
Qraig Voicemail and Ding Dong have, over the years, fused their musical chemistry to release dance music that has resonated with music fans locally and overseas.
On Friday, March 20, a collaborative song titled Shake by Barzini, Ding Dong and Qraig Voicemail is scheduled for release. The song was produced by Change the Stars Records.
“The song came about because I wanted to do a dance fusion song with dancehall and hip-hop elements. I wanted to work with Ding Dong, the king of dance and the voice behind some of the biggest dance hits, Qraig. I contacted Qrai,g and the idea came to fruition,” Barzini explained.
Barzini continued, “Working with Ding Dong and Qraig Voicemail was an absolute dream. Straight high energy and a dance experience, because Ding Dong was actually dancing and jumping while recording the song. It was a live performance seeing them in action. They went inside the recording booth and freestyled their verses and the chorus.”
Described as a fun song, the track captures the essence of females and their beauty.
“All the women in the world can dance to this song, and men can enjoy the view of seeing a woman dancing while in full control,” said Barzini.
Barzini (Jamal McDonnough) credits his musical evolution to the blend of Jamaican and American popular music genres, dancehall and hip-hop. Although born in Omaha, Nebraska, he spent his first 10 years in Kingston, Jamaica. After returning to the United States, he settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but his Jamaican roots remained strong—he travelled back to Kingston every holiday just to keep his cultural and musical connections alive.
At age eleven, he discovered Hip-Hop, immersing himself in the sounds of Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G, Turk, Master P and Silk the Shocker. Lil Wayne, in particular, sparked his desire to become a rapper.
In 2012, Barzini began entering rap competitions, eventually emerging as one of the winners. The following year, he premiered a music video on WorldStarHipHop, continuing to push forward with determination. In 2016, he was featured in Hip Hop Weekly Magazine, marking another significant achievement.
During his visits to Jamaica, time spent with his friend and neighbor DJ Karim, opened new musical doors. Through Karim—who produced for major artists such as Elephant Man, Wayne Marshall, Kid Kurup, Sean Paul, Tony Matterhorn, and Bounty Killer—Barzini was introduced to the world of reggae and dancehall from the inside. He met and interacted with top artists in studios, at parties, and even in their homes. These experiences deepened his passion for Jamaican music, with favourites including Voicemail, Vybz Kartel, Dexta Daps, and Jah Vinci.
At fifteen, he recorded his first demo with Star Trail Records, working with Jamaican producer Richard Bello. In 2009, he moved back to live in Kingston, temporarily, where his friend, rapper Ges, connected him with Jamaican rapper Slo-Mo.
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