Most Wanted 2011

There’s nothing wrong with getting started early. 2010 has definitely served up more than its fair share of most memorable moments and, going forth, I’m sure some of them will continue to resonate many many years beyond the next ten days or so. But lets leave that there for a moment. Just like 2010, 2011 is sure to be full of memorable moments and surprises as well and I thought that I’d take a look at just who might be coming around to provide some of those moments. Here’s a lot which would surely make my year a big one if they decided to go to work on albums in 2011 - It’s The Most Wanted of 2011.

#15. Ce’Cile

Hey Ce’Cile! Checking in at #15 here is Achis Reggae favourite, Bad Gyal Ce’Cile, who seems like a likely candidate to return next year for a few different reasons. The first is the unmistakable fact that she has been on an absolute ROLL as of late, scoring a big line hits of varying sizes and just generally offering good music and doing so, perhaps now, more consistently than she ever has. There was a time, a few years back, when the delicious artist spent a most ridiculous five or six years waiting for an album to be released (biggup Delicious Vinyl) (not really though), but it wouldn’t materialize until she left that situation and set up camp elsewhere. Since then, albums haven’t seemed to be a problem for Ce’Cile (she literally seemed to release 4-5 in like a half an hour), so one would figure that with tunes like ‘Anything’ and others (especially for Don Corleon) cropping big over the past year or so if it does come up, it may just be a master class. {Oh and Ce’Cile - Nice angle} {Oh and don’t look at me like that either} {It’s very distracting}

Chances of Happening: 3.5/5
Ce’Cile will probably continue to score big in 2011 and because of that, it’s going to be hard to imagine another twelve months coming and going without her formally saying hello again.

#14. Bambú Station

Children born next year. I believe the last that I read, outstanding VI Reggae outfit, Bambú Station, was set to release its first studio album since 2006’s mighty ”Break The Soil” just next month and (if you haven’t noticed, the month is now more than 75% completed) having already spun endlessly the first single, ‘How Things Ah Go’ for quite some time now, I’m getting well interested in hearing what’s going to be joining it from Jalani Horton and company. One thing that I can say for almost certainty is that the MUSIC is going to be top notch as it has been throughout the group’s own releases as well as the big compilations they’ve done through the years as well. In this case we already have a title for the album, ”Children of Exodus”, which sounds wonderful and how nice would it be if January would bring it to us?!

Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
As good as delivered

#13. Skinny Fabulous

Lehgo de beast! It probably goes without saying in his case, but should Skinny Fabulous SIMPLY take some his biggest of hits and throw them on a single album (without doing a single new tune), he’d probably do pretty good just on that alone. The reigning and three time consecutive St. Vincy Soca Monarch has as much intoxicating ENERGY in Soca music that I’ve ever heard (which is saying something MAJOR in his case) that I really could see him grabbing fans of other genres (especially Dancehall, of course) with a well done project, should he get that opportunity, so obviously we’re dealing with something potentially very big here. If it does come, hopefully they’d wait until the final third or quarter of the year following Vincy Mas when, presumably, Skinny’s popularity would be at its peak with yet another HUGE year of HUGE tunes under his belt and the subsequent album would be almost guaranteed to be absolutely FUCKING RIDICULOUS!

Chances of Happening: 2.5/5
Despite the fact that (I THINK) Skinny is still a Pyramid artist, which puts him in the company of names such as Lil Rick, Masala, the Fraud Squad and Buggy Nhakente (all of whom have had albums reach in the past few years), for some reason I just get the feeling that his case will be a bit more complicated (maybe because I’ve been waiting on it for three years now) (just a guess).

#12. Batch

Di Genius. If anyone else were to make such a list (and they weren’t, which is why you turn up here each and every damn day) (because I am the MADDEST!) you probably wouldn’t see Batch’s name on it, but he EASILY ranks for me as someone I hope to hear from next year. Has it only been a couple of years since "Vizionary” dropped? It seems like maybe five or six at this point (although it’s just about three now, I suppose). Following a 2007 in which he released two very fine albums, ”To The Root” and ”Iver Strong”, and then the one the following year, Batch has been fairly quiet in the almost two completed years since. He has, however, appeared with singles here and there, most notably appearing on the BIG ”Joyful Noise” compilation last year and even those selections were very strong, but I want more! In my ‘best case scenario’ I think 2011 would be such a nice year for Batch to make his I Grade Records debut, but I’d take it anyway I could get it at this point because the man is a proven genius.

