The Best Reggae Albums of 2024!

I don't feel like writing an intro! LET'S GET TO IT!

{Note: No Soca, EPs, multi-artist compilations or complete dubs/instrumentals}

{Note 2: Haven't done one of these in ages, it was kinda difficult}

#10."See It Deh"  by Ras Shiloh [Reggae Vibes Productions]

Had you told me at the end of 2023, that Ras Shiloh's name would be on a list for biggest albums of 2024, I would probably have been quite surprised. That shock wouldn't have come because I didn't think he could reach those levels in terms of quality but... I wouldn't have thought that there was much of a chance, AT ALL, that the year would bring an album from the decorated singer. Wonderfully, the project would come via JahMikes and the increasingly esteemed Reggae Vibes Productions (which has, QUIETLY, become one of the more dependable outfits in the entire genre in my opinion). Ras Shiloh & RVP should tell you pretty much everything you need to know about the actual quality of "See It Deh" and, with carrying a tune such as the downright GLORIOUS 'Hail The King', it did not disappoint.

#9."Levite" by Zacheous Jackson [Red Ground Jamaica]

"Levite", the twenty-four track monster set from the well gifted Zacheous Jackson, equally bludgeons and finesses its way onto this list through some truly beautiful vibes and the sheer size of the project. Perhaps the single greatest credit that can be paid to Jackson & "Levite" is to say that it doesn't contain an ounce of 'filler'. It was twenty-four good songs which were of all of a certain quality which made it one of the BIGGEST (literally) albums of 2024. Standouts were all over the place such as 'I Wish' and, NINETY MINUTES LATER, 'Look Within' and 'Unda Mi Medz'. I didn't end up hearing much about this one which is too bad but hopefully its shelf life is greater than its launch because, clearly, there is so much good to be heard on "Levite" and it'd be too bad if not too many people got to experience it. 

#8."Ganja Man" by Linval Thompson [Irie Ites]

Legendary vocalist meets CLASS outfit on "Ganja Man" as the esteemed Linval Thompson links with the brilliant Irie Ites. Together -- TO THE SURPRISE OF ABSOLUTELY NO ONE AT ALL -- the duo mined gold. "Ganja Man" was complete musical treat of an experience, uniting some of the most captivating vocals the genre has ever heard along with Irie Ites' typically extremely high level, classic sound. The best of it was the title track, 'What Time Is It' and the outstanding pair of Ligerians  (more on them later) scored tracks, 'Trod Along' & 'Get Ready' but the entirety of "Ganja Man", dubs and all, was an outstanding contribution to 2024. 

#7."Outrospection" by Twan Tee [Baco Records]

While 2024 didn't completely introduce me to French artist, Twan Tee, it did do so formally via his LOVELY album, "Outrospection". Produced by the one Oddy (who, apparently, produces all of Tee's work), "Outrospection" was a really good time, featuring work which ranged from straight forward Roots Reggae, to Dancehall music of varying eras, though it is clear that a large chunk of Tee's inspiration can be tracked to a more classic sound of the music which he has captured excellently here. Highlights included 'Bridges', which featured Warrior King, the outstanding opener, 'Put It Pon Replay', the HUGE 'Stamina', 'Undercontrol', 'General' with Niggle, 'Babylon Walls' alongside Omar Perry, 'Underwater' and others. Didn't see much about this one and were we more active, I would have definitely slapped a giant review on it and.... hell, I still might after I clear out a bit of space. "Outrospection" was sublime. 

#6."Apex" by Bugle [An9ted Ent/Evidence]

Despite the fact that he's already held in fairly high esteem, the case could be made that Bugle actually stepped it up a notch or two through his incredibly well done and well received 2024 release, the CHILLY titled "Apex" (you KNOW that title is cool as all hell). Bugle is a case of someone who has enjoyed an overall raise of profile over the course of the past few years or so and the work that comprised 'Apex" is a giant example of the reason why and also why more casual heads of the genre are beginning to pay more attention to the Kingston native who is fond of exercising everyday and not still being fit. "Apex" thrilled with Bugle on his own with tracks like 'Promise', the HEAVY 'Bad Dream', 'Heads Up' ["Before wi even play di game, yow wi win already"] and the downright scalding social commentary 'Upside Down' and then... oh, Capleton, Buju Banton & Jr. Gong, Maxi Priest, Barrington Levy, Tifa and personal LONGTIME favourite of mine, Military Man were also on board.... just hanging out! AND HAVE I MENTIONED JUST HOW DAMN COOL THAT TITLE IS??!

