What I'm Listening To: December

"Sara Lugo" [Soulfire Artists - 2009] 

Before there was the full on genius of an album of "What About Love" from just last year, favourite of all breathers of oxygen, Sara Lugo, dropped this very nice and eponymous useful EP which has found its way back onto my players. Of course, as a precursor to an album, when the full project reached, it took attention away from this set (and rightfully so), but it didn't blunt it altogether. Present on the EP are two very nice pieces (and three on the CD, if I recall correctly) which aren't on "What About Love", the very poignant 'Mother & Child' and the original version of one of Lugo's real signature tracks, 'Familiar Stranger', her cut of Oneness' (more on them in a minute) SWEET Soul Riddim, which was golden (the album had an acoustic version of the song). The EP also carried 'Rock Steady' as well. This one is still readily available and not too difficult to find, so you should have it!

CD + Digital 

The Oneness & General Key Riddims [Oneness Records - 2007 & 2008]

In the midst of the magical 2012 that one of my (and your) personal favourite labels in the entire genre Reggae music, Oneness Records, is currently having, and having constantly called upon both over the past two or three years, it's not at all surprising that I've made my way back to a pair of the imprint's earliest releases, the Oneness and General Key riddims, respectively. The former, for its part, was a very straight forward and heavy composition, which may not have leapt off of the track in terms of exciting the listener, but if you keep listening to it, while you're not likely to arrive at a point where you'd refer to it as 'dynamic', you are going to well enjoy what you heard. And listening to it more intently, I'm almost embarrassed that a song like 'Rally Round', from Spectacular, an EXCELLENT tune, hadn't stuck with me previously. The General Key, on the other hand, was full sparkling and a delightful composition with an abundance of big names. Junior Kelly, Prezident Brown, Ginjah, Prince Malachi, Lutan Fyah and Ray Darwin all provided big tracks for the riddim. Yet, unsurprisingly, these days I'm most focused on 'Soul Deep' from the incomparable Mark Wonder.

Digital

CD + Digital 

The Purple Ting Riddim [Back To Zion Records - 2006] 

I'm almost certain that they did something else really, really good, but I can't remember it exactly. Still, if they never did, the name Back To Zion Records has already made such a sizable impact on me as a listener on the strength of a HUGE riddim the label set up from a few years back, the Purple Ting. It's very interesting that the single best tune on that track, Tiwony's devastating 'Priyé Jah', did not make the album, but the material that did, from the likes of Lyricson, Jamadom, Saël, Baby G, Sträika D and the most elusive but full genius Lady Sweety definitely impressed on what may just be my absolute favourite French riddim of all time.

CD + Digital  

'My Woman' by Zacheous Jackson [Red Ground Jamaica Music - 2012]

Also on my radars these days is a big new single from the always welcomed Zacheous Jackson, 'My Woman'. The tune comes via his own Red Ground Jamaica label, as well as Rumble Rock Recordz and actually comes through across a track from the legendary King Jammy. 'My Woman' isn't really what I'd call a "love song", in the stereotypical sense, it's more of a kind of an woman empowering piece and just wonderful good women can be in your life. It sounds divine and, deservedly, has been receiving a wonderful reception thus far. Have a listen for yourself when pick it up today. 

Digital

The Good Things Riddim [Kirkledove - 2012]

And finally this week is the riddim from the best song on the best album that 2012 is likely to have produced (which will be all set up in about thirty days or so), the Good Things from Kirkledove. At the head of the track, DUH, was a 'Fireball', courtesy of the recently freed Busy Signal which was about as fine of a lyrical display as anyone has heard this year as well. Surrounding the most adventurous Busy is full class artists such as Lutan Fyah, Romain Virgo, Cocoa Tea, Richie Stephens, Lenn Hammond, Jack Radics alongside Stevie Face (big tune), Red Rose and the extremely talented Steele. 

