On April 20, Sting & Shaggy will release their new collaborative, island-inspired album, entitled 44/876, on A&M/Interscope Records. Featuring various album formats, fans can pre-order the collection now and receive an instant download of the new song “Morning Is Coming” – a brassy reggae track fueled by sultry horns – as well as the current, Caribbean-flavored single “Don’t Make Me Wait”
Sting, who wove Jamaican rhythms into his early work with The Police as well as his solo repertoire, and Shaggy, born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and cutting his musical teeth in the dance hall clubs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, initially joined creative forces to record “Don’t Make Me Wait” as a tribute to the Caribbean sounds that influenced them both – and ended up recording an entire album full of joy, melody and uplifting music.
“Don’t Make Me Wait” was released on January 25 and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s digital reggae single sales chart. The release was followed by a performance on the 60th Annual Grammy Awards as well as the NFL’s Super Bowl Tailgate event that aired on NBC Super Bowl Sunday.
Filmed in Kingston, Jamaica, the video for “Don’t Make Me Wait” was directed by Gil Green (Nicki Minaj, Drake) and celebrates the duo’s mutual love of the country. Sting & Shaggy also added Brazilian flair with a new Tropkillaz remix of “Don’t Make Me Wait” which was released on February 23 worldwide. “Don’t Make Me Wait” (Dave Audé Rhythmic Radio Remix) and “Don’t Make Me Wait” (iLL Wayno Remix) bring additional dance floor and dance hall treatments to the infectious song.
Sting & Shaggy will also be extending their collaboration to the road this summer when the two Grammy-award winning artists embark on a European tour of various historic venues, performing their most celebrated hits as well as selections off their forthcoming album.
44/876 was recorded in Jamaica and New York with Sting & Shaggy being joined by various musicians and writers including the legendary Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie, dancehall sensation Aidonia, Morgan Heritage, Branford Marsalis, Agent Sasco and Sting’s longtime guitarist, Dominic Miller as well as writers Taranchyla, Dwayne “iLL Wayno” Shippy, Shane Hoosong, Machine Gun Funk and Patexx. The sessions were produced in part by Sting International (“Oh, Carolina,” “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me,”) and by Martin Kierszenbaum who has previously written/produced songs for Sting, Madonna and Lady Gaga. Sting International, Robert “Hitmixer” Orton, Sting International and Tony Lake mixed 44/876.