#5."Shelter From The Storm" by Nadia McAnuff & The Ligerians [SoulNurse Records]

Had I done one of these lists last year, my #1 would have been "Freedom Legacy" by Queen Omega and THE Queen of 2023 passed the mic to the queen of 2024, Nadia McAnuff who, along with the aforementioned Ligerians, delivered what may just have been the single greatest sonic experience in all of Reggae for the year, "Shelter From The Storm". This album was IMMACULATE from beginning to and end and contain some downright halting material. At its pick, 'Waiting Room' laid claim to being amongst my absolute favourite tunes from the entire year ["Stop looking out of yourself, my son. Never stop fighting for repatriation"] and what it headed, fully, was nearly as strong. 'Shelter' (year's best album best-song-chaser), 'So Jah Seh', 'Yes We', 'Holy' and the FUNKY 'Freedom of Peace' also stunned but the album only had ten songs altogether (its only flaw)... so pretty much all of them. 

#4."Free Man" by Norris Man [Tad's Records]

These days, Norris Man HAS ME. He just does. He cannot do much wrong and that was the case before 2024 began and the chanter would do nothing in the way of diminishing my support of his work throughout the year. In July, he would drop the looooong awaited "Free Man" (the album was literally announced in late 2023, if I recall correctly) and that album, for me, has grown and GROwn and GROWN. "Free Man" is gorgeous and EASILY one of the best albums that Norris Man has released to date. Despite only carrying eleven tunes it was stocked with big ones: 'Fighting For My Rights', 'Jah Is The Almighty', 'To Jah I Pray', the freeflowing 'Ahead A Dem', 'Going Out On You', the popular 'Burn Babylon' ["Mi bun dem more than a trillion times"].... and MORE! "Free Man" has still found a regular place on my players and, were we to revisit this list in a few years or so, I wouldn't be surprised if it ranked even higher AT ALL.

#3."The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo [VP Records]

It never even occurred to me to actually review "The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo because it got to the point where I believed that everything that was to be said had already been (or was being) said. I may be overlooking something but, off the top of my head, I can't think of another album from 2024 that was as widely critically acclaimed (not saying it was the run away regarded BEST but, given how popular it was, the sheer amount of praise that it has been given may be #1). All of that stuff (ALL OF IT) was warranted. Romain Virgo broke stuff and ripped it to shreds on "Gentle Man" in did so in several different ways. Sometimes it was more aggressive ['Been There Before' and 'You Must Pay'], while others required a more careful hand ['Good Woman' and the MASSIVE 'Driver'] and, brought altogether, what we ended up with was not only one of the best albums of the year but, in all likelihood, the single best album of Virgo's entire career... but I think he can do even better someday. Masicka, Jesse Royal and even Capleton featured. 

#2."Deep Medz" by Eesah [King I-Vier Music/Loud City]

In terms of debut albums (ALLLLBUMMMMS, not big EPs), no one did finer in 2024 than Eesah who impressed in a major way (and BROKE STUFF) with "Deep Medz". Eesah's talent is an EASY one. It is effortless. The man could probably give you studio quality renditions of some of these tunes fresh out of his bed because what he does appears to come SO naturally to him. You could hear it saturating tunes like the all-conquering opener, 'Behold The Conquering Lion', 'Jah Give Me Strength', 'Uprise', 'Red Alert', the overlooked 'Push On', 'Irie' and 'Empress Menen'. That was one story behind "Deep Medz", the other was the ridiculous supporting cast of artists who joined Eesah like Capleton & Lutan Fyah [on the same damn song], Perfect Giddimani & Pressure Busspipe [on the same damn song], Kabaka Pyramid, Million Stylez and even Sizzla Kalonji leant their names, collectively, to HOPEFULLY attract attention to a project that deserved some of the brightest shine that the genre had to offer in all of 2024. 

#1."Living Testament" by Akae Beka [Trinity Farm Music/Go A Chant Productions]

Noted as the final album recorded by the legendary Vaughn Benjamin, "Living Testament" would, in my opinion, send the legendary chanter on his way taking the biggest prize of the year. I did not hear its equal in 2024. I've come to a place as a listener of Akae Beka's music where I'm able to decipher, relatively quickly, how I feel about what I'm listening to. The work that comes afterward (the "journey to comprehension" as I've come to call it) notwithstanding (that adds to the overall experience but I can't assess how fun that is at the time with new material), I'm USUALLY able to catch on when Benjamin is a particularly effective form - such as was the case ALL OVER "Living Testament". Credit goes to the grounded Trinity Farm Music -- who would later release a dub version of the album -- for providing a captivating background for Benjamin, which has not been/is not always the case, making for one of the more digestible albums in his catalogue in my opinion. You could probably have a fairly good time digging into "Living Testament" as a casual listener. It doesn't require ALL of your attention in order to be pleasing.

