Exclusive: Dre Skull Talks Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, and Betting on Cholita

The Grammy-nominated producer speaks on Popcaan’s legacy, reflects on Kartel’s impact (“my career was really born with him trusting me” ), introduces Kingston’s next talent Cholita, and breaks down his growing influence across Afrobeats

Dre Skull built himself alongside the stars.

Grammy-nominated, Billboard-charting producer Dre Skull has been shaping the dancehall landscape for years, building his reputation as an acclaimed hitmaker through his own label, Mixpak Records.

The Brooklyn-based producer boasts an impressive catalogue with some of dancehall’s finest acts, including Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, and more, while also making waves in the Afrobeats space - most recently with his Grammy-nominated, chart-topping contribution to Burna Boy’s “Love,” along with standout tracks for Mr. Eazi and Fave.

Now, Dre Skull is setting his sights on Cholita, a rising vocalist from Kingston, and discusses everything in an exclusive interview with Kaboom Magazine.

“I heard Cholita singing over an acoustic guitar, and I intuitively felt she was unique. I was immediately intrigued and reached out,” he shared, explaining what led him to bet on her as the next talent he’s willing to promote.

What potential did you see in her that convinced you she could become something special?

"When I reached out, I just asked her if she made music and was trying to be an artist and she said she had just written her first song the month before. I thought that was cool, so I sent her some riddims and she wrote some ideas and shared them. Then we had a bigger conversation in Kingston about what she wanted as an artist and from there, we linked up for a week of studio sessions and in that week I saw she truly had that special talent to do something amazing."

What’s the long-term strategy for her career, in terms of investing in her music, securing global playlist placements, and shaping her path toward true global crossover?

“Right now we’re really taking it step by step and song by song. All the focus is on making great music and sharing it with the world. We have a lot of amazing music on the way and I truly believe everything else will flow from there".

Dre Skull has well history with dancehall superstar Popcaan, while producing his masterpice debut Where We Come From album on 2014, and Forever from 2018. most trecently he once again contirubte the Unruly Boss's latest album on the “Carry It Home” track.

Where We Come From marked its 10-year anniversary last year, with the deluxe release. How do you ss Popcaan’s continued growth as a global dancehall force, especially with the foundation you helped build?

“Popcaan is a born star and he’s taken his gifts and touched hearts all over the world. And without a doubt he has secured his spot in the history of music and it’s amazing to see someone live out their purpose. I’ve heard a lot of new music that's on the way and I'm excited to see the next chapters”.

You created a masterpiece with Popcaan. How would you describe the chemistry both of you guys shared and the impact that album still has on his evolution as an artist today?

“He is an amazing artist and it’s just been such a blessing to work with him over the years. An artist only gets one debut album, so it’s a unique chance to make a mark and Popcaan really delivered something that stands out through time. In terms of chemistry, I think it’s just an intuitive kind of understanding in terms of making things that resonate. He’s the artist and I’m just trying to support the vision and what he has to share”.

Dre Skull has another major project in his bag as he produced Vybz Kartel’s 2011 album Kingston Story. Recorded over the span of a year at producer NotNice’s studio, the album arrived just before the deejay was sentenced to serve time in prison.

Now, with Kartel’s return and his freedom restored after more than a decade, his longtime collaborator has nothing but high praise.

You’ve expressed excitement about his release. Now with Kartel’s return, selling out arenas and making history - what’s your perspective on his impact on the culture?

“My career was really born with Vybz Kartel trusting me and taking a chance and working with me. I don’t take that for granted and I’m still so grateful for that opportunity. I just got to see him play in Toronto and it was an amazing moment, watching him run through hit after hit after hit and watching the response from the crowd. It was surreal. He’s a living legend and the impact he's had and is having is undeniable”.

Kartel, during his Toronto concert. " I just got to see him play in Toronto, it was an amazing moment" (Photo: Alicia Reid)

Deepening his influence on the African market, Dre Skull has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. He has worked with major icons like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and PARTYNEXTDOOR, earning Grammy nominations along the way. In this section, he reflects on how those collaborations have shaped his evolution as a producer.

How have these collaborations influenced your growth and perspective as a producer?

“Every artist has something unique, and I try to learn from anyone I work with. When you’re working with global icons, you get an inside view into the complexities of being a star. On one hand, with every star I've met, I’ve felt like: this person is super unique and has something special that has taken them to where they are. And yet, it's also clear they’re human beings trying to navigate life just like any of us.”

He added, “All these artists have insane talent, but what really stands out is how hard they work and how intense their schedules are. To do what they do year after year takes extreme drive, work ethic, and the ability to persevere. That’s why I think there’s a deep spiritual side to so many great artists.”

“To do what they do year after year takes extreme drive, work ethic, and the ability to persevere. That’s why I think there’s a deep spiritual side to so many great artists.”

Before we wrapped up, the acclaimed producer shared his perspective on the state of the culture from his vantage point between Brooklyn and Kingston. “I think it’s a really exciting time for Jamaican music. It's in a good place and I feel like the wave is growing right.”