Digital

'Still Not Holding Back': A review of "My Way" by Wayne Wonder

A giant. Should it be your goal to, for some very, very strange reason, find evidence of the existence of CLASS in music, I would surely recommend that you begin your search somewhere besides the current landscape of modern Dancehall music. Not that you won't find any amongst the artists, you will, but you won't find it in any abundance and it doesn't seem to be a situation, at all, which is headed for a changing any time soon. In fact, for the most part, if you listen to Dancehall music these days (and you do), you've probably noticed, and may even enjoy, just how full on strange the music has gotten in recent times. And as someone who forever takes pride in the fact that I'm not [yet] that disgusting old man who will seemingly go out of his way to make sure you know that he thinks that everything from his youth was better than it is today, it's kind of making it difficult for me, but like I said, it is there if you're REALLY interested. I'd look at someone Agent Sasco as a classy artist as, when even near his absolute best, he comes across as someone who has spent… years and years writing his lyrics and perfecting his delivery. And I'd also look at someone like Ce'Cile, for whom 'class' definitely also takes on a visual context [DUH!], and others like Romain Virgo, a still nicely active General Degree, even Sean Paul and just a few other artists who present their music in a way which gives the listener the impression that the general intent was for the final product to sound as good as it possibly could. Another name which belongs in that lot or which that lot belongs with is certainly Wayne Wonder who, given his longevity and prevailing contribution to the genre, may just belong in a class of his own. The singer has now a career which stretches back a nearly ridiculous thirty years and, although he's surely experienced essentially everything the life of being a musician has to offer, Wayne Wonder remains someone whose music, with one large exception of course, really hasn't had to go through a glaring shift as far as its audiences. You'll find Wayne Wonder fans everywhere, young and old, and while you would think that he might reach a point where you'd see this kind of, very typical, gradual aging of his fans - but it hasn't happened. While the historicity of WW is reserved for older fans, the actual appreciation of his music still belongs to pretty much everyone who has ears. 

Because it only takes such a person to realize that he makes 'wonderful' music. It's going on a decade now from the time when Wayne Wonder achieved his biggest successes, which were raised on the strength of the still MASSIVE 'No Holding Back' (a bonafide modern classic) tune and album of the same name, which went around the world and back several times. Following that, he would also reach back in 2006 with the excellent 'Foreva' album for VP Records which, in retrospect, was probably an even stronger project than its predecessor. And from then WW has remained active and remained in the spotlight throughout the years, just as he has managed to do for his entire career - keeping his name one of the most respected in the genre - and his next move is sure to do the same thing again.  

"No Holding Back" [2003], "Foreva" [2007] & "If I Ever" EP [2010]

Wayne Wonder now delivers "My Way", his very first project since the aforementioned "Foreva", which released way back at the front of 2007. Taking its name into context is very interesting because the album marks something of a debut for the vocalist. In late 2010 news broke that Wayne Wonder had broken away from VP Records and was set to do things on his on and he had been, but "My Way" becomes the very first album he's done on his own imprint, Singso Music, which literally means that the album features him doing things his own way and answering, musically, to no one but himself - a right which he has well earned at this point. I should also mention that in late 2010, Wonder would drop a digital EP on his label from a forthcoming album (then still two years away, obviously) by the name of "If I Ever", which really just went to show how his intentions were set and where he was planning on taking his music on the behind the scenes end and also feature three songs which would subsequently appear on this album. Listening to WW's music these days (and all days)is just so easy because YOU KNOW that this album is going to be good. It's not something which requires a great deal of thought. It's going to be a very good album. You know that now and you knew whatever his next one was going to be, from almost six years ago, that it was going to be good. Adding to the attraction in this case is the downright royal group of producers Wonder had to work with here as well. Included in the bunch are very classy maestros Tony 'CD' Kelly and Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor who provide tracks for "My Way" and, as we'll talk about later, he also links up with very talented vocal artists as well. The sound of the album, largely, continues to push what Wonder has been doing in recent times which is this very CLEAN and, again, refined brand of Dancehall and Lover's Rock which is just incredibly easy on the ears and extremely appreciable and accessible for all types of fans of the genre, new and old, which is a very rare quality reserved for a very select group of artists and an even more exclusive one when speaking of Dancehall. The results, as we've already established, is another nice album much along the same lines of its two most immediate elder 'siblings', "No Holding Back" and "Foreva", as "My Way" proves itself quickly to be on that same level. Let's take a listen.

