Okay so, I heard this tune and I had kinda/sorta made up my mind what it was going to be about but THANKFULLY, it didn't go in the direction I was thinking it might... well it did, but it didn't STAY there. Soca stars Machel Montano & Skinny Fabulous pay a MAMMOTH [!!!] tribute to those who we've lost along the way with their big new tune, 'Fallen Fetters'. I was expecting something on the somber side and, though it does start there, an entirely appropriate amount of pandemonium does subsequently take over. THIS IS GORGEOUS MUSIC in an artform which celebrates.... pretty much every damn thing. So we will jump and wave for those who can no longer do it themselves (and then someone will jump for us when we're gone). Also HAVE to mention the prevailing lyrical statement here:
"CELEBRATE YOUR FRIENDS BEFORE THEY'RE GONE"
You don't actually have to wait! Tell someone you love them when you realize that you do! Say thank you! Call someone you haven't talked to in a bit and check up on them; see how they're doing. The season is VERY young, still, but two Machel and Skinny have already delivered one of its certain highlights. BOOOM! DAMN!
Okay so, it is that magical, wonderful time of the year when we all begin to take a look back at the year that was and we do this by... taking a look ahead at what is to come in the form of The Grammy Awards, early next year, given to [what they believe] the year's finest Reggae album [...or what they deem to be an "album"]. Today we take a look at the nominees and end up making a sure-to-be-inaccurate prediction. We do it every years so.... let's get to it.
{Note: No. CLEARLY I did not feel like writing an intro for this one. So I apologize for its poor quality. The rest of this post is goo... is as bad as it normally is}
"Take It Easy" by Collie Buddz [Harper Digital]
TECHNICALLY, last year Bermy star, Collie Buddz, was also nominated via his lovely riddim, the Cali Roots and his name is back on the bill this year in a more direct form via his own album, "Take It Easy" (...which also released in 2023 but, apparently, it had passed the deadline). "Take It Easy" fully deserves to be her. It is a GOOD album and, given the fact that the people who vote for these things should be well familiar with Collie Buddz' name you'd expect an album of his in 2024 (or 2023) to snatch a nomination. Previous nominee (and winner) Bounty Killer ups the star power present, giving "Take It Easy" a more LOGICAL look at a Grammy.
"Never Gets Late Here" by Shenseea [Rich Immigrants + Interscope Records]
Given her popularity and her prolificacy (and the fact that she just hit twenty-eight years old), you'd have to think that a Grammy at some point is in the future of superstar, Shenseea so don't be surprised if 2025 is her year with "Never Gets Late Here". Though I've yet to enjoy much of her work when compiled together (pretty sure I'm not her target audience), the ridiculously high level of talent is un-ignorable. Lyrically, Shenseea can do some SERIOUS damage and do it effortlessly. The greatest example of that, here, was a tune called 'Tap Out' but she's shown it in glaring spots throughout the years. "Never Gets Late Here" was quite well received amongst her fans as far as I could tell and heavily promoted as well and, like I said, perhaps this is her time.
"Bob Marley: One Love" Music Inspired by the Film Deluxe [Island Records]
Probably the on-paper favourite this year would be the soundtrack to, easily, one of the biggest moments in Reggae music in 2024, the film "Bob Marley: On Love". The original version of the album features music exclusively from the Gong, himself, while the nominated deluxe set features work of the legendary singer placed into the hands of several different vocalists. Most notable (to my audience) would be the likes of Skip Marley, Mystic Marley and the aforementioned Shenseea. That being said, I don't particularly like this album, AT ALL, but you're not shocked at all if, given its origins, that it goes home with the prize.
"Evolution" by The Wailers [Crescent Moon Records + Marshall Sound]
From Marley's movie to his band. The immortal Wailers checked in for 2024 with the new project, "Evolution" which, although it didn't seem to generate a ton of buzz, was a fine production and one of the finest of the entire year from the genre, in my opinion. I don't find myself keeping up as much as I should with the wailers these days but I did take "Evolution" for a listen when it released (a couple of weeks or so after my birthday) and I was WELL impressed with songs such as 'You Belong To Me', 'Holding On' with Gramps Morgan, 'Generation' with Michael Rose, the all kinds of catchy 'Give It Up' featuring the timeless Marcia Griffiths as well as the closer 'Sins' and the title track. By my count, this is the fourth time the Wailers have been nominated for this award (in one form or another) and you'd think they'd win it one of these years, eventually; 2025 may just be it with, arguably, the single best album on this list.