HOWEVER, should you have chosen to give it your 100% (and you should, you have no reason not to), what awaited fans in 2024 was 'intoxication of a certain kind' (biggup Gentleman). Tunes like the giant opener, 'Stone Of The Corner', 'All Around Man Yard' and 'Cream Of Joy' hit on a VERY HIGH level but they were topped by 'Rebellion Running', 'Who Is The Rejector Who Is The Reductor', (I'm listening to 'Rebellion Running' right now. With these horns... tune song is PROBLEMS! ) ["Let hearts be fertile to receive goodness. Let soul be receptive to rationale and reason"], infectious single 'Who Wil Go For Us' and the all-conquering 'Holding The Amen Key', RIDICULOUSLY, skyscraped (YES! I just turned SKYSCRAPER INTO A VERB! WHUT!) the quality of "Living Testament" and it soared not only to being one of the best Akae Beka albums but also THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM OF 2024.... among the ministers of The King's High Court.

Attached: A review of Infinity by Cali P

Check up. The massive nerd in me does and likely will always feel some sort of connection to a select group of the artists that we cover around here. These things are not terribly easy to write (and as I get older, they become more and more difficult. In my 'prime' --whenever that was-- I could churn out one of these in a day or two NO PROBLEM) so, in some of these cases, I have literally spent HUNDREDS OF HOURS listening (and listening and listening) and writing and researching, so I've become attached to a few individuals who I've... never ever met in person and likely never will. Forgive me. I'm a fan. I'm invested to the degree that the twists and turns that their careers may take can be HALTING moments for me (if the 'right' artist has a new tune or a new album release, I will stop almost anything I'm doing to take a listen) as well as one of the most pleasing experiences in being a fan of music. I could throw you names that you're likely well familiar with but, instead, I'll go straight to the core this time as today we're talking about a loooooooongtime favourite of ours, Cali P. I'll also spare you (most of) the story of the matter but I will say that the Gwada born (biggup Teddy Riner) chanter's debut, "Lyrical Faya" (great album) released wayyyy back in 2008 and we're nearing a couple of decades that I have been at least emotionally invested in his career. What I heard back then was a very skilled and potential-latent and while that isn't something, AT ALL, that is very rare in terms of what I listen to (we are fortunate), the rarity in his case comes in the fact that Cali P has gone on to fulfill on every bit of that budding ability demonstrated on "Lyrical Faya", while missing virtually not a beat along the way. THAT is rare, as I can think of dozens of artists who I hold in at least equal esteem, for whom I cannot say the same (Sizzla is still my favourite and Sizzla, particularly as of late but even in his overactive prime, has released work non-representative of his otherworldly gifts). Cali P's career has also taken certain steps forward. When you look at some of the names and labels with which he's been able to work, he has definitely shown himself to have attained a certain level of respect amongst his peers. Along with that, we've encountered Cali P a few times throughout the years and he's always been very nice to us; at one point he literally sent a message asking us to do a write-up for an EP release he had at the time, 2014's "Healing Of The Nation" and he's also left a message or two on these pages throughout the years, praising our works. Cali P's music has made a fan out of me and Cali P, HIMSELF, has made a fan out of me as well.  

2011

Musically speaking, Cali P's music has covered quite a few different bases but he usually comes back to 'center'. If I were to make a blanketed statement by saying that Cali P makes Roots Reggae music, it wouldn't be wrong but it wouldn't be all-encompassing either. While it has been the genre he most frequently touches, I could point to an entire album of work, the Riga produced "Unstoppable", which is.... something else (despite being crowned by the MAMMOTH 'Jah Rule The World' ["MY PEOPLE REJOICE AND SHOUT IT OUT LOUD! JAH RULE THE WORLD!"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!]. It was a bit of Dancehall, a bit of Electronic and maybe even a dash of Hip-Hop. Call it what you will, but "Unstoppable" was also VERY GOOD (song on that album called 'Sweet Greens' - probably one of the most overlooked ganja tunes that I've ever heard. It was outstanding). That set, on the biggest scale, showed a much earlier level of versatility which, unsurprisingly, was also high quality. More recently, the artist's latest creation, "Vizion" from 2021 (no way in hell that album is that old), also featured a more varied sound with, again, big results. So, at this point I neither know nor really even care what type of vibes Cali P comes up with because he's earned my trust that, whatever he does, will be quality. 

