Most Wanted 2011: The Update

Okay so, late last year we did a list called "Most Wanted" which was a compiling of fifteen different names who I had hoped would be delivering full albums sometime in 2011. With the year now being more than 2/3 complete, I thought that we'd take a look back (and a look ahead) to see just who's been up to what and really how good the year has been according to that (most ridiculous) list of ours. In terms of basic numbers, only three of my choices have actual albums out RIGHT NOW, but there're also two more who seem to be certain locks at this point, Let's have a look.

{Note: Names appear only in the same order they appeared in the original list, which was based on my preference at the time}

{Note 2: On the original list I had no 'behind the scenes information' and that is true on this one as well}

#1. Agent Sasco

While it surely would have been nice to have had a new album out from the current best Dancehall lyricist in the world, Agent Sasco, I can't actually say that I'm surprised that we haven't seen it just yet, but I am expecting it before the end of the year. The fact that we have yet to see his third studio album has only given the DJ more and more time to string together HUGE tunes and that's exactly what he's been doing in 2011, seemingly offering bigger and bigger songs each and every month. Much earlier in the year, Sasco was reportedly having a contest for fans to name his new album (which, technically isn't a good sign as Mr. Lex did the same thing with an album for VP Records which we, thankfully, never got, several years ago) and I don't know how/if that went at all, but I would greatly expect Assassin's album to be forthcoming in the final four and a half months of 2011 - Maybe the final big album of the year.

Original Chances of Happening: 4/5
New Chances of Happening: 4/5

#2. I-Octane

In terms of albums, 2011 would be somewhat of a failure if it didn't deliver on an album from arguably THE most talented name in Reggae without one currently (unless I'm REALLY overlooking someone), the dominant I-Octane. I fully expected that album, whatever it would have been, to be out by now, but we've remained patient and it appears that such waiting will be rewarded before the end of the year. The next generation hybrid chanter is set to deliver "Crying To The Nation" later this year. The album is reportedly produced by longtime Shaggy maestro, Robert Livingston and while I'm not sure of the label just yet, such things appear to be already concluded or will be in a matter of time. Given his recent track record, to suggest that Octane could give 2011 it's finest project altogether isn't completely out of the question.

Original Chances of Happening: 4/5
New Chances of Happening: 4.5/5

#3. Sara Lugo

I don't know if you knew this - I hardly ever talk about such things around these parts, but breakout German Reggae star, Sara Lugo, actually released her debut album, "What About Love" earlier this year and . . . I mean . . . If I were you, I'd pick it up!

#4. Jah Marnyah

The WICKED Montserrat born chanter, Jah Marnyah, is apparently on the road to becoming one of the two biggest disappointments on this list because it seems more and more unlikely that we'll see his debut album this year. I'm was almost certain that an album called "Sweat Of Your Brow" from Faya Wurks Records from Marnyah would have been on shelves by now and the fact that it isn't . . . Yeah I probably do want it more now than ever. Marnyah has a very captivating and RUGGED edge to his vibes and I'm damn interested to see how that spreads through an entire set.

Original Chances of Happening: 4.25/5
New Chances of Happening: 1.25/5

#5. Spice

Spice definitely has the greatest excuse of anyone on the list (should she choose to use it) for not having an album out by now, despite now, reportedly, being two years deep into a contract with VP Records - She had a baby! We can't blame (well you can if you don't mind being just a great big heap of shit!) her for not working things out on that end while she was busy being a Mother. STILL, would it be all that surprising if her debut set for the label arrived in December or so? Not entirely, but arguably the most anticipated debut album currently to be had in the Dancehall (minus Aidonia, of course, but I don't even want to go there) figures more likely to equip a presumably otherwise paltry early 2012.

Original Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 2/5

#6. Lady Sweety

Yeah. I knew it would it happen this way. "Ma Vérité" is the name of the album. We've now been waiting on it for more than two years and I just don't know what the circumstances would have to be in order for it to arrive any time soon. Most disturbing/interesting was that the tune which was apparently the album's first single, 'Sa Ki Taw Bien Taw' did actually appear on album - For Sistah Majesty's very solid "Ouvrir Les Portes" earlier this year, her own first album in several millions of years. Still, we have seen and heard Lady Sweety on just a few tracks throughout the year and even more as of late. So hopefully she's prepping for a big '12 because it's not happening this year. And, as usual, it should be said that if you haven't listened to Sweety's music - Definitely find some, EASILY she is one of the Dancehall's most talented female artists and may just be its finest lady lyricist EVER outside of Ms. Stephens (and that is one NICE picture).

Original Chances of Happening: 1.9999999/5
New Chances of Happening: 0.25/5

#7. Ziggi Recado

In April, Ziggi Recado did the expected and dropped "Ziggi Recado", his third studio album to date and the results, also as expected, were fantastic. One of the year's best!

#8. Saïk

In the early part of 2011 we didn't hear very much from the intensely talented Saïk, but we knew it would only be a matter of time. With his record label, Don's Music, pretty much running through their entire roster of artists over the past couple of years, his time would come and it would seem as if his time is nearly upon us. Saïk is, reportedly, due to deliver his still untitled (to my knowledge) sophomore album in October, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it come even later than that and it's no problem. What makes me so hopeful is just how popular the album's lead single, 'You & Me' [digital single pictured] has become and chances are we may get another (not including its big remix) before we get the album. In this case, I'm ready for either - Send on!

Original Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 4.65/5

#9. Bramma

Not much to say here. While it would have been nice, I didn't particularly expect 2011 to be the year for Bramma's debut album. That being said, he has, somewhat quietly, managed to string together a pretty good year for himself and it seems as if much of his early popularity (including in the eyes of yours truly) has returned. There's just so much skill here and so much which is, potentially, untapped, that even if we have to wait until 2014 - It's probably worth it. Few people can do what Bramma can.

Original Chances of Happening: 2/5
New Chances of Happening: 0/5

#10. Bunji Garlin

Bunji Garlin is definitely an interesting name on this list because he has, by far, more albums than any other artiste you'll find here and, like most Soca acts, he's on a 'schedule' of sorts - You may not know WHAT to expect from him (and you don't) (even a haircut), but you do know when to expect it. 2011 would have been great for another big release from 'the Black Spaniard', but it will come eventually and another year passed now means FOUR seasons of tunes to draw from on the next one (which may or may not still be named "I Am").