"Party With Me" by Vybz Kartel [Adidjahiem Records]
To the surprise of absolutely no one, also getting a Grammy nod this year is the recently freed, Vybz Kartel, who, as expected, wasted NO TIME AT ALL, in putting together a piece of work and setting it out to the masses. Said work, "Party With Me", was EONS from his best work to my opinion and he'll likely never hit those heights again (when Kartel was at his zenith, there was NOTHING like him), but his nomination here goes to show that not even thirteen years directly out of the spotlight (.....but not REALLY) have diminished his popularity.
and the winner izzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......
"Take It Easy" by Collie Buddz
Just being nominated a year ago, you would think, would have provided Collie Buddz with a familiar advantage because MOST LIKELY many of the same people who voted in 2023 are voting again in 2024. On top of that, the artist has a name which goes back quite awhile ('Come Around' is nearing two decades old at this point) and, as I said, "Take It Easy" is just good. I am rarely correct on these predictions and just assume that I'll be wrong but I am actually EXPECTING Collie Buddz to win it this time. Am I right. Probably not, but who cares. See who takes home the Grammy for Best Reggae album (as well as the rest of them) on the 2nd of February, 2025.
You can ALWAYS go back home! Coming up on FIFTEEN YEARS since we made our very first post on her, the incomparable Sara Lugo is not only back at work, but she's back at work with a very familiar source, the wonderful people at Oneness Records, as artist and label link up for the big new tune, 'Hidden Treasure', an expectedly GORGEOUS track that Lugo wrote while in Jamaica.
"WHEN YOU LOOK INTO THE FACES OF YOUR SISTERS
YOU WILL SEE THE SUN SHINE RIGHT THROUGH THEM"
The tune has an obvious direction of not immediately 'judging the book by its cover' and the way it is presented... I already used the gorgeous, but that's what it is! Just a beautiful tune and, all these years later, that woman's voice STILL does everything for me. You already know what I'm thinking ("Flowaz" is three and a half years old....), but I'll keep that to myself and just enjoy Sara Lugo & Oneness Records once again working their magic in late 2024. If you don't like this tune, leave this blog and never come back. Your kind is not welcomed here. BOOM!
Unlike the first two subjects of our Signatures series [Akae Beka & Norris Man], I didn't experience much of a 'build-up' or gestation process in regards to our third featured artist. I didn't have to do a great deal of studying (although it did help) or work hard at all to get to a point where I could appreciate this specific vibe: I've been a fan of Lutan Fyah from pretty much the very first time I heard him. What I heard initially is the same thing I hear now, over twenty years later: A great command of what he is saying and a serious commitment to his craft. I listen to prime Sizzla Kalonji and Vaughn Benjamin and come away thinking that these men are scholars who just so happened to have a talent for music. I don't hear that in Lutan Fyah. I hear someone CLEARLY very well-read and well-traveled but what stays with me is the idea of this artist who simply looks around at what he is seeing and then goes about tirelessly determining how to express himself and his opinions. When at his best, the man provides one of the most THOROUGH listens that I have ever heard. Here are some my favourite of his "at his bests". Signatures: Lutan Fyah
1. 'Ridiculous'
That's ridiculous! Instead of going with the more obvious route, I chose to start off with this complete and utter GEM of a tune was carried by an unfortunately largely forgotten album by the name of "Never Surrender My Faith" from back in 2013, produced by the venerable Jah Warrior from out of the UK. From the very first time that I laid ears on it, I knew 'Ridiculous' was something special as Lutan Fyah painted a picture that was as bleak as it was COMICAL. There're elements of an all-encompassing level of disbelief over the actions of others and the way it plays out is SO interesting. You could, fairly, critique Lutan Fyah (unlike several of his peers. Capleton being a major example) for being somewhat 'rigid' in his straight-forward delivery, but that was not the case on the passion latent 'Ridiculous' (and it isn't necessarily PASSION where he tends to lack, it was more in terms of commanding melody). An upped level of pacing combined with an nearly brilliant course of action made for a single that has stuck with me through the years and will undoubtedly continue to.