'Caught Up'

Coming on the heels of nice releases from Cocoa Tea and Beres Hammond over the last month or so, Wayne Wonder just may be the last big-named Reggae artist of 2012 to release an album, leading into 2013 and I would think that the hope (and the expectations) would be to show that an album like this, on his terms, can succeed commercially and, even prior to the first tune spinning, the artist has given it every opportunity to do so. That "first tune" comes in the form of a single from the album, the very infectious 'Caught Up'. In choosing a single, I would think that you would want to pick a song which would definitely stay with the listener long after the tune has completed and because of that, I would imagine that WW and company didn't have a very difficult time here because "My Way", basically, features fourteen such songs, but they did choose so wisely in 'Caught Up', in my opinion. And good luck to you getting that song out of your head (biggup my Wife). Next up is the tune which I believe is the album's next single, the very frenetic (nearly Soca-ish) 'Drop It Down Low' which is a song so evidently aimed at drawing asses of varying sizes in the general direction of dance floors anywhere in the world. It won't have any problems doing that… it just won't. Typically I have an aversion of songs with titles like that, but I don't dislike this song at all, which actually, kind of, features a brief bit from an non-credited Supriz (biggup Supriz). 'Sweet Dreams' rounds out the opening batch of songs on Wayne Wonder's new album, "My Way" and it just may be the best of the initial trio. Of course, I'm absolutely biased in saying that because the tune comes through across a sterling mix of one of my favourite riddims from 2012, the Baddest from Dre Day (which Aidonia left for ruins with his devastating tune, 'Militancy'). The lyrics here are also very clever and a bit of the attraction of this song will be lost on you if you do not pay attention to what is being said. Big tune!

'Drop It Down Low'

With the way "My Way" is set up, the album has a very nice middle portion where things begin to slow down and while I don't say this in the same as I would in reference to the first three songs, really gets EXCITING and diverse. Again, for someone of WW's class and skill, this is what he's been doing throughout his career and it really adds a nice dimension to the album. DEFINITELY the best of these songs here is the Stephen McGregor produced syrupy sweet 'All About You' from a few years back on the Next Chapter Riddim. This song is a vintage level WW love song it hasn't diminished in the slightest to my opinion.

"I've been around the world and back -

And that's a natural fact

It really made a difference in my life

I've toured a lot of places

I've seen so many faces

But none compare, none compare…

It's all about youuuuuuuuu"

The tune is one of the biggest you'll find here and I think it's great that it gets a bit of a 'second-wind' and resurrection on an album sure to be heavily paid attention to. Also ranking highly is the tune following 'All About You' on the album, 'Xtra Ordinary'. This song has a riddim which took me a minute to catch on to because of the vocals, but is sublime (I'm convinced that the instrumental of this thing would be a gold bar). It has a unique sound altogether, so while it did take some time to grow on me, it was well worth it. Check the somewhat electric, but otherwise fairly laidback 'Anna Lou' which sets as another highlight here and another one which doesn't necessarily leap at you and grab you fully on the first spin through. 'Anna Lou' (at least to my ears and probably on mine) has a Zouk-ish feel to it and you could certainly call it R&B, but for me it has that kind of subtle, but wholly up front sound to it which you find in Zouk these days. It's excellent, regardless of how you take it, however. The very important sounding 'Crush On You', for some reason sounds very familiar to my ears and it also sounds kind of like Zouk with its rather 'bright' sounds. Both of these songs, 'Anna Lou' and 'Crush On You' were somewhat unexpected and having read an interview from earlier this year in which Wonder talked about his new album having "twists", I'm going to call these the biggest such on the whole of "My Way".  Even better than those is a later song which has just a slight bit more energy, but is clearly not of the variety of the opening trio or some of the others I'm about to tell you about, 'Lovely Days'. The sound there is a complex and it isn't that kind of natural and organic sound that you would have thought with that title, but it is a bit more forceful to a point - that point being a very nice song. Also check 'This Time', which actually does feature a bit from an announced Supriz (without the presence of whom, no WW album is complete) (and that may actually be a law). 