Original Chances of Happening: 3/5
New Chances of Happening: 0/5

#11. Mr. Williamz

I don't particularly know what's going on in this case. It was now two years ago when I was highest on the ROUGH talents of one of the UK's finest up and comers, Mr. Williamz, but following a 2010 which wasn't necessarily the greatest and a 2011 which hasn't been as great 2009, my intensity in searching out his work has gone down a bit. He did drop an EP for Necessary Mayhem earlier this year and something like that surely helps to add to the attraction to an LP, but I think that, more than likely, it'll be next year when we get it.

Original Chances of Happening: 4/5
New Chances of Happening: 1/5

#12. Batch

While I have head of Batch doing production in 2011, I don't know that I've heard even the smallest rumour about him in the studio for himself at all this year and my inclusion of him on the first list was a matter of just how much I've grown to LOVE his music. That hasn't at all waned this year and it'll very likely still be high when he chooses to bless us with his musical presence on an album again - Hopefully sometime next year.

Original Chances of Happening: 2/5
New Chances of Happening: 0.5/5

#13. Skinny Fabulous

The fantastic three year run of Skinny Fabulous as St. Vincy Soca Monarch ended in 2011, but it's been yet another very successful year for the Soca superstar and in the age of iTunes, it makes it . . . very very strange that he doesn't already have two or three albums available. 2011 won't be the year for that, but it shouldn't take someone very long to realize that high order madness which resides in his catalog and the sure attention it will attract.

Original Chances of Happening: 2.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 0.5/5

#14. Bambú Station

I just don't know what happened here. Bambú Station's new album had a name, "Children of Exodus", it had a big first single 'How Things Ah Go' and I was completely under the impression that it was a finished product and just awaiting . . . whatever it was doing, but it never showed up! Then suddenly there were issues with the recording (I THINK that's what I heard) and other things, but apparently it's already to go now in January of next year but, that's what I thought this year, so who knows. In either case, whenever it gets here, we'll be looking forward to it.

Original Chances of Happening: 4.5/5
New Chances of Happening: 0/5

#15. Ce'Cile

Finally - Common sense said Ce'Cile would be back big in 2011 and continuing her brilliant two year run up to that point and she returned and did so in a stainless fashion with her big month old album, "Jamaicanization" [pictured].

What I'm Listening To: September

"Great Controversy" by Luciano [JetStar - 2001]


'Great Controversy'

If you wanted to call 2001's "Great Controversy" one of the finest albums that Reggae legend, Luciano, has ever done in his entire career, I'm probably not going to argue with you very much. From beginning to end the album had very few, if any, soft spots and it was just a WONDERFULLY put together project. It has, in retrospect, become a largely overlooked and nearly 'underground' piece of work for several reasons (not the least of which are the fact that it was released a month before the increasingly well regarded "A New Day" set), but while listening to some of these tunes today, it's hard to make a case for it not being one of his best really. This album found its way on my players, largely, in 'replacing' the latest Luciano album, "Rub A Dub Market" which only just recently feel out of my daily rotation. None of these tunes, really, are hailed as significant 'hits' today, but with tunes such as the title track (the album's best tune), 'Free The World' (BOOM), 'Road Block' and remakes of both 'Legalise It' and 'Rivers of Babylon', maybe we should just consider the entire album a HIT.

"Introducing Koloni" by Prince Koloni [Transportation Label - 2005]

I won't speak about this one too much (because I may just review his new album in a few days' time), but I'm still really impressed by the work done by Transportation Label this year which has seen a much greater presence international presence for the music from out of both Suriname and Guyane. We dealt with Little Guerrier from a little while back and these days I'm listening to two albums from a really big name from the region, Prince Koloni. This album, "Introducing Koloni" has recently gone digital, but actually originated from 2005 and it doesn't sound too dated actually. What I will say is that the album is very fascinating in that, it's pretty 'genre stretching'. Much of Koloni's early work was done in a style known as 'Aleke' and this album is an example of that. There's an Afrikan swing to it, there's Reggae, I hear some Soca (I hear Soca in everything) and this is just an intoxicating album. Definitely check its high point, the HEAVY 'Moro Wi e Proberi'.

"Fiery" by Bunji Garlin [Bunji Garlin - 2008]

By no means was "Fiery" the best album from Bunji Garlin to date (nor was it from his best season, even though he 'won' Soca Monarch that year and by won I mean "blatantly stole" it from his Wife . . .) (I still have issues), but I think that it may've been better than most people (named "Me") gave it credit for, in retrospect. The 'problem' with the album was its 'mood'. It just seemed like something that was forced, BUT listening to it three years on, while I can still see that (especially in the middle of the album) is the case, I'm more able to appreciate the good moments of the album. There was 'Bad So' ("mi alone versus dem!"), 'Bad & Famous' on the Lehgo Mi Riddim, the DAMAGING 'Mr. Murder' and a tune which I probably listened to (solely) for an hour or so yesterday, 'Feeling'. Oh and there's the title track which is still the best damn tune on the album. It's better than we thought.

"Over The Years" by Asante Amen [2011]


'More Fyah' w/Jah Thunder

Okay so, we had one of my favourite readers send us an album from someone whose name is definitely not a complete unknown to me, but at the same time, is just as surely no 'household name' in Reggae circles - Asante Amen. The album, "Over The Years" is billed as "the underground project" and, as it turns out, you can find it being freely given out, with the artist's consent, on several websites (including his Facebook and this one if Bredz linked it). What I heard on the album didn't blow me away, but was DAMN powerful material and certainly something that would be worthy of being put in a shop. However, we're well grateful for OUTSTANDING music in any form. This album is seventeen tracks of heavy modern Roots Reggae and Lover's Rock. The album also features Lutan Fyah on a later track as well as Jah Thunder and, to my ears, the Roots tunes are stronger, on the whole, but we've been having a good time with this album for a few days now - Take a listen for yourself (check a big tune by the name of 'Mek Mi Rich').

Get Album

"Another Level" [Monstapiece Entertainment - 2011]


'Brace & Wine' by Alison Hinds


'Lemme See De Rags' by Rupee

And lastly (I'm tired!) we have an album which, at least in theory, I thought had already been released. Each and every year, the wonderful people at Monstapiece Entertainment release their annual Soca compilation and while I was pretty sure we'd seen the installment for 2011, apparently I was wrong because here it is. "Another Level", just like every other edition from every other year before it, features the biggest tunes produced on the label from that season and they're usually jam packed with big vibes and big names. Checking in at a far more than necessary twenty-four tracks, "Another Level" also fits that trait well. Names like Alison Hinds, a suddenly flaming Rupee, Peter Ram and Lil Rick come to the surprise of absolutely no one, but also as usual, the album does offer its fair share of twists and turns (and I don't even know if I can call them that anymore because they happen so often), so also make appearances are Beenie Man, Konshens and even Gappy Ranks. If you like Soca music, you really can't go wrong here.