2. 'Genesis'
Big from the beginning. TEARS! How many Roots Reggae songs giving praise to His Imperial Majesty have you heard? If you've been an even remotely consistent fan of the genre, chances are fairly high that you'd think that is a ridiculous question because you'd have great difficulties even estimating. They are constant and, arguably (not really though) THE central core of ideology of the music. I say all of that to say that 'praising songs' don't sound like 'Genesis'. They just don't. Black Bootz Muzik armed the Fyah with their fitting Hart 2 Hart Riddim and he returned to them a song befitting The King. 'Genesis' was ROYALTY and now, over a decade and a half later, it still is.
3. 'Put A Fyah In Deh'
No compromise. This feature is called "Signatures" and 'Put A Fyah In Deh' qualifies as as a signature in more ways than one. Along with being one of my favourite Lutan Fyah songs ever, it was also THE tune from the SWEET Lifetime Riddim from the Zion I Kings.
"Put a fyah in deh
Mek wi put a fyah in deh"
Going further... let's take a look at the name of the song: 'PUT A FYAH IN DEH'. The direction of the tune is about sparking change and not sticking with the set course of action (if you want to make change what do you do? You burn everything to the ground and just start over) and PERHAPS another part of that is the literal part of putting the [Lutan] Fyah in there. Listening to songs like this definitely put you in that mindset and they KEEP you there as well.
4. 'Rasta Still Deh Bout' featuring Josie Mel
Can't believe. Veteran chanter/singer Josie Mel joined the Fyah on what is definitely one of the most recognizable tunes either has ever done (it is, FAR & AWAY, the case for Mel) (biggup Josie Mel) and for good reason. 'Rasta Still Deh Bout' was another instance where 'message music' united with a lovely sound (the riddim is literally called the Sweet.com) (biggup Minor 7 Flat 5). The direction was one where the two reminded all that, no matter where you go, what you may think or how bleak things may get, Rastafari (and, by extension, righteousness, in general) is still there. This one had a serious impact on me and, again, did so almost effortlessly.
5. 'Bag A Herbs'
Mr. Officer? Do you know how much Lutan Fyah loves ganja? Even moreso than many of his perhaps (and perhaps not) overly indulging peers, it seems to be amongst a few centralizing themes at the CORE of his music with as often as he not only has touched on the topic over the years, but has touched on it with a big tune. It seems like something he always makes a conscience attempt to put his proverbial best foot forward on (similar to Ras Batch) (biggup Batch). So I think that declaring any song to be THE best ganja tune of Lutan Fyah's entire career would carry a significant amount of weight and that is precisely what I'm doing in the case of 'Bag A Herbs'. Coming from our great friends at Oneness Records, 'Bag A Herbs' was kinda DELIGHTFUL - and that isn't normally the type of word that you would use to describe a song.... talking about being stopped by the police and potentially arrested, but it just was! Surely some of that goes to the nature of the Redeemer Riddim underpinning it but, for his part, presented his argument over the troubles faced by individuals OVER A DAMN PLANT, in a very attractive way. It's a tune that I have gravitated to from the very first time that I heard it and, again, it is the best of a very large lot from this artist.
6. 'Peace In Spanish Town'
The old capital. I don't know if it's still the case -- it is definitely still in the conversation -- but there was once a point where Lutan Fyah's single biggest hit was this track which caught flames in Jamaica twenty years ago (how on earth is this thing TWENTY YEARS OLD??). 'Peace In Spanish Town' was exactly what its title says. It was a call for a ceasefire in Lutan Fyah's native Spanish Town and while respect goes to Mac-D Records for supplying the vibes, I would tell anyone seeking a statement of Lutan Fyah's efficacy as a writer to maybe start here. There are points during 'Peace In Spanish Town' where it seems as if the artist is fully INCAPABLE of stopping the words (check most of that second verse, for example). Like he isn't saying these words as much as he is GIVING HIMSELF to them. 'Peace In Spanish Town' may've been an unlikely hit in its day (then again, maybe not so unlikely), but a couple of decades on, it has more than earned its position on any such list like this and not only through its popularity but even more so because of its QUALITY.
