Interview: Empress Ann Recordz Signs 5 Dancehall Artistes, Talks Her Career, Daughters, Panama, USA and Jamaica
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October 23, 2024
Panama-born, US-raised music producer Empress Ann Recordz is focused on making a mark in Dancehall via her production endeavours and just as much as she’s looking to bring several artistes to the forefront, she’s even more intent on Inspiring others to take on a similar independent path.
In a chat with Yardhype, Empress Ann Recordz whose birth name is Ann Brown details that she was born in the Panama Canal Zone but spent most of her life in Washington State.
Empress Ann details that she first got into music because her daughter was acting in Hollywood and found an interest in studying Afrika Bambaataa which grew her interest in music.
“From there, she started writing and loved hip-hop. That’s when I started my first label in Hollywood to pursue her career in music. My daughter during the height of her career, working with Zaytoven left the industry. After that, I completely stopped doing music. I was offered many paying jobs in the industry but stopped,” says Empress Ann.
She next explains how she fell in love with Dancehall music, “Coming to Jamaica years later the love for music returned. It was a different vibe from what I was used to. I saw lots of potential to create future superstars with the skills I have in the industry.”
We also had a questions and answers session with Empress Ann, See the questions and answers below:
Q: Why the name “Empress Ann Recordz”?
A: Empress means the ruler of an empire. I’m a leader and boss to many in my community. Ann comes from my family name, so in all came Empress Ann Recordz. A woman of many power.
Q: How long have you been producing Music and what inspired you to start?
A: I started producing music around 2011 in Hollywood California. Later moving to Atlanta where I had my label producing my daughter.
Q: How many artistes you signed?
A: I currently have 5 Dancehall artistes, they are from Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Q: Who’s your Favourite Reggae Artiste?
A: I would definitely say Bob Marley
Q: Which other female or male that you see doing similar work like you that you are inspired by?
A: Right now I’m inspired by Cash Code Records.
Q: What Keeps You grounded? (Things you do to relax/chill)?
A: I travel alot and coming back home to my environment away from music keeps me grounded. My best friend Tammy in Hollywood keeps me together.
Q: What do you love the most about Jamaica?
A: I love the vibe, the culture, the young artiste I’m working with and the music.
Q: What’s your Favourite Jamaican dish?
A: I definitely have to have curry chicken and curry shrimp when I arrive in Jamaica.
Q: Which of your produced Dancehall songs have been most successful so far?
A: I would say “Rockefeller” by M4our. His production and flow are amazing. M4our has a flow like no other. But all my artistes have shown me potential and have their own wow factor. 2025 we have lots in store for Dancehall.
Q: What will be your next musical release?
A: I have a production with Navigator. Artiste Dre X Sparta x Jamal. Looking forward to releasing that.
Q: You sound driven, what about your kids?
A: I actually have 3 daughters, they all were actors. One took vocal lessons from Ray J and Brandy’s dad, Mr. Norwood. My oldest was the one who pursued music, she just filmed a commercial for T-Mobile. Currently, my daughter La’Reya is being featured on a few songs but is not pursuing music. She’s good at booking major commissions when I focus on getting her jobs. My daughter La’Reya is currently on the radio in Jamaica on a feature with my artiste Jah Bloodz.
Q: In which working field do you feel most comfortable and what are your plans for the future?
A: In the entertainment field I’m well rounded. My foundation first was my family modelling and acting. I worked alongside many of the greatest in all fields of entertainment. I’m looking to get back into film which I love the most being on set. Looking forward to bringing my skills to Jamaica to help many succeed. My goal is to help others, but also to be a role model and a leader.
Follow Empress Ann Recordz on Instagram.
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