'Show Me': A Review of "Holdin A Vibe" by Jah Nyne

I think that, normally, when we think of a 'musical presentation' or the concept of such a thing, we're typically driven into the direction of something more of a visual nature. When someone 'presents' their music to you, surely it's somewhat of a personal experience and something which is, obviously, best appreciated in a more direct format. This is done, usually, through concerts and videos, both of which definitely aid the music and in a very specific genre such as Reggae, these things (especially in the case of videos where, presumably, the experience is exactly or near to exactly what was crafted in order to represent a particular tune) both of these mediums can do a great deal of work in various situations. There's also the more literal presentation of music - i.e. presenting someone with a song or an album and everything that it carries such as an album cover and liners etc. - but what I'd like to talk about today is the actual audio experience we can have through listening to a particular artist. You'll forgive me (because I've been listening to a month of Soca music) for going in that direction, but I think that one of the greatest audio presentations or 'displays', to be found in all music is in Soca. That type of vibe is so powerful that it can transfer you mentally to a very visual place in your mind and really have an EMOTIONAL link to its listeners. In Reggae, things can be just as compelling. Someone who I feel has an excellent presentation of his music is Chezidek. Strictly speaking on how the album was, musically, displayed, his winner from last year, "Judgement Time", is probably one of the best albums of the past decade and the roll he has been on over the course of the past year or so is, in its own right, a vivid display of just how musically proficient the odd voiced singer can be. 'Oddly' enough, Buju Banton is someone else who has this skill (and that is precisely what it is) and to a grand degree. If you can remember (has it been that long), Buju, in his latest form and when at his best, made these very RICH Roots Reggae anthems which, almost inherently, set themselves apart from similar tunes from almost all of his peers. You could listen to the opening few seconds of a Buju tune on a riddim voiced by twenty other artists and IMMEDIATELY have an idea which was his tune. Mikey General would be another good example, as would a few others who have this wonderful ability to individualize their music, within a pack of many, based on how well their vibes are presented to the listener in the most basic form.

Someone who I'm now going to add to that list of venerable names is an artist who, hopefully, isn't completely unknown to you at this point, the wicked singing chanter from out of the Bahamas, Jah Nyne! Longtime readers of this blog are probably well familiar with Nyne because his was actually one of the very first features we did for a particular artist (he was actually fourth) and fittingly so - I've been very keen on the artist for years now and to watch his career (and his abilities) develop over that same time has been damn interesting. What really first struck me about Jah Nyne's music is something which I've previously characterized as being this very 'intense' command of melody, and it is a very NATURAL command as well. I don't know if Nyne has ever taken a formal musical lesson in his entire life, in terms of learning how to sing, but when he sings his wonderful tunes they really OPEN things up, as far as the basic POSSIBILITY of having a great melody in a song. When you take that and combine it with good music and then add to it the fact that he's turned out to be a very talented lyricist (more on that later), well at that point we're dealing with someone who has a 'next level' type of skill and, again, watching that skill come to fruition, as of late, has been very pleasing. What he's become is someone who can, very naturally and organically, 'give' his music to his listeners and have it come across so well that you know when you're listening to a tune from Jah Nyne.

Goldcup Records [did we really need to caption this???]

Still, I think that the one thing missing from Jah Nyne's musical résumé, to date, would have been a greater level of recognition within the Reggae world. There aren't too many voices in the genre from out of the Bahamas who do receive that type of push, but we have seen it in certain cases such as for Jah Hem, Jah Doctrine and of course veteran Reggae/Gospel act, Monty G and now Nyne has joined that group as he reaches the next stage of his career with his terrific debut album, "Holdin A Vibe". Of course, a presentation on an album is something which is actually the result of not only the work of a particular artist, but a particular label as well and here, Jah Nyne works with the same Goldcup Records from out of Italy which has, at least partially, been responsible for a great deal of his recent successes. I don't know how the link was made (although it should be worth mentioning that the same label has also worked with another Achis Reggae favourite, Aima Moses, from out of Dominica), but I'm very grateful that it was because it now brings forth an album that I have, literally, been waiting for, for years and after a most cursory spin, it was clear to see that they hadn't overstepped any boundaries of his vibes and the results would be fittingly big. I think that "Holdin A Vibe" not only becomes the debut set for Jah Nyne, but also for Goldcup - To date they've only released riddim albums, so it shows you exactly what type of confidence they had in this charge, that they chose to do their initial single artist album for him, in particular. Reading even further into that (because that's just what we do), one could also say that, presumably, this means that perhaps the popularity of Jah Nyne has grown to a point where a label who doesn't figure to be struggling at this point in its existence, would choose to feature him and assume that the project would do well. In either case, the album definitely figures to introduce the singer to a wider audience and those fans, particular those fans of modern Roots Reggae music, are almost guaranteed to enjoy what they find here. Goldcup links Jah Nyne with some big riddims over which to star and throughout this delightful album, that's just what he does. Let's take a listen!

Album Promo Mix

I think one of the very first things that I thought when I heard the music of Jah Nyne was just how similar he sounded, at least to me, to somewhat 'scattered' Jamaican vocalist, Bascom X. He still does, to some degree, but, as I alluded to, the Bahamian has absolutely no troubles in distinguishing himself, musically. The greatest example of this now comes in Jah Nyne's brand new album from Goldcup Records, "Holdin A Vibe", which gets started in a CORRECT manner ,with what seems to be a somewhat autobiographical selection - the album's title track. The song finds Nyne recounting an experience he had, while "holdin a vibes one day", which seemingly lead him to do music. This isn't my favourite tune on the album, but it is situated so perfectly in respect to the album that, it alone, almost makes it even stronger. What we have, essentially, is Jah Nyne telling the listener that he received an inspiration from The Most High to make the album that we're about to listen to! It's like a VERY involved intro, but it's accurate and one which sets the bar extremely high for what is to follow. Luckily, Nyne has no trouble maintaining the levels on the next track in, 'Take Control'. This one is a tune that I know quite well, actually, as it was featured on Goldcup's Eternal Riddim from a little while back. This biblically bedded track is just a CRYSTAL of a tune. Sonically speaking it is an utter joy to listen to as we continue to get a taste of just where the artist is coming from musically and an even further introduction to his vibes, for those who need it. The first two tracks on this album, particularly when taken in tandem with one another work so well. And it gets even better. Check the final tune of the opening quarter, the STERLING 'Jah Bless Us' (biggup Ras Indio). Without any qualifications or conditions whatsoever, this is one of the best songs on the entire album and one of the best that I've ever heard from Nyne.