7. 'No More War'
Swim deep. Unless I'm REALLY forgetting about something, 'No More War' was the very first tune from Lutan Fyah that I actually LOVED! The tune was another appearing on the "Culture Dem" compilation that I've previously mentioned (and will mention again at some point) where it was a genuine highlight. It would also be featured on what was (I THINK) the Fyah's sophomore release, "Time & Place" (which was brilliant and is probably a modern classic on these pages), from Lustre Kings Productions. What made it so special? I don't know if I made the connection then that I do now, although it was apparent (the years and years of consistency would have been lacking at that point), 'No More War' was different, lyrically. It wasn't your typical straight-forward Roots Reggae social commentary.
"We the people know not war and crime
We the people just know how to be kind
We the people - up the ladder of righteousness we will climb -
To seek The Divine"
The song, along with a few others, would go to lay the foundation for someone who (as I hope I said in the intro.... haven't written it just yet), at least for me, stands as one of the Most gifted lyricists in the scope of modern Roots Reggae music.
8. 'Still Deh Deh' featuring Mark Wonder
Circumstances. Like 'Rasta Still Deh Bout', 'Still Deh Deh' was featured on "Phantom War" (which remains Lutan Fyah's best album in my opinion and was the very first edition of our Modern Classics series) (I could have added two others from that album as well) (at least) and, also like that song, it was a combination (which I don't think it was officially credited at the time, I'm entirely too lazy to dig up the disc, so let's see if I can find the back somewhere online..... Yeah. It doesn't say anything about the guest). The Fyah, himself, announces his accompanying vocalist very early on and then listeners are TREATED to a wonderful song linking together a pair of my absolute favourites, Lutan Fyah & Mark Wonder! While I hadn't yet become the massive fan of Wonder's music that I am these days, 'Still Deh Deh' probably should have been signal as to what was to come in both cases. This track, not quite even three minutes in length, was SPECIAL. Looking back at it now, as far as myself, personally, it's probably one of the most impessive and SIGNIFICANT combinations that I've ever come across. There were others such as 'Babylon Ah Use Dem Brain' which brought in Sizzla & Capleton, but they were obvious - 'Still Deh Deh' took a bit of work. The two united for what was a social commentary, promoting change and did so in a way which well lived up to the 'star power' of its creators.
9.'Bad Traffic'
Spinning wheel. The Legendary duo, Mafia & Fluxy would release a cut of the Down In The Jamaica Riddim (through Irie Ites) (biggup Irie Ites) back in 2007 and although the results of the project, as a whole, were mixed to some degree (it was OKAY), it would provide us with a clear and definitive champion, in the form of Lutan Fyah's MAMMOTH 'Bad Traffic'. This tune was an examination of people.... just LIVING DIRTY! It looked at everything from just generally bad actions and bad behaviour (and I do not mean that in a cool, Soca kinda way) all the way to poor health practices and hygiene. It was also stacked with 'fire' as Lutan Fyah, clearly feeling the subject, threw all of himself directly into the belly of this one.
10. 'Watch Over Me'
Strength. I can remember when I first ran into this one. Seated atop the very ambitious "Africa" album from our old friends at 2b1 Records, 'Watch Over Me' was somewhere in the clouds on an album FULL of such soaring moments (including two other bona fide hits, 'De La Vega' & Save The Juvenile', as well another tune that you will find on this list). The downright TRIUMPHANT offering was dazzling, it was hypnotic, it was infectious -- ALL OF THEM -- and one of the easiest tunes to listen that the Fyah has ever made in my opinion. It has aged beautifully and, despite the fact that I don't listen to it nearly as much as I should these days, 'Watch Over Me', even within this collection will ALWAYS hold a very special place for me.
11. 'When Mi Rise It'
Exercise it. 'When Mi Rise It' was an odd one. On one hand, you could make the case that the Rootdown licked track was actually somewhat obscure... but it was also kind of a hit in its day. In fact, it seemed to be a favourite, once upon a time, of Lutan Fyah's to perform and you'd see him on shows offering up bits and pieces of it, relatively constantly; but it was one of many on a random riddim for a European label. What was different about this one??? For me, that was something brilliantly and DEFENSIVELY authoritative to it. "It" would be risen only at the appropriate times and in the face of offensive opposition. A compilation like this one (or anyone else) needs a bit of a BITE to it and 'When Mi Rise It' definitely qualifies for that. One of the best more aggressive tunes Lutan Fyah has made.
