Each year some new young star emerges into the spotlight. In 2010, Richie Loop was that was one such star. Richie Loop, born Richard Webb, didn’t enter with a bang. He kind of eased onto the stage in 2009 with his first song She Wants it Good on the Brainstorm Rhythm and Gyal Whine on the Sweat Shop Rhythm. Both songs were well received but were like relative gentle taps on the shoulder of the listening public announcing his arrival and preparing Jamaica for what was to come next.
His third single, My Cupp, produced by Robert Livingston for ScikronEnt/ Krian Music Group, immediately struck a chord racking up chart and video successes. My Cupp became one of the anthems of the summer and topped a number of singles and video charts locally and then internationally as the year progressed.
The single’s success created opportunities for Richie Loop to break into regional and international markets. Soon ventures into the Caribbean followed, as well as radio promotional tours to the eastern United States.
My Cupp’s success was so rapid that mere months after the song was released Richie Loop was booked to perform on Jamaica’s premier musical festival Reggae Sumfest’s International Night. He was also sought out to perform during the celebration of Jamaica’s Independence at the Grand Gala ceremony at the National Stadium.
Also in 2010, Richie Loop’s surge to stardom saw him sharing the stage with a wide variety of internationally acclaimed acts including Shaggy, Chris Brown at Reggae Sumfest; Souljah Boy and Olivia in New York; Beenie Man and Jah Cure in Antigua and Guyana; Lady Saw, Ce’cile, Gyptian, Serani, Busy Signal, Christopher Martin, I- Octane, Ding Dong, Stacious, and D-Major in the United States. He even hosted events along with some of the USA’s finest disc jockeys Mister Cee, DJ Norie, DJ Pup Dawg, DJ Stephen, Jabba and Bobby Konders .
Despite his sudden rise to fame Richie Loop has not forgotten his values. He endorsed and was an ambassador for the LIME School Aid Campaign and Smirnoff. He was also active in the ‘Stay In School’ and ‘Abstinence’ School Tours demonstrating that community and culture are as important to him as is his own personal ambitions.
After releasing My Cupp, Richie Loop released a number of other songs that are also doing extremely well. These include Cupp Cupp (the follow up to My Cupp), Mi Want Mi Own, and Party Time, which is currently experiencing chart success in the USA. Then there was Party Like its your Birthday featuring Busy Signal and D-Major, a single which many feel will have as much success as My Cupp; and All I Really Know featuring. Ajernaline which has already surpassed 100 urban spins on radio in the US.
Richie Loop closes the year on the Kingston Waterfront in Downtown Kingston during an annual event showcasing national pride and spirit as well as an incredible display of fireworks.
This was at the request of the Ministry of Youth and Culture, an invitation which he eagerly accepted, “I always jump at the opportunity to perform at home. Sumfest was great, Grand Gala was amazing, so I am thanking my fans, friends, family and my team….this is my first year and entire experience is still just not real yet, so this Friday December 31, 2010 my call of duty will be at the Waterfront getting ready to party with my fans, ringing in the New Year,”and this he did.
