Dancehall Artist 1SkiMask Signs With Epic Records

Dancehall sensation 1SkiMask has signed his first international record deal with Sony Music’s Epic Records, in partnership with Against Da Grain Entertainment (ADG).

The agreement was spearheaded by Tyshawn “Fly Ty” Johnson, ADG’s founder and a VP of A&R at Epic. Johnson previously signed Walking Trophy singer Tina (formerly HoodCelebrityy) to the US label. “I was never one to stay boxed in, and it showed in the people I have worked with,” he shared.

“My love for Jamaican music and culture brought me my first major signing in Tina, and everything has now come full circle with 1SkiMask. He’s a talent I believe will elevate his career to another level, and this deal will make it happen. I look forward to guiding him on the road to greater success.”

Epic Records boasts a storied history with dancehall legends, including Shabba Ranks and Patra, who were once part of the label.

1SkiMask now joins a roster of Jamaican artists currently signed under Sony Music family of labels, including Valiant, who signed to Epic Records UK earlier this year. Toast singer Koffee is signed to Columbia Records UK and represented by RCA Records in the US. Singer/producer BEAM operates under Columbia/Epic, while Skillibeng releases music under RCA/Eastsyde Records.

Born Rivaldo Lyle, 1SkiMask attended Vere Technical High School in Clarendon, where he studied engineering. However, his creative ambitions led him to acting and, ultimately, music.

“I just like acting from when I was younger, but there wasn’t a big platform for acting, so I used social media to display my talent,” he explained in a 2023 interview with the Observer. His comedic skits and acting clips on social media became a springboard for his music career.

His breakout single, Darkniss, produced by Tru Ambassador Next Generation, has surpassed 3 million views on YouTube. The track channels themes of pain and resilience, inspired by personal struggles, including the loss of his mother. “Wi lose all wi madda. So, all a wi can relate to pain and pain hurt yuh,” he shared. “More while, when yuh get hurt by certain tings, it put yuh inna a dark zone weh is you alone waa deh desso. All a dem ting deh weh did happen a people weh did hurt wi.”

1SkiMask also described Darkniss as embodying the “2023 version of artists” and sees himself as a leader of dancehall’s new wave. “A jus di new era of dancehall. Mi jus study the game and see wah gwaan,” he said.

Since his breakout, he has continued to release new music, including his 2024 singles Pretty Fr, Energy, Love A Nuh My Thing, and Life Of A G.