12. 'Life Of A King'
Coronation, Rasta Coronation.
"All people shall come to meet and greet
And to loook upon di face of The King from the east
Gifts & presents unto theee
The light of the world and The Prince Of Peace
Story of my life increase
So love who you got so close, at least
TAKE THIS MESSAGE TO ROME AND GREECE:
LET RIGHTEOUSNESS INCREASE"
'Life Of A King' is a bar of gold wrapped up in a song. It was absolutely STUNNING the first time I heard it and it has not lost an glimmer of its shine all of these years on. The song walked a double lyrical line for me where Lutan Fyah was speaking to the life of The King and then speaking also to living a life gratifying and pleasing to His Majesty as well. You take that, as LOVELY as it is, and put within this very simple sound (the track almost sounds R&Bish at times) that compliments it almost perfectly and you're living the life of a king and making music of a king as well.
13. 'Mightier Than Them'
Clock ticking.Danger Zone's damn near perfect Jamdown Riddim backed the entirely unforgettable 'Mightier Than Them All' which also makes my list. The Jamdown was fruitful. Along with this tune, it also bore hits from the likes of Ce'Cile, Chezidek, Morgan Heritage and Jah Cure and Lutan Fyah's track ranks alongside the best of them all. 'Mightier Than Them All' was a SYRUPY praising tune across an equally candied riddim (great background singing as well) as well as a lyrical standout. This song makes me SMILE and it always has which, I would think, was alt least part of the intent here as Lutan Fyah gracefully presents the ACT of praising His Imperial Majesty to be one that is EMPOWERING and a treat to the individual.
14. 'Never Stop Hail Rastafari'
Thy kingdom come! You might recall In The Streetz making an excellent run of album in the 2000's, pushing sets for the likes of Sizzla Kalonji, Norris Man and Jah Mason. In 2007, Lutan Fyah joined that fine lot with his own album for ITS, "You Bring Blessings". In retrospect, the album hasn't aged very well with a few exceptions (it isn't bad at all but these days, I find it quite average. Maybe a few too many love songs), the most glaring of which is the same tune which was the album's greatest in its day and still is, the MASSIVE praise, 'Never Stop Hail Rastafari'. This song was GLORIOUS in every single way -- from Lutan Fyah's strong performance, down to the all sorts of fascinating Street Swing beneath it (probably best known for either 'Never Stop Hail Rastafari' or Kalonji's undefeated 'Chant Dem Down') -- as the Fyah made his intentions known to all as to exactly how he plans to spend the rest of the days and WHOM he plans to spend them exalting.
15. Bossman
Gimme wah mi come fah. Being around ten years old or so would have certainly qualified it for such a thing but had I compiled a list such as this one as recently as.... just two or three years or so ago, chances are pretty high that 'Bossman' wouldn't even have been amongst the final cuts (along with the likes of 'Wipe Your Tears', the aforementioned 'Save The Juveniles' and 'Stop That Train' with Pressure Busspipe) and not made it at all. While I was well familiar the Fyah's cut of Riddim Wise's Downtown Riddim and thought it solid, I had nowhere near the admiration for it that I've developed over the past eighteen months-ish. What changed??
"So bossman!
Gimmi wah mi come fah!
Stop beat around di bush
You nuh si mi frustrated and di youths a dead fi hunger
And mi no stay like how it look
Seh mi nah stretch mi hands out fi no handout
Mi nah come yah feet out
Yuh nah si seh this a drout and di youth dem need foot to their mouth
Too much hungry-belly pickney deh bout
And mi tell yuh, this serious
I WANT THE RIGHT AMOUNT!
You bossman, gimme mi mass man
Mind yuh get mi cross man
STOP TREAT DI YOUTHS LIKE ORPHAN
A who you waan show off pon
MAN A WHAT KINDA HOME YOU BORN FROM??!!"
