Delly Ranx Recalls How Red Bull & Guinness Riddim Helped Launch Mavado’s Career
The veteran Dancehall producer opened up about the creation of the mid-2000s classic, which delivered Mavado’s breakout hit “Weh Dem A Do,” recalling how the rising deejay promised him, “Mi ago buss you with this one.”
Dancehall producer and artiste Delly Ranx (Photo: Tejano Taylor)
Veteran Dancehall producer and artiste Delly Ranx revisited the making of his iconic mid-2000s Red Bull & Guinness Riddim, which delivered several major hits, including Mavado’s breakout anthem “Weh Dem A Do” and Vybz Kartel’s “Gun Shot.”
Speaking on the Entertainment Report Podcast, Delly Ranx recalled creating the riddim at Big Ship Recording Studio in Kingston alongside producer Di Genius and selector Nico, who had already parted ways with Stone Love to pursue his solo career.
He credited Di Genius with adding the drum machine that helped bring the production to life. Upon hearing the finished sound, Delly immediately recognized its potential. “That’s how excited I got in the studio,” he recalled.
Although Delly Ranx recorded the title track, he revealed that the name “Red Bull & Guinness” originated with Chino McGregor. “A so deh song deh come bout, a so deh riddim name come bout,” he explained, clarifying that he did not write the song’s lyrics.
As the riddim began taking shape, Delly assembled an impressive lineup of Dancehall talent, including Wayne Marshall, Vybz Kartel, Norris Man and Turbulence, while also expressing interest in recording Bounty Killer. Kartel went on to record two tracks on the production.
Delly recalled how Mavado’s breakout hit “Weh Dem A Do” came to life after he played the riddim from his truck and heard the rising deejay singing a melody nearby. “Mi hear weh him a sing inna one corner. The melody mi hear,” he recalled.
Delly then told Mavado, “Come check me on Tuesday, mi ago buss you with the song ya,” while the Gully Gad confidently declared, “The song ya big.” The encounter led to a studio session that produced “Weh Dem A Do,” one of the defining hits of Mavado’s early career. “The rest is history,” Delly concluded.
The track’s lengthy, repetitive chorus initially raised concerns within the production camp, but Delly insisted on keeping it intact. He credited the memorable hook, particularly the section audiences would sing back, with helping propel Mavado's breakthrough.
The riddim eventually became a major commercial success, with Greensleeves Records releasing 20 tracks and VP Records issuing another 20. Delly believes he made history by releasing the same riddim through two different record companies. “That’s how hot the riddim was,” he declared.
Mavado promised Delly Ranx, “The song ya big.” (Photo: Stony Johnson)
Its cultural impact extended beyond Dancehall, with the title track helping popularize the Red Bull and Guinness drink combination. “Everybody drink Red Bull and Guinness,” Delly recalled with laughter.
Nearly two decades later, the Red Bull & Guinness Riddim remains one of the standout Dancehall productions of its era and a defining achievement in Delly Ranx’s catalogue. Although he later delivered other successful projects, including the Cotton Swab Riddim, which featured Popcaan’s hit “Family,” his role in shaping Mavado’s breakthrough remains a significant part of his production legacy.
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