So when we get a press release saying something along the lines of Cali P's newest album is "his most personal to date", I'm curious and you have my attention (...even if it didn't say that, you'd still have it. "NEW CALI P ALBUM" is more than enough) (DUH!) and that was what the material that came in support of "Infinity" read. Cali P had been well active in the months leading towards the release of "Infinity" and what ended up happening was a more micro version of what happened with the aforementioned "Vizion". The predecessor was an album compiled of a couple of previously set EPs so, had we paid attention, listeners had already experienced a very large chunk (if not all of it) of what was to come through the full album. Similarly, the chanter tipped his hand on much of what was to become 'Infinity" (right down to the cover), through the singles that he had released largely throughout earlier 2024. So, when we saw the official tracklist (and, again, the cover) we kind of had an idea of what to expect. <THAT was another bite of a more diverse type of vibe and one which, thankfully, also includes more than enough of a 'terrestrial' appeal for old heads like You and I. The album comes via Senmbelek Music which, I BELIEVE, is Cali P's own label and the always active Evidence and features the handiwork of a number of different maestros including Teka (who helmed "Vizion), the great Suku of Ward 21 (the presence of whom almost always guarantees legit, 100% Dancehall music), Derrick Sound and even Cali P, himself. I was hoping (and I figured) that the link with Teka would produce more music at some point and I would go as far as to suggest that the two might still work together throughout the rest of their careers and I have no problem with that. The early shots of what would turn out to be "Infinity" were what I am going to call 'vibrantly mellow'. It was a little R&Bish, a little Zoukish, little Dancehall with maybe a dash of Hip-Hop sprinkled in as well as a couple of nuggets of Roots music as well. I prefer Roots Reggae music, of course, but I'm open to such things and I did end up enjoying "Infinity" for a couple of different reasons though I do admit that I would ultimately find a level of delightful confusion within it all by its end. Let's discusssssssssssss!

I would immediately like to make the point that if you're attempting to expose someone to the work of Cali P, then a very good starting point would definitely be "Infinity". Along with carrying music of a number of different genres which probably would appeal to someone not of a rigidly Reggae persuasion, but what is here is also fairly easily digestible in terms of the direction of the songs and much of "Infinity" is very easy to listen to. For example, try out the album's opener and song that it is named after. 'Infinity' is, BASICALLY, an R&B tune, musically, but  the attraction to this one is much deeper than finding an appropriate genre to categorize it within. 'Infinity' is likely one of the best done intros that I've ever heard. It starts off musical (and does so pretty strong) before ascending into the artist going into what appears to be an unplanned monologue. Parts of it (especially at the beginning) seem to be more planned than others but this track pinnacles during its parts where Cali P comes off as more organic and spontaneous:

"We never come to please people

Always ask yourself the question, do you please The Most High"

Those things stay with you, not only for the ten tunes which're to follow, but beyond. Cali P taps Akiyo for the first of several combination for "Infinity". I know Akiyo as being a group -- although "collective" might be a better term for how I understand them to be situated -- from out of Gwada so, certainly, he's well familiar with their work. Akiyo lends their talents to the GORGEOUS 'Numbers'. There is a very modern musical point here which I will leave for you (for probably the first time ever. Though I will say it isn't very superficial as it may seem should you just listen to it superficially and ONLY associate the title with money) to work out in favour of dealing with the VIBE of 'Numbers'. This one is futuristic but traditional at the same time - if such a thing is possible. Somewhere in the midst of a sound which may come from Mars or Saturn is an oft-revisited but random chant which is divine. There's something very Modern Dubbish on the Randy Valentine produced tune which plants its flag as an early winner for "Infinity". The well traveled and quite popular 'Energy' brings us back to terra firma, with a helping hand from German Reggae superstar, Gentleman. Gentleman SHINES on this song and he well lives up to its name while Cali P does as well, though he brings a more mellow vibes to matters during the chorus, making for a powerfully unique blending of sounds. What I took from 'Energy', primarily, was a couple of things, with the first being the idea of creating (and maintaining) a positive energy - whatever that may mean to you. Gentleman introduces several ways in which this is done with one of the more fascinating being HARD WORK. You can LITERALLY produce a positive energy in grinding and doing what you have to do to improve yourself and others. The other thing which stayed with me from 'Energy' was more basic with the music, itself, being that energy and the song somewhat becomes a celebration of the music and all that it is capable of. There aren't many finer moments on this album than 'Energy' (only one, for certain) and I wasn't surprised given the firepower of talent assembled here. If you're familiar with his work and take a brief skim through this album, you'd likely come to the conclusion that the track which features the work of Suku is hypnotic 'Secret Hater' and you would be correct in that. The riddim on that song, whatever it is, is BRUTAL and Cali P makes the most of it by shredding those who hide behind two faces.

