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Recording artiste Vybrid is preparing to usher in a new chapter in his career with the release of his debut album, 13, on September 4.

The project, which features collaborations with Compass, Wasp, Ras Fraser Jr and Kelo VIDC, represents what the artiste describes as a period of rebirth, reinvention and renewed purpose.

For Vybrid, whose given name is Ashley Howard Johnson, the title 13 carries deeply personal significance.

“The title number 13 was chosen because of what the number represents for me; a stage of revamp, rebirth, a shedding of my old self and a redirection towards my ultimate goal of success,” he said. 

The album showcases the different dimensions of Vybrid as an artiste, with themes surrounding self-love, mental health, consciousness and real-life experiences woven throughout the project.

“I would summarise this album as a masterpiece because of what each song represents and brings to the listeners, pushing self-love, mental health, real-life storytelling and consciousness,” he said. 

“Also, it being my first album, I wanted it to stand out as a project people can listen to for years to come.”

The album was completed in approximately a month and a half, with Vybrid saying the collaborators were selected because of both their personal connections and their musical abilities.

“These artistes are also talented artistes that have been putting in the work musically for years and dancehall and reggae music needs more collaborations to push our culture to where it needs to be,” he added. 

Interestingly, despite the range of songs on the project, Vybrid said he does not have a favourite track.

“I was in such a different place mentally as I recorded each song, so it would be difficult to pick a favourite,” he said.

His ambitions for 13, however, are clear.

“I aim to achieve the highest level of success this album can bring,” Vybrid said. “Just believing and knowing this is the breakthrough album for me.”

Vybrid, whose stage name combines “Vybz”, a nickname given to him because of his lively personality, and “Hybrid”, has long embraced versatility as a central part of his identity.

Born in Kingston’s Richmond Park community to Guyanese parents, he began displaying his musical ability at an early age and started performing in church at seven. His performances often alternated between singing and playing instruments, foreshadowing the versatility that would later define his career.

After migrating to the United States and settling in Atlanta, Georgia, Vybrid began pursuing music more seriously after high school. He recorded, mixed and mastered his first song in his basement at 18 and continued developing a sound that incorporates dancehall, reggae and R&B. He has since performed at universities, carnivals and charity events and opened shows for artistes including Spragga Benz, Ky-Mani Marley, Junior Reid, Dexta Daps and Mr Vegas. He has also worked with producers such as Patexx, SlayBad and Delly Ranx.

For producer Prod.LoudSpeakr, who served as the album’s lead producer, 13 represents a significant evolution for both the artiste and the creative team behind the project.

“Vybrid and I served as the main creative forces behind 13. My involvement extended beyond producing instrumentals. I worked closely with Vybrid to shape the album’s overall creative direction, select and develop material, coordinate collaborations, and ensure the project remained cohesive from beginning to end,” the producer said.

LoudSpeakr said the album’s biggest distinction is its ability to present Vybrid as a complete artiste rather than simply a collection of individual songs.

“This project feels more personal, complete and intentional than many of the releases I have previously worked on,” he said. “With a single or riddim project, the focus is often on creating one immediate moment. 13 gave us the space to tell a broader story and reveal several sides of Vybrid; his confidence, vulnerability, ambition, relationships, struggles and resilience.”

The album’s production was further strengthened by Krecktos Musiq, who produced Let It Go and Sweet Love, while Southsyde 592 Music contributed to Stay So, featuring Kelo VIDC. The album was mixed and mastered by Cheeky Don Music, with the exception of Let It Go, which was mixed and mastered by Krecktos Musiq.

LoudSpeakr hopes the album will introduce Vybrid to a wider audience while allowing existing fans to develop a deeper understanding of the artiste.

“We want listeners to connect with these songs, return to them, and recognise 13 as the project that marked a major turning point in Vybrid’s career,” he said.

For LoudSpeakr, the project also marks a personal turning point as he transitions from his career as an educator into music production full-time.

In that regard, 13 represents a new beginning for both artiste and producer — one grounded in growth, purpose, resilience and the courage to pursue their creative ambitions.

13 will be available on all major streaming platforms on September 4. Fans can pre-save the album through the link in Vybrid’s social media bios at @vybrid on Instagram and @vybridmusic on TikTok.