"Jah blessing us and keeping us alive yay
Wi go dung on wi knees and wi pray oh
Anoint I & I head with oil
My cup shall surely overflow"

"Going out and coming in
Ask Jah fi protect us from temptation and sin
Upful it and a cleanly living, as long as life exists I will always be exalting The King
Jah bless me with a talent fi sing
Word, power and sound -
Pass it, mek mi put it pon riddim
Under the shadow of The Almighty wing
Inna HIM secret place:
What a joy it bring!"

BIG! I was nearly sure that I'd heard this song before, but as it turns out it is new (biggup The Magista). It just sounds so familiar and so COMFORTABLE and the tune rounds out and HIGHLIGHTS a mighty start.

Jah Nyne

With the way "Holdin A Vibe" is worked - it features a pretty nice mix of new[er] songs with more well known pieces (by my, almost certainly incorrect, count, it features six of each) - It's clear that SOMEONE took very good care of how the album was presented to the masses (and, speaking of presentation, the cover of the album is just COOL). As for the four remaining new (to me) tracks, they definitely feature a heavy amount of twists and turns. First is another of the album's genuine highlights, the swaying 'Zion I'. This is praising track which, on the surface and initially, seems fairly 'rigid' and basic, but the tune reaches a new level when you take a deeper listen. Somewhere in the early middle portion it becomes SUBLIME and just a real winning track (Luciano would be proud!) ("inna Mount Zion I, there's only day, there is no night"). There's also the album's obligatory ganja tune, the spicy 'Herbs & Spice'. On this song, Nyne deals with kind of Reggae-tradition of outlining all the wonderful usages of marijuana and its very odd persecution in many places around the world. He does drift into some of the more controversial topics (which appear to be unrelated), but I'll leave that to you to hear. The remaining two new tracks on "Holdin A Vibe" are a couple which figure to receive a great deal of attention because they are the album's two official combinations. First is 'Peace & Love' which features another staple of Goldcup Records, the Trini born fiery chanter, Ras Ijah. This is another MIGHTY track and, despite its title, Ijah manages to make his presence known in a way which isn't overstated. I really liked this one because it's another which really shines on a sonic level and it should go without saying that the message is very pertinent as well (even though I guess I just said it).

"Well mi ah tell dem bout peace
Tell dem bout love
It's a blessing from The Almighty, Jah
It was sent from above
Well, no time fi hate, no time fi grudge
Alright, no time fi smother your bredda inna di mud
Mi tell dem seh well -
Time fi share outta di one mug
Alright, then you greet your bredda with a blessed hug
Marcus Garvey tell us 'stop live like thugs'
Alright, then put down di slugs'
-Ras Ijah from 'Peace & Love'

And lastly from the new batch is the final tune on the album altogether which finds Nyne linking with someone who may be one of the next big thing from out of the Bahamas (also mind a big artist by the name of Irate Johnson), sweet singing Peter Runks. The same outstanding gentleman who used to send us tunes from Jah Nyne also mixed in the occasional piece from Runks as well and it was generally impressive. Here, the two make a predictably fine duo on the fitting closer, 'Unity Is Strength' which is not to be missed (and check out Runks' work, he also has a few digital tunes available).

'Hungry Pickney'

As for the more well known material that is to be found on "Holdin A Vibe", here we have, in my opinion, the real class of this album and, if you've been paying attention to the artist's career to date, some of the tunes for which he is most well known. I don't know if 'I'll Treasure You', the love song on the album, fits into either of the aforesaid categories very well, but it is just a SOLID track. It's also interesting because it finds Nyne borrowing from the same riddim Nesta uses on the classic 'Stir It Up' and I just like really kind of random things like - You can hear Nyne or someone else just thinking how nice it would be for him to voice that riddim and here is the respectable results of his/their efforts. Better known is Nyne's BIG social commentary cut of Goldcup's BIG Golden Riddim, 'Hungry Pickney'. It's too early to use such an adjective on a two year old song, but for people like me (all eighteen of us, or so), there will come a point where this tune is hailed as CLASSIC work. It's one of the most melodically gifted songs on the album - and that is Nyne's strength, so that's saying a great deal - and if you haven't realized it by now, it's also one of the sharpest tunes, lyrically, from someone who is also quite advanced in that department. Big tune. 'How Do You Feel' is another social commentary, this one of an anti-violence nature, and another across a big composition from Goldcup, the LOADED Mirror Riddim. Goldcup also backs the HUGE previous single 'Shoulder to the Wheel' which, even before this album was one of my favourite songs from Jah Nyne. You're going to have a really difficult time showing me how this isn't a SUPERB song in every respect! This song is beautiful and it really blends the tangible and spiritual arenas together so well - an unfortunately rare lyrical trait in all of Reggae music.

'Shoulder to the Wheel'

And lastly, how completely and ridiculously odd is it that I fond that the single finest tune on all of "Holdin A Vibe" was a song which I knew of, but (obviously) had yet to pay a proper attention to. 'Rise' is FIRE!

"Yah cyan enter Zion if yah heart, it no clean
IF YAH HAND DEM FILTHY, YUH FOOT CYAH GET IN!"

What?! The song was the BITE that I would have been calling for in the event of its absence. It is here, however, if you, like me originally heard it and thought it nothing special, have another, VERY INTENSE, listen my friends (even notice how the riddim, beautifully continues running after the final vocals).

Overall, it's a winner and I had no doubts that it would be - Even two or three years back. Also, after digging into the album for the sake of this review, I'm wondering if it isn't a pretty PERFECT time to release this album. There aren't a great deal of big named Reggae albums which are completely new at this point, but there are enough on the horizon (Warrior King, I Wayne etc.) to maybe draw an early interest in it from early arriving more casual fans who are likely to come across the nice cover. What they'll find, assuming that they're smart enough to have a listen is one of the year's best SOUNDING Reggae albums to date. The sonics on "Holdin A Vibe", in every respect, are just fantastic and all of that goes back to my initial point of Jah Nyne being so well capable of a PRESENTATION of his music. His vocals are clear, his lyrics are to the point and it's really easy to grasp his concepts (even for an over-thinker such as myself). He's also, clearly, every bit as talented as I thought and it's never been more obvious after thoroughly enjoying his debut set. Well done.