'Caan ramp wid di bad friend dem from The Netherlands

A dem will send you go a neverland 

Gwadada and di mad Nigerians-

GRIND YOU, LIKE A CINNAMON

Badness gone international, Jamaican dem cold like man from Paksitan

Dem will hunt you, wid Remington

DEM HAVE A B ULLET WEH FLY OUT YUH SKELETON

Shot buss, man don't send no telegram

Scammmer police - haffi watch what you tell a man"

Grrrrr! For what it is, it's fun, but 'Ready - Bend' is also NINETY-EIGHT seconds long... it comes and goes so quickly that it never gets a chance to settle down but, like I said, it is a good time. I mentioned that the press release from "Infinity" claimed it to be the most personal piece of work of Cali P's career to date and I would assume that the presence of 'Sunside' is a large part of the reason why that is the case. This one almost comes off as an unusual -- and often vicious -- tribute to some of Cali P's favourite places (not terribly unlike what I just transcribed from 'Secret Hater', actually) and places that he's visited. It speaks to many of the hardships faced in the areas but there's also a clear reverence paid to the places and, specifically, their people and their hardworking and adaptable nature ["It's either we get up and get it or left it and die"]. The song is kind of melancholy throughout and.... yeah, it's fair to call it bleak but there is A BIT of light on 'Sunside' outside of its title.

You could make a solid case that, despite its strong start, the second part of "Infinity" is even stronger than the first as it features a couple of HUGE moments (three, REALLY), including the album's crown as well as some serious fun. Check 'Mi Ruff Road' and its interesting backing, drifting somewhere between Hip-Hop and what they call Dancehall these days. Typically, I'd condemn such things but there is something to the riddim on this one which I doesn't put me off and there's also a vocalist CLEARLY enjoying himself. Cali P literally sounds like he was eager to go on this track and the torrent of lyrics he gives is evidence to that case. Far stronger is 'My Temple' which brings in a Swiss rapper who was new to my ears and eyes by the name of Theylovepiet. Unless the two link again (and they just might someday), I'm probably unlikely to ever encounter the work of Theylovepiet ever again but he's left a solid impression on me, even for someone who isn't much of a Hip-Hop fan. The real attraction on 'My Temple' is its sonics. Where 'Mi Ruff Road' combines Hip-Hop and... on 'My Temple', I hear it blended with Afrobeat, I hear a more traditional form of Dancehall and I LIKES IT! It is all sorts of infectious and absolute CANDY to the ears. Speaking of being sweet, in a downright brilliant stroke of song placement on "Infinity", chasing 'Mi Ruff Road' and 'My Temple' is a tune which I didn't know that I needed until it popped up, 'Family'. Blessed with Derrick Sound's STUNNING Fight Again Riddim from 2024 (riddim had several big tunes from the likes of Chezidek, Tiwony, Eesah, Bugle and Lutan Fyah ["And when mi check di news, a just 'blahblahblah'"]), Cali P gives a massive credit to closed ones who have helped him along the way and continue to do so. In the midst of "Infinity"and all of its uniqueness and different sounds, unbeknownst to me I was longing for (biggup Jah Cure) something more terrestrial and that hunger was well sated here on this immaculately organized piece of music. Things go right back as they were on the song in 'Wine Up', which taps another Swiss artist, Mercee who, interestingly, delivers in Spanish (reading through her background, Mercee's roots are everywhere. Switzerland, Cuba and Italy). This is done on an almost Groovy Soca-ish track and, again, it's just a really fun vibes that's bringing together a variety of different sounds and styles.

And wrapping things up is the single finest moment "Infinity" has to offer in my opinion, the outlandish 'Jah Blessing'... TEARS! There is a certain level of gorgeous humility to this one and with a title like that, it is definitely something that you would hope for but it comes BLARING through in this instance.

"JAH BLESSINGS NEVER SHORT CAUSE WE HAVE ENOUGH"

It is a chunk of ideology that I have always appreciated as it says to BE HAPPY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE because you know that, regardless of what it may [or may not] be, there's someone, somewhere out there who wishes they were in your position. Apart from that, 'Jah Blessing' is STERLING. It sits as not only the entry on this album, but one of the finest of Cali P's entire career in my opinion.

"Infinity" is entirely too short. It is. That's my largest critique. Eleven Cali P tracks, thirty and a half minutes. You couldn't have paid me to complain (yes you could have) were it a bit longer. 