"I'm coming for you baby so make sure that you are ready, like -

Jay and Beyonce both of us, we're going steady

I got to ease her burden cause her burden getting heavy

I don't want she give way like the New Orleans levy, lets -

Make it a classic like the '74 Chevy

Spice up the love, mi no want it deady deady

Baby we can make a perfect pair

Just like All For One, 'I swear!' "

When things do speed back up, Wayne Wonder has enlisted the help of a couple of friends as making guest appearances on "My Way" are Shaggy and veteran R&B vocalist, the incredibly easy on the eyes Mya. The former, an oft-collaborator of Wonder's joins on the pulsing 'Don't Say No'. This song has been around for quite some time and in a few different forms (including a WICKED one alongside Delly Ranx) and Shaggy still adds a very nice facet to a song ["woman you buck up on a smooth criminal, good fi yah body like a vital mineral"] which is pretty hard to fuck up and isn't on this version either. For her part, Mya chimes in on a song which I've been completely unable to shake out of my mind from the first time I ever heard it, 'If I Ever', which reigns supreme as my favourite song on "My Way". That song is crack for your ears in every way. It has this very LARGE sound to it and while Mya tones it back just a bit initially, it's still as contagious as ever in this version and I'm still not complaining! 'Like The First Time' is another really fine selection and one which sounds right out of the same vibes as the sterling 'Glad You Came My Way' and 'Bounce Along' from the 'No Holding Back' days, which were captivating and somewhat 'loose', but also had this undeniable power (and I mean that outside of just making asses shake, which is a very nice trait to have as well). Check 'Put Your Drinks Up' as well as the Tony Kelly helmed 'Over All' which round out the album as two of its biggest moments. The latter is also somewhat of a changeup because it's a song about perseverance and determination, which steps outside of every other song on the record. Well done! It's very nice to adjust things a bit and while the nature of the song is different, it's very vigourous sound is absolutely not and it's also the single most impressive lyrical display you'll find here as well in my opinion.

Wayne Wonder

Overall, like I said, the actual perceivable quality of an album like this is pretty much sealed when you know that such an album is going to exists. Wayne Wonder's new album - whatever it is and whenever it gets here - is going to be a very good album. You also have an idea, going in, as to how it is going to sound and while there were "twists", I don't think any song here is going to run off any long time (or short time) fans of WW's. The only real question about "My Way" is, specifically, how good is it and to my ears, it's every bit as good as and it belongs in the same, general, company as both the "No Holding Back" and "Foreva" records. If you liked either one of those (and if you liked one of them, you probably liked them both), you're virtually locked to have a great deal of fun with this album as well. Just like I did. In "My Way", Wayne Wonder continues to show his own personal side of the music which brilliantly mixes substantial class and substance with just a bit of grime. The results are as expected: Another winner. 

Rated: 4.25/5

Singso Music

2012

CD + Digital 

{"My Way" by Wayne Wonder releases on December 4}

Review #402

Lyrics!: Ziggi Recado

And we continue. Today we also focus, more specifically, on the actual 'building blocks' of the wonderful music of Ziggi Recado. While I definitely do feel that this is a situation which is currently in the process of changing for the better - in my opinion until now, Ziggi has very much been underappreciated as a lyricist. I would argue, in fact, that at his very best, he is not only one of the best today, but I would also expect history to look back at his work very favourably and, in doing so, highlight a really powerful wordsmith. Today we do our part and spotlight ten completely random and completely genius displays of the might of the spoken word of the Statian fireball, Ziggi Recado. Lyrics! 

'Mary'

"She takes me so far away

Mary really makes my day

Me and her connect in a passionate way

She’s deyah when I need her

I will never leave her

No because she takes me so far away

Mary really makes my day

Me and her connect in a passionate way

In a passionate way yeah

Rise inna di morning when I get a cup of tea

Best believe I got Mary sitting right next to me

Always need her inna di vicinity

She grow inna di hills

And she’s a natural beauty

Yow I love her sweet aroma

Her perfume is why I love when she come over

She free me up and take the burdens off my shoulders

I watched her grow from she was young and now she’s older"

[BOOM!]