Rated: 4.25/5
Goldcup Records
2011
CD [I THINK] + Digital
Jah Nyne @ Facebook

Review #329

Coming Soon & Check It: The Catch Up #2

Coming Soon

"Tell Me How Me Sound" by Warrior King [Tad's Records]


'Melody'

Okay I was really hoping to be able to come back and file a review for this album, but apparently we'll have to wait another month or so to have a full on listen. As we spoke of before, the once mighty Warrior King is headed back to deal with his third studio album, the much anticipated "Tell Me How Me Sound". Since we last spoke, not only has the album been pushed back a month, but now we have a tracklist (and this album is apparently on Juno, which means that you can listen to the entire thing now) and it shows that . . . Well there're NINETEEN tracks with not an intro/interlude/outro in sight! It appears as if things are more concentrated on the Lover's Rock side of things (the album actually opens with five such tunes), and while I would have preferred more cultural material, I'm still well looking forward to dealing with this album and I still have a very good feeling about it.

Releases on September 23

CD + Digital

"Memories" by Steely & Clevie [VP Records]

I was pretty sure that this album (or something very similar to it) had already been released and because I'm entirely too lazy at this point to go and check, in either case, I'm just going to act as if it is brand new. Famed production duo, Cleveland Browne and the late Wycliffe Johnson, bka 'Steely & Clevie' are getting a big big treatment via VP Records in the form of "Memories" which is an album featuring 'updated' versions of several well known hits from a big roster of vocalists. On board are legendary likes such as John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Ken Boothe and Cornell Campbell and they are joined by more modern lights such as Mr. Vegas, Ed Robinson and Richie Stephens. Still I have to say that the 'real' attraction here is likely to be the documentary style DVD which accompanies the disc and reportedly features Clevie detailing a great deal of the duo’s legendary past.

Releases on September 6

CD/DVD + Digital

"Reggae Anthology": Gregory Isaacs & Sugar Minott [VP Records/17 N. Parade]

Speaking of legendary - If you've managed to duck and dodge all of the various compilation releases in the past year or so - from the deaths of Reggae royalty, Gregory Isaacs (October) and Sugar Minott (July), respectively, then you are truly special. However, you may want to end your elusiveness as the always useful 17 North Parade, the reissue label of VP Records, now turns their attentions to both incomparable singers on separated editions of their "Reggae Anthology" series. There's "The Ruler [1972-1990]" for Isaacs, while Minott is "Hard Time Pressure". You should know what to expect here, a ton of tracks on both (thirty-seven and forty) and probably fantastic liner notes as well. There's probably nothing for really heavy fans of either, however, if you don’t have a compilation set of either singer, these are probably going to be the ones to get.

Release on October 24 & 25

CD + Digital

The Sensimillionaire Riddim [House of Riddim]


'Big Money Bag' by Smiley

Big German label, House of Riddim is open for business again with their latest creation, the Sensimillionaire Riddim. I actually saw a list of names on this one before I heard the piece and I got pretty excited. Jah Mason, Mark Wonder, Smiley, Joggo, Monsoon, Zareb and Ras Zacharri! That’s a pretty nice list to have (and Utan Green) and then when I heard it, I immediately recognized it as the same riddim which backed both 'Big Money Bag' and 'Free Up Time' from the aforementioned Smiley and Zacharri - I'm still excited. While I've gone back and forth in my appreciation of this set, these days it's doing pretty good and I'm well looking forward to the full set.

Releases on September 6

Digital

"Tropiques Dancefloor 2011" [Believe Digital]

Next we have a very interesting compilation set loaded with French & Kreyol vibes. "Tropiques Dancefloor 2011" features primarily new(ish) tunes in Dancehall and Zouk with a bit of Hip-Hop as well and it caught my eye for a few reasons. Perhaps none are bigger than 'Si Fanm La Ve Paw' which is a tune from Achis Reggae favourite, Lady Sweety. Ms. Nasso is joined by even more heat in the form of Tiwony, Lieutenant, E.Sy Kennenga and Colonel Reyel, while carrying the banner for Zouk are the likes of Fanny J, Nesly, Jane Fostin and others. Very, very nice.

Releases on September 12

Digital

The Green Faces Riddim [King Yard Music/Ranch Entertainment]


Green Faces Riddim Mix

Finally coming soon this week is the extremely delayed official release of the Green Faces Riddim from earlier this year. Everything about this one, even the cover, looks familiar to me for some reason, so maybe it's a re-release (I doubt it), but the infectious riddim which did well a while back is (almost) finally available for your digital consumption. Of course, there's a lot of Shaggy and he does manage to score the riddim's heaviest piece, 'Good Good', alongside Alaine, but there's also a winning Lady Saw (big tune), Ce'Cile, Christopher Martin and, of course, Red Fox - All doing well, and more, on the Green Faces.

Releases on September 20

Digital

In Stores Now

'You & Me Remix' by Saïk w/friends (single) [G-Zup Concept]

If we'd stayed away for another month or so, we might actually have run into the release date for the as yet still untitled sophomore set from the ridiculously talented Saïk. But we didn't, still we have a remix from the album's increasingly scalding first single, 'You & Me'. Saïk is joined by some HEAVY hitters in the form of the aforementioned E.Sy Kennenga and Fanny J, as well as Kaf Malbar and big man Admiral T. Very cool redo to an already cool tune - And I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS ALBUM! RELEASE IT NOW! RELEASE IT YESTERDAY!

Digital

"Danger In Your Face" & "Long Days, Short Nights" [Xterminator Productions]


'What's Wrong With The Picture' by Sizzla

My favourite label ever, the once mighty Xterminator Productions, continues its return to the spotlight as of late with two stellar EP sets, "Danger In Your Face" and "Long Days, Short Nights". Both sets display a focus on a bit of a newer movement on the part of the label in the form of both Kayla Bliss and Jesse Royal (who is a very strong artist). Still as has been the general case with Xterminator for . . . A long time - All eyes are likely to be focused on Sizzla Kalonji who delivers the poignant 'What's Wrong With The Picture' and 'Burn Out Dem Schism', the best two tracks on either set. There's a rumour running around that all of this may lead to an ALBUM between Sizzla and Xterminator which might very well make me cry if it materializes. In either case, Xterminator heading back to their rightful place in the music is a very good thing.