Overall, for what is here, "Infinity" does impress. If you come looking for that straight forward Roots project, you will be disappointed (though, for you, I would direct you to a new tune from Cali P, 'Chant A Prayer') to a degree but I would also caution you to just let it, because you might run into something [called 'Family'] that will surprise you. As I said, I've been doing these for quite awhile with Cali P and, I imagine, we still have quite a ways to go. Judging by what is on "Inifinity", who knows what is to come and how it might sound, but I will HAPPILY be there to find out..... hell, even if it was awful, he's not getting rid of me that easily! Varied and solid. 

Rated: 4.15/5

Senmbelek/Evidence

2004

Strength & Resilience by Lutan Fyah!

"Strength & Resilience" by Lutan Fyah [I Grade Records]

1. 'Warning Dem'

2. 'Listen Mama'

3. 'Leader Before Me'

4. 'Just The Time' featuring Akae Beka

5. 'Strength & Resilience'

6. 'Pieces Of Broken Soul'

7. 'African Children'

8. 'Drain The Swamp'

9. 'Freedom Sound'

10. 'Secrets'

11. 'Protect Your Energy'

12. 'Days After Summer' featuring Queen Omega

13. 'Tomorrow Today'

PROBLEMS! Okay so, with 2025 (we made it!) well in progress, we look ahead at what and who might stop by to make for a suitable followup to a year in 2024 which may not have been brimming with greatness, but was quite solid in retrospect and... well apparently a pair of looooongtime favourites are providing us with what may just be the year's first TRULY great album release (it will be). Just about eight years ago now, the brilliant Lutan Fyah FINALLY officially linked up with the equally sagacious I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings to produce a long awaited by me album, "Music Never Dies". We reviewed it at a 5/5 [DUHHHHHH!]. It was fantastic and immediately became a favourite of mine from both catalogues of artist and label. Now, a few weeks shy of what will be its eight anniversary, a release is set for "Music Never Dies" as Lutan Fyah and IGR present "Strength & Resilience". I had NO CLUE that this album was in the offering and in the process of doing what I do every couple of weeks or so and just checking through a few sources, I came upon it and you can imagine just how DAMN HAPPY I was to see it. Though the Spanish Town chanter has steadily released singles and EP's over the years, the case could be well made that the "Music Never Dies" set was his last genuinely big album release and it is well overdue that the Fyah returns to scorch everything, everywhere.

2017

I've actually gotten to listen to a bit of "Strength & Resilience" already (courtesy of that one website with the long-winded previews) and it is EXACTLY what you would expect. OBVIOUSLY a lot of my attentions were focused on the pair of combinations, 'Just The Time' and 'Days After Summer', the former featuring oft-Lutan Fyah spar, Akae Beka, while the latter calls in, RIDICULOUSLY, the incomparable Queen Omega (a Lutan Fyah/Queen Omega tune....) (sometimes I have too many words) (sometimes I have none), but I also hear an uncredited guest on 'Freedom Sound' (pretty sure I know who that is, but if they're not saying it, then neither am I) and I also hear a song called 'African Children' which is the current leader for me here. 'African Children' is SOARING! 

I'm pretty sure the rest of the album is as well and you can join me in finding how just how high it does hit when "Strength & Resilience" releases on the 28th of February. TIME TO GET EXCITED. 

Rebel With Norris Man!

Unsurprisingly, back with yet another big new tune is the scalding Norris Man, this time linking with DJ Johnson from out of Denmark who was at work behind the chanter's 2023 set, "Life" (where it would have rivaled 'Folly Deeds' as the album's biggest tune, in my opinion. Another stellar tune coming from Norris Man in what I'm expecting to be another big year from him as well.

"Wi haffi keep it strong

Still ah bun babywrong"

Signatures Vol. IV: Chezidek

It's been a long time since we first made acquaintance with the unusually voiced singer from the sweetest place on the planet and it has been a VERY fun twenty-ish years or so. From his earlier days as, seemingly, the latest find of the mighty Xterminator Productions up to today, where he sits as a full veteran and proven hitmaker; Chezidek has had an incredibly STEADY and compelling career. Relatively recently, he's also become a 'certified' (as if such things are official) (they are not) favourite of mine and a CLEAR choice for a feature like this. So, here's a tiny collection of some of the greatest songs I've ever heard from someone who has consistently provided GEMS throughout the years. Signatures: Chezidek.

{Note: Next? Bunji Garlin}

1. 'Let I In'

Shall forever open. Though not the most obvious selection, I choose to begin this list with a tune called 'Let I In' because.... yeah, it fits, doesn't it?? This downright STUNNING track was carried on the singer's golden Xterminator guided debut set, "Harvest Time" (more on that later), way back in 2002 and while it came at a time while many were still trying to figure out what to actually make of the unusually voiced Chezidek, 'Let I In' SOARED. Aimed at oppression in various forms and seated atop a MAJESTIC track, 'Let I In' not only sought to remove societal barriers but it also, fittingly, helped to firmly place the singer on the radars of many. Myself included.