'All Obstacles'

"Babylon there's gonna be a showdown in your town tonight yeah, yeah

Got people fed up and di system, dem seh things nah run too right, no way

And when wi speak, you neva learn -

So di fyah's gonna burn tonight, yeah yeah

And wid Jah Jah blessings, wi will overcome all obstacles

Dem come like wolf in sheep clothing, watch for their disguise

And people life mi seh dem try fi terrorize

And when di youth dem try fi rise -

All of dem good works you neva recognize

Just di negative you emphasize

Wah mek dem neva sopeak of love?

Wah mek dem always criticize???

Youth dem inna di slum, mi seh yah try fi brutalize

To live a life of love - you coulda neva visualize

Mr. Man I think it's time you realize

Dem try fi fight wi down, through dem nah waan fi si wi live up!

But even though wi stumble and wi fall, wi nah go give up!

Dem come wid all dem drugs, di youth dem brain dem try fi corrupt

But Jah Jah by wi side, so everything still bless up now

Wi living inna time bomb

I si dem spending millions on their nuclear weapons yow

Jah know it's for a reason

Mi si di whole a dem just mix up in this arms competition"

'Baddest'

"Things nah easy nowadays, poor people ah suffer

Nuff man ah hustle fi a living and dem do it proper

Youth dem ah follow di lead and seh dem want a shotta

An mek some fast money, so dem can provide fi Mama

It haffi come quick

Slow money caan cut it

Dem treasure cash more than dem life, a so much dem love it

Now dem ah bear arms, ready fi kick up a storm

Taking everything weh dem waan

Mi waan know -

Who seh dem a di baddest, baddest?

Seh dem sick and crazy

Dem a di maddest, maddest

Dem no, know demself

Ask dem a wah dis, wah dis?

[If you live by the gun, you will die by the gun]"

'Joker Smoker'

"I got my sensimilla plantation inna di hills

Cause mi no waan no crackpipe and Rastaman no swallow pill

Marijuana smoke this, watch, coming through my window sill

A ganja empire I & I ah build

Hey, police find 8,000 gram of white last night

Somebody drop it pon di course of a helicopter flight

Dem suspect Rasta and dem neglect mi rights and raid mi house at night wid gun and flashlight

Hey, ganja smoke's in the air

Man a nah [joker smoker]

Coke promoter fi disappear

Di highest grade's over here

Man a nah [joker smoker]

Crack supporter no come near

Ganja smoke's in the air

Man a nah [joker smoker]

Coke promoter fi disappear

Di highest grade's over here

Man a nah [joker smoker]

No no

Man a nah [joker smoker]

Yow, mi a nah cocaine pusha

Mi nah import nuttin and mi a no distributa

All mi have is one pound a sensi inna di rovah

And one pound weh stock unda di living room sofa

Dem find, two pound a sess inna di backyard

And four pound of sensi inna mi girl car

But dem nah find no cocaine, weh dem search fah

Why yah pressure di farmer man, star?"

'A New Day'

“World is in a big recession

Dem ah call it ‘crisis’

Politricks ah run di world, you betta analyze dis tune

Wi inna cycle, for a long time

Wi haffi ready now to step up to di frontline

Educate and get mentally fit

Globalization -

My generation witness too

When wi feel like wi close wi should know there’s a long way to go

Long way to go

Barriers inna di way, wi ahgo break dem down

United, we must stand up from the ground

Prepare and nah fear, just beware

There’s a revolution that’s near

Hey, when di clouds start to clear then the sun will come shining

Together as a people, wi haffi start climbing

Now is the time and today is the day

Straight forward mi seh

ONE WAY!

It's a new day!

Got to stand up!

I know!

We're gonna get there, we're gonna get there, we're gonna get there!

Look into di future and check it fi yahself

Everybody wants to be a millionaire in good health

But the bigga heads won't share di wealth

Ghetto people living with the cards they were dealt

Babylon living undercover like stealth

Blaze up di fyah, mek di whole a dem melt

Hey, what a day, what a day, what a day, when wi take a step inna di right way

And talk bout empower and solutions for di problems, that's evident

Certain government no really care about di residents

Revolutionary, wi ah stand fi di betterment

This I know, yeah

Get ready, tell di people wake up now

Because there is a lot of ground to make up now

Wi power mek di world shake up, every barrier wi gonna break!"