If you've never REALLY listened to this song, be nice to yourself, do something good for YOU and dive into it. 'Bossman' is WONDERFUL lyrically. It is pinpointed and HIGHLY DETAILED for a cause that many people from many different walks of life are well familiar with. Probably one of the best written tunes of his entire career and that is saying TONS, given what this man has been up to.
"The Jamaican Situation" by Protoje [In.Digg.Nation]
First up this week is a loooooong overdue visit to the stomping grounds of our old friend, Protoje, who is back with a brand new EP project, "The Jamaican Situation". Protoje has been rolling out singles from since very early on in the year and they've now been brought together for a the very fun full set. It's always interesting listening to how Protoje works because it's ALWAYS a very natural thing. Maybe you love every single tune, maybe you don't, but you always get the feeling from the man that he has found EXACTLY what he was supposed to be doing with his life (they sound NOTHING alike, but it's similar to what I think of Damian Marley). Standouts here such as '30 Million', 'Where We Come From' (with Jahshii and IzyBeats) and the MASSIVE '80's Wild' showcase that talent at a typically high degree. And I owe Protoje a review! Hopefully can get that out before the end of the year.
'Carry It' by Bunji Garlin [Bad Beagle]
There've already been a number of really solid Soca tunes kicking up for the 2025 season and probably my early favourite, unsurprisingly, comes from the steadily FLAMING Bunji Garlin with 'Carry It'. The man has been on an absolute roll in recent seasons (which is saying a lot in his case, because he's been great for decades at this point) (Garlin's cousin, Patrice Roberts, is also doing very good so far) and it is continuing with a track looking back and at the 'good ole days' of Carnival as, arguably, Soca's Bodyguard continues to defend and UPLIFT the music and the culture like no other. TEARS! DAMN!
The Dutty Showtime Riddim [Dutty Rock Productions/Madhouse Records]
The great Sean Paul and co. from Dutty Rock Productions are back at it with their latest creation, the Dutty Showtime Riddim. An ode to a more vintage era sound, the Dutty Showtime is a fresh take on the late 90's STATUE of a riddim from the great Dave Kelly, the Showtime Riddim (best known for.... Baby Cham's 'Gallang Yah Gal', 'Eagle and Di Hawk' by Bounty Killer, Spragga Benz with 'Wi Nuh Like', and a few others as well), which is now reborn and placed in the capable hands of modern artists. Paul, himself, takes a pair of attempts on his track, the second of which being a VERY strong combination alongside Ward 21 (Sean Paul/Ward 21 on the same tune is NUTS!) with other standouts including Buju Banton, Tarrus Riley and Chi Ching Ching, whose 'Loud' is a sleeper hit of a song in my opinion. Still, all of those talented lights are competing for the second best track on the riddim as Busy Signal ABSOLUTELY BURNS IT TO ASH [!] with his effort, 'All Dem Try'.
'Match' by Jah9 [VP Records]
It's been entirely too damn long since last we crossed paths with the brilliant in every conceivable and inconceivable way Jah9 and she has well caught my attention with her latest single release, 'Match'. We're going to call this tune... ROMANTIC? Maybe SENSUAL?? Call it what you will (it's also kinda dirty, but in an expectedly very subtle and mature way.... like I wan to... It doesn't sound like a bad time the way she puts it) (Let's just say it like that), but 'Match' is more typically CLEVER wording and structuring by one of Reggae's reigning sagest of wizards.
"Phantom War" by Lutan Fyah [Greensleeves Records - 2006]
I'll show you exactly why "Phantom War" is our 'vintage' drop these days probably in the next week or so (it's actually already finished, just wanted to do this one first) -- although you may be able to figure it out -- but out of all the older material from Lutan Fyah that I've been listening to, it's where I normally lay my roots. Going on twenty years old, I still consider it to be his single greatest album and, these days, you could even make the argument that it's done nothing but get stronger. Literally SOAKED with big tunes; from 'Wipe Those Tears' to 'Rasta Still Deh Bout', from 'Bits & Pieces' to the title track and from 'Blood Stain' ["BLOOD STAIN DEH PON YAH SHOULDERS"] to 'Screaming For The Poor': "Phantom War" was Lutan Fyah at his gritty, hard-working best.
