Ghanaian recording artist Moliy has responded to comments made by Shaggy regarding her decision not to clear additional songs on the “Shake It To The Max” rhythm following the global success of her hit single of the same name.
Speaking in an interview with Capital Xtra on Tuesday, Moliy said her decision was driven by a desire to move in a different creative direction, rather than a misunderstanding of Jamaica’s juggling culture, as suggested by Shaggy.
“I understand the culture; I just had a different intention. It’s like you can see it from where we are standing today and be like, ‘No, this went totally wrong, this is not how it’s supposed to be.’ Maybe we will look at it 10 years from now and be like, ‘This was actually a great choice,’” Moliy said.
She also indicated she remains open to collaborating with Shaggy or other artistes — but not solely around the same rhythm.
“If you really mess with me, then hit me up and let’s work on something else. Is it just Shake It To The Max that you’re interested in, or do you like me as an artiste?” she questioned.
In a late February interview with the Jamaica Observer, Shaggy reflected on the success of the “Shake It To The Max” beat and suggested the rhythm could have sparked a broader revival of juggling culture.
He pointed to the recent popularity of the WYFL rhythm by DJ Mac as an example of how multiple artists can drive momentum on a single rhythm.
“I thought that could have happened with Silent Addy and the Shake It To The Max rhythm. We tried, and a couple of people jumped on it, but I think the problem was Moliy. She didn’t want anybody else to jump on it,” Shaggy said.
“I know Silent Addy himself was really pushing to do it, but I think she was the one blocking it, and that really hurt the culture because that was a gateway. Not allowing anybody else to jump on it — that’s gatekeeping in my opinion,” he added.
Moliy, however, said her focus was on evolving creatively after the success of the track.
“I loved it. I loved every part of it (Shake It To The Max), but at some point, I was just thinking, when do I get to do the next thing?” she said.
One year after its U.S. digital release, the “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” remix by Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