'Cry Murdah'

"Cause gun ah bust and shot ah fly inna di city some a dem living in

Bad boy nah give a damn, nuff a dem pon di street just murderin

Like dem no understand, make dem know dem haffi live and be wise

I say dem must realize

Hey hey

Cause when di youths pop it off, dem a make nuff bled run redda now

Nuff a dem lose dem soul an lick a shot inna dem bredda now

But when di tables turn, you know di judgment will be dredda now

Outta road is too dangerous!

That’s why dem a bawl murdah!

Somebody got gun down, in the street last night

Mama cry murdah!

Nuff a dem nah go live to see tomorrow

No no no

So dem ah bawl murdah!

Somebody got gun down, in the street last night

Mama cry murdah!

Nuff a dem nah go live to see tomorrow

To see tomorrow

Well too much a shot fly like bird round ya!

Babylon dem ah patrol and dem a search round ya!

Ganja smoke and Hennessey round ya!

When Ziggiman and Good Fellas dem a move round ya

Yo yo! I say!

And shotta neva hesitate when time fi let it off!

So nah badda get inna di way when dem a pop it off!

And nuff a dem lose dem way already now dem soul lost!

Got to be dem livin too fast!"

'High Time'

"I said it's high time wi start putting down the nine

And start trying to unite

Cause more love inna wi life, make everything bright

That's why I said that it's a bout time, wi start with the cease fire

So wi coulda live better

More love inna wi community is necessary

Cause everyday another ghetto youth dead

When these badman dem ahgo stop buss lead?

Ease off a di killing

Ease off a di bloodshed

It's like dem neva hear what The Almighty said

Cause it's a -

Crazy day!

These are -

Some crazy times!

So put down your weapons, this is self-destruction

I know you should know that it's -

High time!"

'Green Medicine'

"Green medicine in my brain

One whiff and then i can't complain

Wi get higher than rocket and plane

Deh pon mi ganja campaign

Green medicine in my brain

One whiff and then i can't complain

Wi get higher than rocket and plane

Deh pon mi ganja campaign

Gimme my herbs in I morning time

Mary haffi deyah when I rise

Some inna di evening time

Green medicine, oh yes it suits my mind

Coke and di crack, I nah go mingle wid dat

Love my sensimilla as a matter of fact

Like crate of Guinness, mi stock di herbs by di racks

When dem fight di herbs, I & I fight back

It's a green revolution dem ah witness

I & I ah endorse ganja business

So like a terrorist, dem put I pon di hitlist

But dem caan barricade I ganja practice"

'Shackles & Chains'

"Don’t let them get you down

Stay positive and never wear a frown

Negative vibes we ahgo bun dem down

Tell dem seh no tek dis ya bwoy fi clown

Mr. Babylon its plain to see -

Nowadays a mental slavery -

Dat have di youths dem inna bondage

But we breaking free

So we come fi tell di whole a dem now

Shackles and chains, caan stop the fire we a blaze!

[Babylon you must get erase]

Sorrows and pains, all of them will fade away

[Tomorrow will be a better day]

Shackles and chains, caan stop the fire we a blaze!

[Babylon you must get erase]

Sorrows and pains, all of them will fade away

[Tomorrow will be a better day]"

'Liberation'

"Life is a struggle, nothing good no come easy

Got to stand up for your rights now

There's no kink in life cycle - what is meant to be will be

Every eye will see Jah light now

Living at a time full of social injustice and inequity

Everyday we fuss and fight now

No powers of man can stop di fulfillment of prophecy

DEM AHGO WITNESS JAH JAH MIGHT NOW

War dem ah wait so dem so dem seh peace is not a possibility

War machine is what dem like yow

Starvation killing millions - tell me where's the generosity?

Tell mi where's the equal rights yow?

Mass political corruption dem call democracy

The working man ah feel di bite yow

Jah alone I & I praise, to babylon mi nah go kneel

This is liberation of your mind

Liberation of your soul

Liberation of your heart

Liberation of your thoughts

FREE UP YOUR MIND AND WALK

Yes this is liberation of your mind

Liberation of your soul

Liberation of your heart

Liberation of your thoughts

FREE UP YOURSELF AND WALK

I & I nah belittle I integrity

I man a no clone inna dem system

Who bring di weapon dem inna dis society?