Chances of Happening: 2/5
I haven’t heard a single thing of Batch even working with anyone at this point.

#11. Mr. Williamz

Real general. I read recently that burgeoning UK superstar, Gappy Ranks, would be quickly following up his 2010 debut album, ”Put The Stereo On” with another, more current vibed, release early next year and while that will certainly catch my attention, I’m a bit more interested in the debut piece from one of his neighbours, the wicked Mr. Williamz. While Williamz didn’t have the most active of years this year (which is why he is at this spot on the list) (and because I forgot him and bumped Beenie Man for his position) (either one), I’m still well enthused by his captivating brand of neo-old school Dancehall and from a selfish point of view, the thought of reviewing a full blown album from him is VERY appetizing/

Chances of Happening: 4/5
I spoke with Curtis Lynch Jr. from Necessary Mayhem (or someone else who has access to his email) and he told me, at that time (maybe a month or two ago), that he was working on an LP from Mr. Williamz. The label is VERY active and although I don’t know that they’ve actually done an artists album, Williamz seems as good and LIKELY of a candidate as anyone on which to start.

#10. Bunji Garlin

Right now. Anytime now. From 2002-08, Trini Soca lyrics machine, Bunji Garlin, released an album every year which would ultimately amount to seven of his eight total to date. Last year, most regrettably, that streak ended and it was subsequently extended in 2010 (unless he releases one in the next week and a half or so). What that means is that in the next couple of months, Bunji Garlin will have THREE seasons from which to draw for a next release, at least. In that time are absolute winners such as ‘Clear De Road’, of course ‘Brave’ and most recently the brilliant ‘De African’. With pieces like such, I think it would be great if 2011 would get Garlin yet another boost by giving him his third VP album, but really, now, I don’t care how he puts it out, just do it!

Chances of Happening: 3/5
I’m not too hopeful of this one happening this year, but I’m very hopeful and I can see it maybe coming through in the second half of the year. He actually did announce an album early in 2010, ”I Am”, so maybe something actually is in the works.

{Note: If I thought there were any chance at all, Mrs. Bunji Garlin would surely be on this list}
{Note 2: But it isn’t}

#9. Bramma

Bombs dropping. 2010 has definitely pacified my interest in the still WICKED young Dancehall BOOM that is Bramma, but as of late, whether I just wasn’t paying a great attention (I was) or it is just the actual case (and it is), Bramma has been once again stepping up his game. About a year and a half ago, I’d go out of my way to mention this youth and justly so. To my opinion, of that next class following the likes of Aidonia, Busy Signal and Mavado, CLEARLY Bramma was (and still is) THE single most talented of the lot. What he has is something that I’m thankful that I’m now able to describe - It is this focus. The man just throws himself at a riddim and on top of that he’s probably (already) one of the ten best lyricists that the Dancehall has and probably has been for two years now. So, if you can’t tell, I’m back to being pretty high on Bramma so even if he doesn’t push an album (which would probably be the best Dancehall debut since Busy’s ”Step Out”), prepare to hear TONS about him around here in 2011.

Chances of Happening: 2/5
With Stephen McGregor and Big Ship doing most of Bramma’s business to my knowledge, that opens an avenue of going to the Far East with a debut album such as McGregor’s brother, Chino, is oft to do. If that isn’t the case, then REALLY I could probably see as late as 2013-14 being more likely years for a full album from Bramma.

#8. Saïk

2030 in 2011. Speaking of really impressive young lyricists. Perhaps the most impressive of them all in Dancehall, worldwide, the MEGA shot that is young Gwada star, Saïk, might be geared to make a return with his sophomore release following 2007’s EPIC ”Face à La Réalité” and the planets seem to be aligning just right for the moment (more on that in a second). In the case of Saïk, what works for me is the simple fact that the man is just extraordinarily talented with the spoken and written word. As far as today’s standards, he’s far and away one of the greatest that I’ve heard and should his second album (whenever we get it) prove to be greater than the first (particularly in the lyrical aspect), the still very very young Saïk may already show himself to be headed in the way of legends.

Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
I’m pretty confident of this one. Why? The label who did Saïk’s first album, Don’s Music, has been enjoying one of its finest years in 2010 of all time. And because of that, they’ve either already emptied most of their big names like Admiral T and Saël, gotten big new ones, like Lieutenant and Methi’S or have them already lined up, such as the forthcoming album from Paille and done all of that within the past year or so. SO! By methods of exclusion . . . Saïk is the only one left! If the label is operating in 2011, chances are they’ll be working on a Saïk album.

#7. Ziggi Recado

Awaiting classic. I was thinking that 2010 might make for a pretty good year for Ziggi Recado to followup his increasingly BIG sophomore release, ”In Transit” from 2008 and apparently he had the same idea as he did officially push a big EP, ”Same Differences”. But now, as the actual album moves into its third year of age and Ziggi’s home base label, Rock’N Vibes, remains very active in dealing with the project of his label mate, Maikal X, 2011 seems far more likely to be the year where the biggest Dutchie reggae artist makes his return and if he does, I’m expecting a step up from the last album (which would be downright SPECIAL should he be able to pull it off). Over the past couple of years since the last album, Ziggi has been absolutely breathing fire on his tunes, his name has grown more and more and every thing seems to be set for him to drop a certified CLASSIC release .

Chances of Happening: 4/5
I’d say that I’m pretty confident of it happening actually. Later in the year seems more likely (as Maikal X’s ”Genesis” album releases internationally in February) and I cannot wait to see what they come up with.

#6. Lady Sweety

Getting stale? Still, we wait. I did a somewhat similar list to this one last year of “Stuff I’m Looking Forward To In 2009”, which was done with just a couple of months remaining in the year, because I was quite sure that they would contain the release date of the next album of WICKED Gwada DJ, Lady Sweety, ”Ma Vérité“. Well, almost 14 months later and look who’s here again! Sweety even released a tune with a video, ‘Sa Ki Taw Bien Taw’ alongside Majesty, which was presumably going to be on the album and then . . . It just vanished. Should the talk kick up again in 2011, however, what they’re likely to be talking about is the fact that Lady Sweety, at her absolute best, is a DESTRUCTIVE lyricist. Her command with the word, much like Saïk’s (although she’s clearly had a bit more refinement than the lyrically possessed wordsmith), is VERY impressive and she’s LOUDLY continued to impress at every given stop (especially on a most ridiculous tune by the name of ‘Championne’, which hopefully is on the album).

Chances of Happening: 1.9999999/5
I’ll believe it when I see it. How nice would it be if we actually got it, however. Although hers is probably the case where I’m least hopeful on this list - DAMN I hope that I am wrong and her name isn’t on a list like this a year from now.

#5. Spice

Scorn in 2011. We can sit here and talk about a variety of things, but to my opinion, one of the most crucial and surprising pieces of news in the Dancehall this year was when it was announced that VP Records had signed up one of the most impressive hardcore talents the Dancehall had seen in some time, [Lady] Spice. Spice has been around a really long time now and it seems that just now her star is burgeoning and following a stellar 2010, hers appears to be one of biggest named Dancehall acts poised to do a big album in 2011. In her case, it would also seem that sooner is better, so as to capitalize on the MASSIVE shot that was Jim Screechie. Spice is also very personable and just entertaining as well so, I can definitely see her gaining more attention from those outside of the Dancehall arena as well. HOWEVER, for people like You and I, the woman is mad! Top notch Tanya Stephens notwithstanding, she may be the most talented Jamaican female lyricist in Dancehall and, at her own best, she’s simply one of the best artists going right now, scoring hits at every opportunity.

Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
Wrap it up and give it a bow. Although not currently scheduled (at least not to my knowledge), I’d look for Spice to make her album debut in the first third or so of 2011.

#4. Jah Marnyah

Your time is now. Maybe you’ve heard it from someone else before, but I guarantee you’ll never hear it louder or more consistently than you’ll hear it here: Jah Marnyah is HUGE! There is so much talent in the Montserrat born chanter and it’s getting to the point now that it’s becoming quite difficult to ignore, already. In 2011, should he deliver what will be all but guaranteed to be one of the best albums of the year (if not THE best), there’ll be a hell of a lot more voices than mine calling up his greatest. Why? Marnyah has a very familiar and straight forward style, but it is one which he uses to PRIME efficacy and these days, REALLY listening to his output, he’s also quite the impressive lyricist as well. Furthermore, he’s already booked up his first piece of business for 2011 on Oneness Records’ Backstabber Riddim (which also features Naptali, Lutan Fyah AND Queen Omega) as he looks to get things started on an impressive note for what figures to be the most impressive year of an already impressive career.

