produce full-time.
What began as a meeting of ideas turned into something rare, a partnership built on trust, shared grind, and a belief in reggae as both art and responsibility.
“Philip showed me what real consistency and discipline look like,” Rik says. “He pushes me to be a better version of myself, not just in music, but in life.”
That energy runs through The Genesis, Rik’s debut album. Pulled from lived moments and the lessons they left behind, the record blends a deep foundation sound with a tone that speaks to now.
“This album represents every part of my life,” Rik says. “It’s my journey, and reggae has the power to change the modern world. The time is now.”
RIK JAM’S VOICE RIDES MCFARLANE’S PRODUCTION WITH A BALANCE OF STRENGTH AND WARMTH
The pair have taken this vision across the US and Europe, finding audiences who respond to their commitment. “When people show us love for what we do, it keeps us going,” Rik says.
That connection fuels his drive, keeping him grounded in a fast-changing industry. “Some days are hard, but I stay in the mindset I need. The drive of both foundation and modern reggae artists keeps me focused.”
From its opening, a full-bodied intro in the style of classic LP, to the closing Hail the King, The Genesis keeps the mood rootsy yet reflective. Rik’s voice, compared by some to Chronixx, rides McFarlane’s production with a balance of strength and warmth.
With a headline tour alongside his bredda Dalwayne coming up, Rik’s message to younger artists is clear: “Stay consistent, stay humble, and be your authentic self… without effort, there’s no progress, and no generational stability.”
This is roots reggae built for today, anchored in loyalty and vision.
ABOUT RIK JAM
Rik Jam (born Ronaldo Ricketts) blends Kingston’s roots traditions with bold, contemporary clarity. His debut album, The Genesis, shaped by Phillip McFarlane’s analogue sound, tracks personal loss and growth with emotional force.
From Cali Roots to collabs with Eric Rachmany, his reach keeps expanding. Through melodic vocals and sharp lyricism, Rik builds conscious reggae for today’s global stage.