Cause inna dis city nobody no make dem

Si dem selling their illusion of a people that's free

But that is modern enslavement

To divide and conquer is their philosophy

Every natural resource dem waan tek yeah

Every ancestral bond dem waan break yeah

Inna no babylon ritual I nah partake yeah

And The Most High I will never forsake yeah

Liberate yourself, mentally lock off di shackles and chains -

Inspire some change hey

Deh yah inna crucial time, but still wi gotta maintain, wi got to sustain

Hey babylon ah circle dem prey, dem ah move like vulture

Vampire dem bloodsucking inna dem culture

BUT I & I NAH GET DEVOURED TRUE WI PROTECT BY THE ALMIGHTY POWER!"

Ziggi Recado

Discography: Ziggi Recado

It's been a little while, but today we once again take a look back at the existing catalog of an artist who has already made such an outstanding contribution to his era of Reggae music. The former Ziggi, now Ziggi Recado, made his official entry into the music back in 2006 (although it seems like so much longer ago) with Rock 'N Vibes and with that label he would produce three very memorable albums before heading out on his own recently. In that time, he would also become one of the most successful talents on the European scene and, whether you realized it or not, one of the most talented artists from anywhere in the world making Reggae music and his has been a career which has seen him recording with some of the genre's most skilled maestros as well and deservedly so. Today we examine Ziggi's music up to now as we anticipate the genius which is sure to come. Discography: Ziggi Recado

{Note: Normally we don't include EP's in these posts and although we did exclude one here, "Same Difference", we did include two others and with good reason} 

The music of Ziggi Recado

"So Much Reasons" [Rock 'N Vibes - 2006]

In transit. Although my title here would go on to be the title of Ziggi's sophomore effort, it was very much an applicable designation for his debut piece, "So Much Reasons", as well. For what it was and when it was, this album was pretty well regarded and although I didn't like it as much as most at the time, I will say that I probably enjoy it more today than I did at any point previously. The title applies because this record, largely, was very much not only more of a Dancehall and Hip-Hp oriented offering than the artist's subsequent work, but it was also a display of someone who was clearly still developing as an artist and not at the height of what would go on to be a truly monstrous talent. The results, as I said, were still enjoyable, a point largely driven by the MASSIVE 'All Obstacles' which was on this album, but only a 'small' (on an album which had 400 songs on it) sampling of what was to come. Elephant Man, Turbulence (on a remix of his hit 'Notorious') and others made appearances. 

"In Transit" [Rock 'N Vibes/Greensleeves Records - 2008]

Destination: Wicked. Remember all of that stuff I said in reference to the first album and Ziggi, at the time, being someone who had yet to reach his prime, essentially? Well you can feel free to forget all of that stuff at this point. A couple of years on from "So Much Reasons", Ziggi and RNV would return with "In Transit" which was a largely flawless album and an absolutely devastating display of what and who he had become. They also were not alone as, by that point, Ziggi had also attracted the attention of Greensleeves Records who would also come on board to deliver what would prove to be a massive album and a future classic in my opinion and one more Roots-inclined than its predecessor. Bonafide superstars in Gentleman, Ce'Cile, Anthony B and even Admiral T would make guest spots here in the midst of an album which, in my opinion, stands as one of the most 'attractive' predominately Roots sets of the modern era. There were other vibes well mixed in (as you might be able to come up with on an album featuring Gentleman and Anthony and then Ce'Cile and the basically overly-skilled Admiral T), which certainly helped its case, but between songs such as 'Shackles & Chains', 'Fight This Struggle', 'Need To Tell You This', 'Good Over Evil', 'A Better Way' and, certainly, 'Cry Murdah', the reigning highlight of this project, was one thrilling Roots album and one which remains Ziggi’s opus. 

