Producer Jeremy Harding reacted to ‘Who Am I’ gold certification.

Entertainment Scoop

KINGSTON, Jamaica–Record producer and artist manager Jeremy Harding, who produced Beenie Man’s chart-topping single ‘Who Am I’ (Sim Simma) on the Playground Rhythm, says the song’s recent gold certification in the US was long overdue.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Friday, November 17, 2023, Harding said the following:

“Feels like it’s been a long time coming. This song has become a dancehall anthem all over the world. I’m glad it’s finally gotten an official status of accomplishment.”

Jeremy Harding

‘Who Am I’ was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on November 15 for sales and streaming equivalent exceeding 500,000 units.

The artist recorded the song in 1997, and it was featured on the famous Playground Rhythm. It was one of the songs on Beenie Man’s Grammy-nominated album ‘Many Moods of Moses‘.

Harding recalled the recording session for ‘Who Am I’:

“It was clear that Beenie Man connected with the track. I don’t think that song could have found a better union on a different rhythm. And the fact that it still resonates for another generation proves that it wasn’t just great timing or circumstance; it’s truly just a great song, period,” Harding reasoned.

Jeremy Harding

When asked what the certification signified to him as a producer, he said:

“It’s always an honor to be recognized by your industry as well as the streets. That way, there’s a public record of your achievement, so even when time marches on, you’re in the history books forever.”

Jeremy Harding

The Playground rhythm also featured several hit songs such as Hands in the Air (Nike Air) by Mr Vegas, Pet and Pamper by Mad Cobra, Slip Through Your Fingers (Swade), Infiltrate (Sean Paul), Fade Away (Lexxus), Strong Performer (Spragga Benz), and Scream (General B).

But Beenie Man’s ‘Who Am I’ gave the enigmatic deejay his break in the lucrative North American music market.

The song reached #10 on the UK pop chart, #40 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on the Rap Singles chart, and #14 on the R&B Hip Hop Songs chart.

Harding also benefited from the song’s success.

“All doors began to open… an international publishing deal, opportunities to work with international artists, and a launchpad for the artists I was working with. Sales figures are the true metric of success in the music business, so we give thanks for this milestone,” said Harding.

Jeremy Harding