2.'Bun Di Ganja'

REAL HARD. I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, I was including too many songs on this list of a similar nature but then it occurred to me: It's my list and I can do whatever I wanted to with it. It's damn difficult to leave out this COOL tune from the Irie Ites (told you we might be hearing from them again), on their cut of the Strange Things Riddim, 'Bun Di Ganja'. The song, in total has a big vibes but, in particular, there are stretches of 'Bun Di Ganja' which SOAR! 

"Herb haffi bun

Chalice haffi light

Caan get no herb, wi no have no appetite

Babylon just ride pass, pon di bike

Nah dash weh mi weed from mi know seh dat nuh right

Dem caan lock wi up, it would cause a big fight

Mi nah go a jail, not even fi a night"

3. 'Walk With Jah'

King & Saviour. JSR also worked magic alongside the singer (they should really think about doing another album together at some point) to the tune of what I still regard as the brightest highlight on a set brimming with them, "Judgement Time", 'Walk With Jah'. 'Walk With Jah' was a praise. It's a simple as that. You've heard thousands such tracks and it added nothing at all new to the category, BUT IT WAS STUNNING! There is something so devastatingly and powerfully SIMPLE to 'Walk With Jah' that it, literally, freezes you. It demands your attention and does so today just as much as it did when I first laid ears on it. 

4. 'Inna Dem Eye'

KING MAN COME. As it stands, RIGHT NOW, the biggest tune in my opinion that Chezidek has ever done is the EPIC 'Inna Dem Eye'. The song featured the artist putting on a historical display -- one of the greatest such tunes that I can EVER recall hearing -- in celebration of all things Rastafari. The basics of such a piece were not surprising at all but this tune was of an entirely unusual quality. Chezidek ASCENDED with 'Inna Dem Eye' and he's still going up.

"21st of April, 1966

King Selassie I make that visit

RASTA MEK DI BABYLON DEM LOOK LIKE RUBBISH"

5. 'Kill Dem' featuring Queen Omega

Hot like the equator. NO! I did not forget about this tune (I did forget that it was Irie Ites' though, so my apologies). Never one for doing too much in the way of combination -- at least in my opinion -- Chezidek and Irie Ites did all the world a favour on his most recent full release, "Never Stop" from a couple of years ago, when they pulled in the incomparable Queen Omega to link for 'Kill Dem'. I will continue this series and I will eventually get around to doing one of these features on the Queen and if you have read my work to any degree, you know precisely in just how high esteem I hold her and 'Kill Dem' did not disappoint. She does threaten to steal the show, but Chezi also more than holds his own as the two unite and send one straight to the hearts of oppressors WHEREVER THEY MAY BE.

6. 'Leave The Trees'

And let them be. Chezidek' distinct GREEN TUNE, 'Leave The Trees' was very close to not making the cut until I did a  very basic search to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything... I was. 'Leave The Trees' was this very 'well-ventilated' and OPEN tune touching Chezidek's favourite topic (it's also likely Marlon Asher's favourite Chezidek tune as well). The vocalist would look at things from a variety of different perspectives apart from the typical route; the most interesting of the lot being the harm on the environment committed in the name of the insistence of certain individuals on FIGHTING A PLANT... A PLANT.

7. 'Inna Di Road'

Blood dem ah shed. Despite the undeniable heft of its direction (probably be the biggest social commentary Chezidek has ever done, 'Inna Di Road' probably, most immediately, sticks into your mind (about fifteen years later) for just how DAMN COOL it was. I won't overlook it at all: You could very well make the case that it is the best written tune here, as it comprehensively takes a look at several social topics, namely violence and general crime and does so BRILLIANTLY... but there is a certain confidence and succinctness that came through 'Inna Di Road'. It had the vibes that he had rehearsed (and rehearsed and rehearsed) it a few dozen times before actually recording it. Whatever was done in preparation for arguably the biggest hit of Chezi's career - IT WORKED. 

8. 'All My Life'

All my days. Three years following the release of the twice aforementioned "Judgement Time", Chezidek reached back with JahSolidRock to deliver its mighty followup, "The Order Of Melchezedik" which would have MASSIVE shoes to fill and it definitely did not disappoint. A dozen years on, THE signature of "The Order Of Melchezedik" is the intoxicating praise that was 'All My Life'.