Digital

{Biggup Sizzla}

"Stories" by Ghost [MS Music]

What? I don't even kn . . . Okay so, for all of Ghost's fans (and while I don't enjoy his music, he certainly does have a lot of fans) he has a new album. I THINK "Stories" would be his third album to date and it's probably his most expansive set to date. I don't have a lot to say about Ghost, good or bad, but I always know that he's the type who has a great deal more fans than you realize, so, for all of those people this is definitely a big deal.

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"The Ultimate 2011" [Tad's Records]

It’s back! I’m not really that excited, but I'm sure a lot of people are. "The Ultimate" is the big annual compilation release from Tad's Records and it now moves in to 2011 in customarily very very large format. You know what to expect here - There's a lot of Vybz Kartel, there’s some Mavado and Jah Cure and I-Octane. There's also a few twists and turns in the twenty-five tracks, none likely bigger than the (two year old) 'King & Queen' track from Richie Spice & Alison Hinds.

CD + Digital

“Master Destiny” by Mikey General [Black Scorpio Records/Zojak Worldwide]

It appears that the famed Black Scorpio Records is the latest to take its catalog in the digital direction, courtesy of the wonderful people at Zojak Worldwide and the first thing I laid my eyes on from the new union is this sublimely compiled set from one of the most underrated vocalists in the history of Reggae music, Mikey General, "Master Destiny". More than a couple of the tracks eleven selections are familiar to my eyes and ears, but it’s still a very nice set. Also, is not the world just not a better place with another set from the General? I think so.

Digital

The Dancehall Alert Riddim [Bread Back Productions]


'Ananda Alert' by Sizzla Kalonji

Big things are going on for this very colourful riddim which dropped just a while back from Bread Back Productions, the Dancehall Alert Riddim. Sizzla smashed the first tune that I heard on the riddim, 'Ananda Alert' and almost EVERYONE else on the riddim maintained the levels, but with names such as those which are to be found on board of this one, it shouldn't be a surprise. Lutan Fyah, Erup, Teflon, Delly Ranx and even UT Ras put the Dancehall Alert through its paces to a big result.

Digital

The Psychology & Invincible Riddims [Rising Sun Records/Zojak Worldwide]


'Long Long Long' by Sizzla Kalonji

Both of these riddims, the Psychology and the Invincible are pretty old and they're probably even older than I think they are, but that definitely doesn't take away from their quality to my ears. Here we have two nice Roots sets from Rising Sun Records which feature a nice gathering of big names such as Sizzla, Mikey General, Luciano, Turbulence, Natural Black, Jah Mason, Jahmali, Chrisinti and others. Nothing really super here, but definitely some nice vibes (really like the Invincible).

Digital & Digital

"Ancestors" by Jahseeds [Jahseeds Records]

Finally, you might want to check out "Ancestors" which is the debut (I THINK) set from Jahseeds, a male and female duo from out of the US, Sheba & Takumba, by way of Jamaica and Dominica, respectively. We don’t know a great deal about them, but a cursory glance through the album has definitely caught my interest with some nice vibes and some twists and turns as well. So, beat me to it and give them a listen.

Digital

Coming Soon & Check It: The Catch Up #1

Yeah. We're back. We're not staying around too long, just a few days, but long enough to catch up just a bit. Didn't want too much stuff to talk about now so we come back swinging, but definitely nice things are afoot (I love that word). None ever nicer than the music itself, so here's what's going on.

{Note: Hey everybody!}
{Note 2: Miss me?}
{Note 3: I'll probably do this again because we left a lot out}
{Note 4: Don't send us anything else please, email is evil!}
{Note 5: Bredz . . . Yeah. Living legend like Junior Reid}
{Note 6: This is almost certainly poor writing, thank you for excusing it and focusing on the pretty pictures & video}

Coming Soon

"Life Teachings" by I Wayne [VP Records]

First up [hey everybody!] is probably the second biggest solo name you'll find on this post today (after the Queen at the end, of course) as the once flaming I Wayne is set to deliver only his third studio album for VP Records, "Life Teachings". I sit and think about what the still hugely talented singer used to be looked upon as and I really didn't think it would turn out for him like this. He kind of falls into a group of names which we figured would be the next dominant names in Roots Reggae music in Jamaica, but were ultimately leapt ahead of by Tarrus Riley, Etana and the likes. Still, he should be dependable to drop an interesting set. I have actually heard this album, in its entirety and I'm not going to tell you what I think about it, but let's just say it isn't surprising, nor a great deviation for the Portmore native. The aforementioned newly minted Princess of Penthouse does make an appearance on an album which has me wondering exactly how much people are really looking forward to it (which is pretty good I think).

Releases on October 11

CD + Digital

"Backyard Boogie" by J-Boog [INGROOVES]


'Let's Do It Again' - Surely you are evil if you don't enjoy this tune

There's no question of anticipation in the case of the latest amazing Hawaiian Reggae export, J Boog, who has his sophomore "Backyard Boogie" set and ready to drop later this month. I WANT THIS ALBUM. Over the last year or so, Boog has definitely endeared himself to the Reggae community through some serious consistency and he's also managed to shine an even brighter light on the Hawaiian scene which we hope to speak a little more about later on in this post. Of course the big tune, the MASSIVE Don Corleon produced 'Let's Do It Again', is on board as are star peers Peetah Morgan, Million Stylez and the aforementioned Tarrus Riley. I have a really good feeling about this one doing big things in terms of commercially and quality - So definitely check it out.

Releases on September 27

CD + Digital

“Holdin A Vibe” by Jah Nyne [Goldcup Records]


'Shoulder To The Wheel'

When we first started looking for pieces to fill up this post (of course we linked Aaron from Zojak), we didn’t get very far at all before something really nice caught Bredz' eye. Achis Reggae favourite, Jah Nyne, a WICKED singing chanter from out of the Bahamas, has its debut album, "Holdin A Vibe" coming TOMORROW! The album, FINALLY, comes via the same Italy based Goldcup Records for whom the artist has done quite a bit of work and I'm definitely WAITING ("for my babeeeeee", biggup Ce'Cile) to dig my paws into this one. You will almost surely get a review for this one before we’re gone again.

Releases on Tomorrow

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"Most Wanted: Glen Washington" [Greensleeves Records]


'Kindness For Weakness'

Perfect placement. J Boog, rightfully so, is often compared to SWEET singing Jamaican veteran, Glen Washington and both are checking in later this month with releases. In the case of the later, he becomes the latest choice to enjoy a release in Greensleeves' increasingly useful "Most Wanted" series and I don't think that music shelves are brimming with 'greatest hits' styled sets from Washington and this will definitely be a welcome addition. Appearing are very familiar pieces such as 'Viper', 'One of These Days', 'Free Up The Vibes' and my personal favourite, 'Kindness For Weakness' (and hopefully we can get a new album from Mr. Washington next year).

