Esco da Shocker has a Bonafide Reggae Pedigree

Born Matthew Thompson, emerging reggae artist HR as the son of veteran Jamaican disc jockey, Errol ‘E.T.’ Thompson, and former Wailers backup singer and now an iconic artist in her own right, Marcia Griffiths, as his step-mom.

Esco’s own co-production credits include material on many big “riddim” projects coming out of Jamaica such as the “Dem Time Deh” and the “Bullet Riddim” collections, and charting his own hit singles like “Tuk In Yuh Belly” and “Wine Up Pon Har.”

In 2008, 1-1-1 Productions premiered his talents with the ‘one -off’ track, “Drunken Dance,” followed by “Badman Skank” for Future Fambo. The inaugural project, “The Show Goes On” contained songs  by Deva Bratt  “Do It Hot”, Delly Ranks featuring Smurf’s  “Head A Leak,”Future Fambo “Fren Ova Gal”, budding songstress Malica “Hot Gal Step Out,” Wayne Marshall’s “She Nah Come, Fresh Money’s“Horny Anyone,” as well as Esco ‘s (then akaThe Shocker) “Control Dis Ting,” and others.

Esco’s second riddim project, titled 40-4 PLAY, featured songs from Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Lady Saw,  Esco, Future Fambo featuringMr. Easy, , Wayne Marshall and more. 

“A rangy baritone, Esco is the whole package,” said Capsicum CEO Roger Meltzer. “He’s a versatile triple threat as a writer, producer and artist. I’ve been looking forward to working with him since our mutual friend, Della “Danger Zone” Drummond first sent me the ‘Voyage’riddim that contained songs from Esco (‘Love Interview’), Romain Virgo (‘Cold Side’), and iCandy (‘Law Of Attraction’) among others. I couldn’t get over how strong Esco’s hook was, and how creative the verse lyrics were, along with how well he could ride the rhythm with them. I played all three songs on The Capsicum Show reggae radio program and time and again my listeners asked me to pull up (replay) Esco’s tune.The reaction to his new release on the "Love Quest riddim from Kheilstonemusic, "New Face," has also been extremely positive.“I first met Della when he authorized Sledge to recycle a beat he built for Jah Cure to go under the reggae remix of the Rascal Flatts Smash, “Take Me There” on the inaugural ‘Reggae-In-Fusion’ album. Della and I began talking about collaborating on a project. ‘Love Interview’ convinced me I wanted Esco to be one of the first artists we worked with. I started shooting tunes to them in Kingston and we quickly figured out what we would do together. I am so pleased and proud to be working with these amazing talents.”

His winter 2007 tour of Europe with Wayne Marshall solidified the LSU alum’s overseas fan-base.

Esco released the “Mansions” riddim from his own Tall King Productions which features songs by Alaine, Elephant Man, Etana, Gyptian, Jah Cure and more. His own song “Blessings” is already receiving rotations from reggae DJs worldwide as it is solidifies his transition as a conscious solo reggae an dancehall artist. Esco has also been submitting productions to major labels and projects such as Wyclef Jean’supcoming album.  Esco is also featured on the remix for “Weed fi Sale” by Wycelf Jean as heard on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=038IDCluUlQ. He’s among the seven artists collaborating on “Haters Warning” including Chino, Chan, Dizzy and Bounty Killa, and on the recent Danger Zone “Starstruck” and “5050” riddims.He continues to record with Jamaica’s top producers, joining with new writers and focusing on preparing for his first solo album – ESCO da Shocker.

The victim of a robbery late in 2009 that nearly resulted in kidnapping. the incident drew Esco closer to his purpose and he became more reflective musically. The song “Wha Nuh Kill Yu” was completely inspired from that harrowing experience.  Recording with a renewed zest, Esco delivered “Anytime You Call,” produced by Open Ear Music and “God Is Love” from the ‘Natural Breeze” riddimand “Watch Dem,” on the “Moonwalk” Riddim.   Esco has also been recording with Gang 5 Music and has two current releases “Highest Of Di Highest” and “More To Life” -- both spiritual in nature and already connecting with fans and DJs worldwide, .along with “Wow”from Natural Bridge Records’“Sea Breeze” riddim.

ESCO ONLINE:

Official Myspace:  www.myspace.com/itsesco

Official Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/Escodashocker

Official Twitter:  www.twitter.com/Escodashocker