Chances of Happening: 4.25/5
I’m pretty sure that we’ll be getting this one and probably earlier in the year also. Most of Jah Marnyah’s work is done for the Faya Wurks from out of the UK who are, apparently, making it a major piece of business for them in the new year. The album is called ”Sweat Of Your Brow”, after Marnyah’s impressive single of the same name and I think we’ll have it relatively early in 2011.

#3. Sara Lugo

Very familiar stranger. Of course pocket sized Sara Lugo HAD to be on this list somewhere and she ranks this highly for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that any album she would release would be one of the most ORIGINAL and REFRESHING (if not the most so in both categories) out of anyone present here and that’s certainly saying a great deal (especially with both Skinny Fabulous and Saïk on the list also). Lugo’s style is just so different, but so cool and ‘non-stretching’ of the confines of Reggae music as she seemingly instinctively blends Jazz and just a touch of R&B with the one-drop. She may end up doing her work with the same Oneness Records label I just mentioned (and who gave 2010 its Album of The Year) and under the watchful eyes and ears of her producer Umberto Echo and while it may not grab a great deal of interest across the globe (because, as it has proven time and time again, the world is stupid), whenever she makes her debut, you’ll NEVER hear the end of it around here (and hopefully she names it ”Part of My Life”).

Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
It may’ve been on her Myspace page or her Facebook, but I distinctly recall Sara Lugo saying that her album would be arriving ‘early next year’ or something along those lines and that’s good enough for me at this point. She’s remained very very active, perhaps one of the most active European based artists that I pay attention to, and everything appears to be set for an early year release which I am all over IMMEDIATELY.

#2. I-Octane

My life. Jamaica hasn’t seen an overall more talented young artist than I-Octane since . . . When? A decade maybe? Fifteen years? However long it’s been, Octane’s is a talent which has arrived and he’s now gotten to the point where it’s getting a little Aidonia-ish disappointing that the man doesn’t have a (current) album around, but hopefully that will change in the new year. I-Octane is one of my favourites, if you can at all follow modern Reggae, I imagine that he’s one of yours also. He is the quintessential modern artist, having clearly grown and developed talents within both the Roots Reggae and Dancehall scopes and, although he’s not alone in that (biggup Teflon, biggup Munga), he’s the leader of the pack and may prove to be one of the most SIGNIFICANT Jamaican artists to emerge in a really long time. On a personal level, I’ve really yet to be disappointed by the artist and the first letdown would surely come if next year he doesn’t reach an album and it isn’t OUTSTANDING.

Chances of Happening: 4/5
I would have said the same thing last year, perhaps, but even more so now: 2011 is hard to see, full on, coming and going without an album by I-Octane and I’ll even go further and say that I expect to see it come from VP Records. After including his ‘Think A Little Time’ to their recent ”Strictly The Best Vol. 43”, on which it definitely didn’t belong, I think they’ve gotten bit by the artist and even if they haven’t - Someone has.

#1. Agent Sasco

Dancehall Assassination. Number one on my list is an artist who, if you like lyrics and you like them apart of songs which are actually about something and you like hardcore authentic Dancehall circa 2010, is one which is certainly amongst your favourites these days, Agent Sasco. I refer to him by his nickname because I’m looking forward to the album which carries through on his current form because, there simply hasn’t been a more MUSICALLY impressive artist anywhere near the Dancehall over the past couple of years or so. And while Sasco hasn’t received the publicity of the likes of Kartel and Mavado, musically, again, he’s nearly light years ahead of them in my opinion. His next album would be his first from 2007 and, although it may not be his most anticipated on a wide scale (that would’ve been his debut, ”Infiltration”), for me, there is no more anticipated project likely to be released in the next twelve months.

Chances of Happening: 4/5
As far as I know, Assassin is still a VP Records artist and it’s going on four years now since his last album. He’s a big name (one of the very few such in the Dancehall on their roster), he always has a hit or two around, he’s very active and they put his official mixtape on all of their sites as well. I would think all of that would mean that chances are excellent that the best Dancehall album in 2011 will come from this AMAZING artist.