Coming Soon Vol. 2

The Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2009 & The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2009 [VP/Greensleeves Records]

Who knew that it was that time of year again? As VP Records continues to try and find the 'perfect' scheduling their compilation releases, they're now scheduled to release BOTH Greensleeves' staple series The Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2009 and The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2009 on the very same day. I haven't seen the tracklisting for the Ragga Anthems but, judging by the cover it seems as if they're focusing more on the younger artists, which isn't a bad idea (and it's definitely been a minute since VP has signed a new young Dancehall artist hasn't it???). I have, however, seen the the tunes for One Drop Anthems (and so can you on VPReggae.com) and the thing begins with a potentially MASSIVE tune from Lutan Fyah name Genesis (you can also listen to clips), which I don't think I recall hearing thus far. The rest of the lineup seems nice as well with potentially (or certainly) big efforts coming from Junior Kelly, Ziggi, Etana and a combination featuring Peetah Morgan alongside Assassin.

Rated Potential One Drop: 4.5/5

Rated Potential Ragga: 3.5/5

Both release on October 6 [definite review for One-Drop Anthems, not so definite for Ragga]

Aspire Riddim [Silly Walks Discotheque]

I was a bit surprised to see what has very quietly become one of my more under the radar favourite riddims of the year, the Aspire, arrive with an album via its creator, the German label Silly Walks. I could probably best describe the piece as a rather 'sparkly' one drop with a little twist and the tunes I had heard even before were pretty impressive including Lutan Fyah's Wreckage (which is a BIG tune), Talking from future superstar Kali Blaxx and Equal Rights from the criminally overlooked Prestige. However, when the final tracklist rolled out I was even more impressed and I'm well looking forward to hearing efforts from both Afrikan stars Black Dillinger and Rebellion The Recaller, as well as Lady G, Gentleman, Louie Culture (of all people) and the late and great Lucky Dube's daughter Nkulee.

Rated Potential: 4.5/5

Releases on September 25 [expect a review]

Tiwony & Bredrens - Viv La Vi [Blackwarell]

Surprise surprise! Not exactly a matter of coming soon but. . . kind of. I got quite a bit of reaction for my review of Tiwony's BIG new album Viv La Vi (biggup Ron C and Dale Cooper), with the prevailing opinion/question being "where in the hell can I find it". Well, the powers that be at Blackwarell are freeing it up to the digital retailers worldwide apparently and you'll soon be able to grab up the entire (WICKED) project at your favourite online store (and if you still want the hard copy (good for you) link up Antilles Mizik (linked in My Favourite Places Online>>>>>).

Digital releases on September 20

In Stores Now

Flippa Mafia & Elephant Man - Opening Shots [Digital Link International Inc.]

Very briefly. Digital Link International has released two songs from Flippa Mafia & Elephant Man aimed at each other as the two are now involved in a mediocre clash. And I probably wouldn't have mentioned it at all, were it not for the indirectly HILARIOUS caption on the cover which reads, "THE LYRICAL WAR HAS BEGUN BETWEEN TWO OF DANCEHALLS ARTISTS". Not two of Dancehall's most VICIOUS, or DEADLY, or LETHAL artists. Just two of Dancehall's artists. Well maybe they were just being honest. Ele, in my opinion, takes this one by a mile, but I mention it because Elephant Man fans can go and see what he's been up to and then ask themselves the question, "Who is Flippa Mafia???".

Rated: 2/5

Henfield Records Riddim Releases [Henfield/Zojak Worldwide]

And lastly, probably the most interesting of the news here is that Henfield records has teamed up with Zojak to distribute A LOT of their back catalogue and when I say that and you don't know what that means, I would suggest to you to track down sound clips of these pieces (or just google them) because you, as I did, may just find that some of your favourite riddims from a decade or so ago are being released. Highlights here for me included the Sweet River riddim which I just figured out was the name of the riddim for both Richie Spice's EPIC Earth A Run Red and Jah Cure's MAGICAL Jah Bless Me.

And of course, the Babatundeh is the bed in which Capleton's MASSIVE Who I Am rests (also has a big tune from Norris Man).

And the others are pretty nice and familiar as well as there are some absolute GEMS here and you can go off and pick your favourites from them all.

Rated in full: 5/5