The Mixing Maestro: Redboom Talks Kartel, “I Know” Going Viral, and a Decade of Loyalty

Redboom "SupaMix" breaks down the recent viral hit “I Know”: “It’s all Kartel.” On their longstanding bond, he adds, “It’s based on respect, communication, and honesty.”

Redoom, the mixing maeatro

While dancehall legend Vybz Kartel seems to have found his summer anthem with “I Know,” the track quickly soared on Jamaica’s YouTube Trending chart, amassing over 1.5 million views in less than 10 days after its release.

Fueled by a clever promotional strategy and a viral TikTok challenge, the single has evolved into a certified hit, whether you're scrolling through social media or hearing it blaring from speakers at weekly street dances across the island.

Acclaimed music producer and sound engineer Redboom “SupaMix,” who handled the track’s mixing and mastering, offered a glimpse into the process. “To be honest, it’s Kartel. I expected the success because it’s him, but the timing still surprised me. There’s so much music dropping right now,” he shared in an exclusive interview with Kaboom Magazine.

“Kartel came up with the idea. He wanted a TikTok challenge, he produced it, and it just went viral,” he added.

Though typically a behind-the-scenes figure, Redboom’s contributions to dancehall are undeniable. Born Ricardo Reid in Kingston’s Waterhouse community, he spent years honing his craft at the renowned Frenz For Real studio alongside co-partners Benji and YowLevite. Over the years, he has become a pivotal force in Jamaican music, with production and engineering credits on major tracks such as Popcaan and Dre Island’s “We Pray” and numerous hits from Vybz Kartel.

His longstanding friendship with the Worl’ Boss spans over a decade, remaining strong even throughout Kartel’s 13-year incarceration. During that time, Redboom was the trusted hand behind many of the deejay’s biggest post-prison releases. His role in polishing and shaping Kartel’s sound is unmatched, most recently mixing “The Comet,” Kartel’s first official release following his prison release. “Our connection is based on respect, communication, and honesty,” Redboom said.

Their extended friendship was further proven when Kartel hailed Redboom in one of his biggest post-release tracks, “God Is The Greatest.” “Kartel has always stayed loyal to me,” Redboom shared. “It felt good, and I’m truly grateful.”

Continuing to prove why he’s regarded as one of the most influential figures in the industry, Redboom promises more bangers on the way, all while still reaping the success of “I Know.”