"All my life, in all my days

THE JOY OF MY HEART IS TO GIVE RASTAFARI PRAISE"

'All My Life' presented the actual ACT of giving praise as euphoric. It and it, alone, is capable of bringing good vibes and feelings to people and he wrapped it up in this BEAUTIFUL package which has stuck with me and likely always will. 

9. Ganja Tree

Don't burn down no more!  The sweet, SWEET 'Ganja Tree' appeared on 2010's IMMACULATE "Judgement Time", courtesy of our friends from the highest region, JahSolidRock... 

Let me tell you something: I KNEW I was going to have 'Ganja Tree' somewhere on this list, so when I started gathering song titles, it was in the very first batch, but it had been a while from the last time I heard it. I'm writing it RIGHT NOW (DUH!) and it HIT ME! It broke me down! 'Ganja Tree' is a classic which has set the deepest of roots all over my mind. I was completely and thoroughly pleased with myself for being able to sing the entire thing from memory despite the time it had been.

"CHALICE HAFFI LIGHT BEFORE THE NEWS READ!"

10. 'Call Pon Dem'

Big conference. A massive credit goes to Massive B, whose glorious (and under-voided , in my opinion) Kingdom Riddim played the perfect backdrop for a tune that still sits as one of the largest and most popular of Chezidek's entire career to date, 'Call Pon Dem'. in order to fully appreciate this one, you have to pay it its respect on two levels. Of course, you want to listen to it and respect it, lyrically and the ideology behind it (which is what we do around here), but 'Call Pon Dem' also JUST SOUNDS REALLY GOOD! It's very pleasing to listen to and damn difficult [impossible] to ignore. It's very infectious and, listening to it all of these years later, there can be no surprise at the heights the tune would reach or the damage that it did in its day.... and still is.  

11. 'Harvest Time'

Dinner time. I actually feel quite proud to say that, over a couple of decades later, the title track from Chezidek's aforementioned freshman release is one of a few laying a large and legitimate claim to being THE single best that I have ever heard from him. 'Harvest Time' literally perfect. BIG and DIRECT, but not overstated, the tune had a point to make and it did precisely that in its time with this downright INTOXICATING delivery for the most part. Ranging somewhere between a chant and full-on deejaying, Chezidek delivered a vibe for the ages, saying it was time for things to become more inclusive in the world.

12. 'Who I Am'

Accept me. Given just how productive artist & label have been with one another, such a list would be incomplete (and just WRONG) without at least one contribution from Irie Ites and here it is (I'm actually still putting it together and wouldn't be surprised if I put another one from Chezidek & II in here somewhere) (have one, in particular, in mind). I hate to say it but had I worked on this list as recently as... maybe three or four years ago, 'Who I Am' would not have made it and it would not have even come close. Despite nearing twenty years of age and despite me well being aware of it, 'Who I Am' never really hit me until fairly recently and when it did I heard a certain... quaintness? There's something very COMFORTING about this tune but in a slightly unusual way (it's like finding out someone who you've known for a really long time has twin or something like that). Whatever the case, what was once just a random tune in Chezidek's back catalogue is now a significant favourite of mine and, EASILY, one of the best he's done to my opinion. Certain things that always standout do so here as well but I also LOVE the themes of RESPECT and SELF-RESPECT in a very basic and non-labourious way. It is easy a hell to treat someone decently. It literally requires no effort at all!

"ACCEPT ME FOR WHO I AM!"

13. 'Herbalist'

High grade campaign. Chezidek was one of several big names taking advantage of the SWEET Jam Down riddim from Danger Zone ["I'm waiiitinggggg"], with 'Herbalist', the riddim's obligatory ganja tune. 'Herbalist', sonically, was GOLD. Underratedly (melodically speaking), the song probably features one of the finest vocal performances of Chezi's entire career and he well took advantage of that most 'promotional' of tracks (it wasn't terribly difficult to be good on the Jam Down. It was very well done). The tune also did damage and was a sizable hit and has gone down as one of his most popular releases to the surprise of NO ONE AT ALL. 

14. 'Dem A Dweet'

Inna di open? Finally is this WOEFULLY underappreciated GEM of a tune which appeared on the Bassie Campbell produced "Freedom Fighters" album in 2013, 'Dem A Dweet'. The track took aimed at the more two-faced members of society who spend their time chanting down actions which they, themselves, partake in. Along with being lyrically damn scathing, something that has always attracted me to 'Dem A Dweet' has been its delivery. Originally, Chezidek came up as a deejay and while this one isn't straight-forward in that respect, it is a nearly perfect blend of what Chezidek is known for these days and where his origins lie.