Releases on September 6

CD + Digital

"The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems 2011" [Greensleeves Records]

After taking off 2010 (I THINK), another of Greensleeves' fine series is set for a return as "The Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems" comes thumping into 2011 with pretty much everything you would expect from it. How so? Within its fifteen tracks, you'll find . . . What you thought you would - Kartel, Mavado, Assassin and Chino all appear on multiple tracks and rounding out the roster is Bounty Killer, Chan Dizzy, I-Octane and the one big surprise, Queen Ifrica with the outstanding 'Pot Still Haffi Bubble' from a few months back. It appears as if there's no DVD or mix double CD this time around and that’s fine on this decent Dancehall set.

Releases on September 6

CD + Digital

The PassOver Riddim [Jah Light Records]

Never one to let things simmer for too long, back again is arguably the most dependable Reggae label from out of Trinidad, Jah Light Records, with a LOVELY new release, the serene PassOver Riddim. When I first vibed this track (just a couple of hours ago) I was just taken by how laid back and cool it was and riddims like that, historically, are fairly easy to ride and while they may not ultimately attract such a great deal of attention in many cases unfairly (which is why I'm talking about it now), they're definitely high on the quality and the Passover definitely falls in line with that as well. Certainly it helps someone exercised quite a bit of common sense and FINALLY linked Jah Light with the greatest thing to ever happen to Trinidad Reggae, in my opinion, the supremely talented Queen Omega. Her tune, the title track, leads a mighty line up of tracks which also includes solid efforts from the very impressive Fyakin, Zebulun alongside King Solomon, Revelation (check the spelling - Not RevAlation), Danijamental and even Wildlife. Check it out when it releases soon.

Releases on September 12
Digital

"Family Wise" by Fyah T & The Next Generation Family [Family Music]

Someone sent us this album, I should probably get it from Bredz and have a listen, and I didn't know who Fyah T was (heavy brain-lock) until I thought about it, he's the same German vocalist who we ran into on at least a couple of riddims from Oneness over the last year or so and he has a new album along with The Next Generation Family - "Family Wise". Fyah is a kind of an 'agitated' chanter - Lot of fire - and apparently he's gathered a pretty big fan base to support his album. Listening through the clips I did hear a few nice tunes that might warrant (will warrant) a more in-depth spin (especially a tune name 'Rotation' and 'Another Day'). Still not interested? Maybe THE Fyah, Lutan Fyah and Jah Mason can help, they both appear on the set.

Releases on Tomorrow

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"Dub I A Dub Jamaica" by Iyunda [Ranks Productions]

One of the more interesting debut albums of 2011 is coming momentarily. "Dub I A Dub Jamaica" comes from an artist in Iyunda who deals in a sterlingly modernized version of Dub Poetry and he’s afforded, on this release by Ranks Productions, everything he might need to serve up a much needed kick in the ass of the essentially dilapidated subgenre. Veterans Gyptian, Lukie D and even Capleton (on the HUGE 'Dem A Wicked') should help him grab attention - but ignore this one at your own risk.

Releases on Tomorrow

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"Hold Up Saison 2" [Gwada Indépendenda Recordz]

I’m sure there had to be a saison 1, but I don't remember it - Still most interesting is this morbidly obese set, "Hold Up Saison 2" because it features a very large group of local acts from out of Gwada, some of whom are familiar and some of whom are, perhaps, on their way to becoming familiar. Names like Tiwony, Saïk, Sam X, Krys, Colonel Reyel, Ocsen and even LADY SWEETY should peak your interest and you'll also get doses from up and comers and lesser knowns such as Big Jay, Sista, Princess Melody, Ras Mosahia and the WICKED Oliver Stone. Within THIRTY-NINE tracks, you're almost certain to find something interesting here.

Releases on September 10

Digital

'Give Love' by Wendy Wonder (single) [SJP Records]

Cutie (look her up, that's not a good picture) Wendy Wonder from out of Denmark via Kenya has a new single (hopefully ahead of an album) from the SJP Records who gave us one of the best EP's of the last few years, "Africa Is Our Home" by Jah Turban (2010) - 'Give Love'. The song is a lovely vibes with a just as potently vivid message and definitely keep an eye and an ear out for Wonder's vibes in the future.

Releases on September 9

Digital

"Soca Gold: The Ultimate Collection" [VP Records]

FINALLY coming soon this week is a title which I mentioned previously as VP Records essentially gives us a greatest hits for one of their greatest series (it's actually probably their absolute greatest in my opinion, with "StB" being a close second) in the three disc monster that is "Soca Gold: The Ultimate Collection". It's not being delayed, it's coming and it's just a cool idea in my opinion! . . . Pretty pointless to name names, but I will tell you that currently doing damage in the area of my brain is 'Display' by the incomparable Fay-Ann Lyons (which won her the Road). Big things.

Releases on September 6

CD + Digital [you don’t want this on Digital - Get the disc]

In Stores Now

"Perle L'Amazone" by Perle Lama [Perle Lama]

'You & Me' w/Saël

I'm a bit behind on this one but it's better later than never. One of Zouk's greatest lights, the fantastic Perle Lama from out of 'Nina is back with her latest big album, "Perle L'Amazone". I don't speak about her nearly enough (nor the entire genre, for that matter), but I do certainly enjoy Lama's music and when I finally saw that she had a new album, it was a big deal. All the bigger was the fact that she enlists Achis Reggae favourite, Saël, to help things along on the favourite for Zouk Album of 2011.

CD + Digital

"Gimmie Di Bass" by Taddy P [Bass In Yu Face]

An unholy amount of bass in faces around the world is up next because the oft-mentioned Taddy P (hey Heather!) recently dropped his latest album (his second, I believe), "Gimmie Di Bass", which features the bassman backing some of the biggest and most interesting names the genre has to offer. Superstar Shaggy, Tanya Stephens, Bunny Rugs and Maxi Priest (and I guess that was Taddy P on stage with him when Maxi Priest mashed up Regatt, in retrospect) are just some of names signed up for the album. Listening to the clips, this one is sure to appeal to a more varied group of fans than just Reggae heads (dare I use the horrible 'world music' category), so definitely check this one out if you're open in more directions than the standard one-drop, or if you’re looking a mighty fine bit of musicianship and COLOUR in your collection.

