Jamaican-bred, Atlanta-based recording artist Vybrid, born Ashley Howard Johnson, is set to premiere the official visual accompaniment for his deeply personal single *Outlet* on June 17, crafting a project centered on the underdiscussed topics of mental wellness, self-compassion, and personal resilience.
Helmed by production outfit LoudSpeakr, with audio mixing and mastering handled by CheekyDon Music, *Outlet* confronts a critical societal conversation that often remains sidelined in mainstream music. The track encourages audiences to seek out healthy coping mechanisms for life’s inevitable hardships, while reinforcing a core message that no one has to navigate their struggles alone. For Vybrid, the release carries far more weight than a typical new music drop, rooted in authentic personal connection to the material.
“What draws me most to this track and its accompanying visualiser is the raw authenticity and unfiltered emotion woven through every part of it,” Vybrid shared in an interview. “This gives me the chance to connect with audiences and shine a much-needed light on an issue that is too often pushed out of public view.”
The visualiser, edited by CDflymz, is designed to amplify the track’s core message through evocative visual storytelling, and includes a special cameo appearance from artist Ccuz, with cameo footage captured and edited by Kontrol The Town. LoudSpeakr, the lead producer on the track, emphasized that the project is intended to serve a purpose far beyond casual entertainment.
“I’m so proud that both the song and visualiser work together to push mental health awareness and encourage overall well-being,” LoudSpeakr explained. “*Outlet* pushes people to seek out positive coping strategies for life’s challenges, and the visualiser brings that message to life in a way that feels meaningful and engaging for audiences.”
This *Outlet* collaboration marks the second successful joint project between Vybrid and LoudSpeakr, following the April release of the track *Grip*, which was featured on the well-received 1876 Riddim. The producer spoke highly of the creative dynamic between the two, praising Vybrid’s commitment to purpose-driven music. “Working on this project has been incredible,” he said. “Vybrid is tremendously talented, endlessly creative, and truly passionate about making music that matters, which makes collaborating with him such a pleasure.”
Vybrid echoed that positive assessment, highlighting the natural creative chemistry that has developed between the two artists. “Every experience I’ve had working with LoudSpeakr has been amazing,” he said. “I’ve learned so much about the music industry working alongside them. There’s no ego between us — just two people who love what we do, which makes creating together easy and completely authentic.”
Vybrid has built a growing industry reputation for his artistic versatility, refusing to box himself into a single musical genre. Whether crafting a high-energy dancehall bop, a soulful reggae ballad, or a smooth, sultry R&B cut, his creative direction is always guided by the emotional mood and core message he wants to share with listeners. Born in the Richmond Park community of St. Andrew, Jamaica to Guyanese parents who studied at the University of the West Indies, Vybrid later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he has continued to refine his craft and grow his audience. Over the course of his career, he has opened for iconic reggae and dancehall acts including Spragga Benz, Ky-Mani Marley, Junior Reid, Dexta Daps, and Mr Vegas, and has collaborated with a roster of renowned producers including Patexx, SlayBad, and Delly Ranx, among others.
With the upcoming release of *Outlet*, Vybrid hopes audiences leave the experience with a renewed sense of self-worth and connection to community. “My biggest hope is that listeners take away that no one is alone on this journey we call life, but that change starts with self-love,” he explained. “It’s about realizing that confidence in yourself is the foundation, and also lifting other people up when they’re struggling with self-doubt.”
LoudSpeakr shares that same core goal for the release. “I hope audiences connect with the message and feel inspired to seek out positive, healthy outlets in their own lives,” he said. “If even one person is encouraged by this video to keep moving forward and make healthier choices for themselves, then we’ve accomplished what we set out to do.”
Beyond the upcoming drop of *Outlet*, the release also serves as a preview of a much larger collaborative project currently in the works. Vybrid and LoudSpeakr are putting the final touches on a full EP that will showcase the artist’s range across genres and highlight his artistic growth in recent years.
“The upcoming EP we’ve been working on is going to stand on its own, with incredible quality and real substance that listeners can connect with,” Vybrid said. “We’re blending really unique sounds and styles to create something really special.” According to LoudSpeakr, the project is currently around 90% complete, with a full release scheduled before the end of the calendar year. The EP will pull from reggae and dancehall influences across all tracks, which will all be mixed and mastered by CheekyDon Music, and the lead single for the project is set to be *Nah Lie*.