Digital

"Raw Soul" by Lenn Hammond [DP&B Entertainment/TRU Musik/Zojak Worldwide]

Curiously enough, Lenn Hammond's "Raw Soul" is probably one of the most anticipated albums of 2011. Yep! No exaggeration at all. I have heard SO MUCH about this album, I feel like it’s been released about ten times already - In the end, you'll notice that the same package of labels which delivered the mighty "Skyfiya" album from the Uprising Roots Band also worked their magic here (hopefully they'll do the same for Elijah Prophet pretty soon also). Why have so many people been so feverishly looking forward to this album . . . I don’t know! I'm not the biggest fan of Hammond's but the nephew of the legendary Beres Hammond is clearly a very gifted and talented vocalist and his new album figures to be, for fans of his, and extremely big deal. Also, I'd suggest this (and anything else you'll find his name attached to) to more fans of traditional R&B and maybe even Gospel crowds as well. Look for "Raw Soul" to be one of the commercial 'sleepers' of the year - I expect it to do very well (especially in Canada).

CD + Digital

"Crusader For Life" by Errol Bonnick [Stingray Records/Zojak Worldwide]


'Crusader For Life' w/Luciano

Who even knew that this was going on? Huge voiced former lead singer of the famed Live Wyya Band, Errol Bonnick, has linked up with big and bad UK label Stingray Records for his own debut album, "Crusader For Life" and, once again, it’s going to make a lot of people happy who aren’t more typical fans of Reggae. Bonnick's voice is just incredible (I hate that word) and bathing in Stingray riddims, you cannot go wrong here - You, fans of Lover's Rock (biggup Fury!) and even heavier roots. Reggae legend, Luciano, joins in the well spun title track as well.

Digital

"Counter Attack" by Dub Vision [Big Cup/Zojak Worldwide]

I don't know who Dub Vision is (although I'd bet anything against nothing that they're from California), I should probably do some research on it, but I don’t really feel like it! Why do I mention them? They have a brand new album, "Counter Attack", it has eleven different songs with a healthy variety of vocalists. There's Don Carlos, Wadi Gad and . . . ? Achis Reggae favourite MALIKA MADREMANA with a new tune 'Children of Israel'. That’s enough for me to take an interest and surely for you as well so check it out.

Digital

Blaze Fia Riddim [Dutty Rock Productions]


Blaze Fia Riddim Mix

Now take this album to a major! Dancehall superstar, Sean Paul, tried his hand at production earlier this year and caught absolute FLAMES, in my opinion, with the STERLING Blaze Fia Riddim. Say what you will about the riddim, about what it did or didn't do, but the riddim, itself, is GORGEOUS! It also has that kind of 'give' to it which marked some of the old 2 Hard creations over which SP shined in his earlier years. Joining Paul on the riddim is a ridiculous roster of vocalists which includes Bounty Killer, Chino (MAD!), Ce'Cile, Busy Signal, Assassin, Beenie Man, Ele, Tarrus Riley, Spice ("when ya si mi bway, gimme all yuh got. A yu seh you ready fi mi, so tek it pon di spot. BEAT UP MI BODY LAK MORTAL KOMBAT!") Ward 21, Mr. Vegas and even some of the old DJ’s from the Dutty Cup Crew, Mr. Chicken & Loogaman. Sean Paul may've just scored Dancehall riddim album of the year with this one.

Digital

[Note: If this wasn’t the time to resurrect Riddim Driven, then when?]

[Note 2: Doing 2 reviews, this might be the second one]

Island Traffic Entertainment [Island Traffic Entertainment/Zojak Worldwide]

I have not the slightest of ideas how Terror Kid managed to upset everyone and everything and take the crown at Spice Mas Soca Monarch last month, but he did and big him up (Lava Man took the Road). Meanwhile, Grenada’s most well known label was busy doing big things for themselves (and hopefully the whole of Grenada Soca music) by linking with the greatest to ever do it, Zojak Worldwide, for their digital distribution. The union immediately produced three sets - Albums for the Knock Ah Bout, Da People and Heineken Riddims, respectively. The first of the three is a Jab from the kings of the ring (!) , while Da People is a very cool and groovy set (which could have used a bit of Nnika Francis to my opinion) and the last is a very familiar and infectious vibes from Island Traffic. Tallpree, Soca Banton, Zee1 and CUTIE Sharrie Jones highlight the sets and hopefully this is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship (and someone can pry open Grenada Soca to the rest of the world).

Digital -Digital- Digital

The Dark Lake Riddim [Machete Records]

Resident Evil heads to the Dancehall courtesy of Machete Records' releasing a HEAVY riddim from a few years back, the Dark Lake. Hardcore authentic Dancehall is still at a premium (obviously if I'm mentioning this one), but at the same time, it's just so nice when someone gets it RIGHT and with GOOD performances from Kartel, Assassin, Beenie Man, Ele, Junior Reid and a few others means "RIGHT".

Digital

'Right Ting' by The Lambsbread [Rumble Rock Recordz]

We head back to Hawaii for a new single from the esteemed neighbours of J Boog, The Lambsbread, 'Right Ting' courtesy of Rumble Rock Recordz (check out the Step By Step Riddim, in stores now). I've always meant to go and have a deeper listen to The Lambsbread vibes, they're always so well spoken of by their fans and even though this tune seems to incorporate a bit more in the way of more eclectic and 'further reaching' vibes.

Digital

"What About Love” by Sara Lugo [Soulfire Artists/Oneness Records]

What???

You haven't heard about Sara Lugo???

Really?

New album - "What About Love", one of the best of the year, in stores now.

CD + Digital

"Something In The Music" by Jalena [Jalena]

What? Did you just say 'who is Jalena'?

COOL and CRAZY Soca coming straight from the BVI's finest Soca export - new album "Something In The Music" also in stores now - Go get it!

CD + Digital

'Breaking Away' by Destra (single) [Krazy Muzic Records]

And finally, while Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann and co. continue to seemingly say "what in the hell is an iTunes", their peers are steadily busy building a digital catalog. Not many are more active than the keeper of all things wonderful, Destra who takes one of her latest singles through the most convenient of mediums. 'Breaking Away', like 'Beautiful Day' before it, is a electronically charged tune clearly aimed at more international audiences. I don’t care who likes it. It’s Destra, I love it, have a nice day! Breaking away! NICE PICTURE! DAMN!

Digital