"Ziggi Recado" [Rock 'N Vibes/VP Records - 2011]

A new day. After the "In Transit" record and before his next album release, three years later, Ziggi would become "Ziggi Recado" (presumably to further distinguish himself in the Ziggi[-y/ie] happy genre of Reggae) (good idea) and his new name (which I believe he would 'officially' debut on the "Same Difference" EP from the year before) would go on to become the title of his third LP which well fulfilled the lofty expectations set by its extraordinary most immediate predecessor. Looking back now, "Ziggi Recado" was an album which very much had a varied sound. Not as much as on the first album on this list, but it definitely did some genre-melding and while that typically isn't something I favour, I still can find very little to complain about from this project and I love the fact that it's go on to enjoy a very large amount of success in its year and a half or so of existence. It was sublime, so what it has done can come as to no surprise at all. Joining Ziggi were Tippa Irie & Omar Perry (on the same song) and "Ziggi Recado" would also feature 'All My Life', a winning combination alongside Reggae star, Etana ["if I lose you, I lose everything"], and 'This Year', the much anticipated linking of Ziggi with his RNV label mate, Maikal X. Big, big album. 

"Liberation" [Dredda Records - 2012] 

Rising. In case you weren't paying attention (and shame on you if you were not) Ziggi actually did produce a brand new studio album in 2012, in the form of "Liberation", which was a twelve-tracked project spread across two EP’s (which is why I chose to include it/them here), the original from a few months back and the recently released "2.0" - both via Dredda Records. Ziggi is someone who has consistently and constantly worked with a wide variety of labels (including, of course, Necessary Mayhem), but this was the first time he'd done a venture of this magnitude with anyone besides his longtime home, the well aforementioned Rock 'N Vibes, from whom he reportedly split last year. And while I'll never be the one to speak ill of that union, change can be good and if "Liberation" is any indication (and it is), the present and the future can be just as impressive as the past. While I did favour 2.0 here, the original definitely brought in its share of big tunes such as 'Rising', 'More Than Sometimes" and "Green Medicine", the second and third of which were vibed by Achis Reggae favourites, Oneness Records. For its part, 2.0 may just ultimately prove to the finest Reggae EP of anyone this year. Six big tunes punctuated a most interesting 2012 calendar year for Ziggi Recado which figures to continue get even more interesting moving into the coming years.  

Ziggi Recado

Coming Soon #58: Light The Way

Coming Soon

"My Way" by Wayne Wonder [Singso Music]

First up this week is a really, really big deal as set to deliver his first studio album in a century and a half is superstar Wayne Wonder, with "My Way". Wonder is probably going to be the biggest name jumping up in December and leading into the first part of next year and, unlike a few of his peers perhaps, you don't even have to 'wonder' about what's going on here - "My Way" figures to be an excellent album. Wayne Wonder has spent the vast majority of his career showing himself to be one of the most reliable artists of his era and, obviously, the occasional moment of SPECTACULAR results has done well for him and all of that makes this album very much anticipated. "My Way" features guest-spots from Shaggy and R&B star, Mya and, like I said, should be a fantastic album and a very bright spot for December. Check it out when it reaches early next month. 

Potential Rating: 4.25/5

Releases on December 4

CD + Digital 

The Seize The Day Riddim [Jah Light Records]

BOOM! The always and wonderfully active JahLight Records from out of Trinidad aren't in the business of wasting time and procrastination and are already back with yet another booming release and a GOLDEN piece of a composition - The Seize The Day Riddim. This sterling Roots piece immediately heads near the front of the pack in terms of my own personal favourite releases from the label which is, carefully, becoming one of the most consistent imprints in all of Reggae music these days in my opinion. As usual, JahLight has also assembled a stellar and colourful cast of vocalists for a riddim which completely demands it. At the head, of course, is the singing divinity which is Queen Omega, who delivers 'Who Feels It Knows It' alongside Fyakin (am I the only person who just feels better about the world every time this woman sings a song???). Also offering big tunes are the likes Djama Keita, Jah Van I, Zally, JahLight staple Roxy Singh and Fireson Bantu from out of Kenya and Jah Defender. Everyone does very well, but the final two in that list, at least to my opinion, really reach sensational levels via their tunes, 'Journey' and 'Celebrate The Earth', respectively. If you really like Roots Reggae music (and you probably wouldn't bother to read this if you didn't), you have no excuse - pick up the Seize The Day Riddim from JahLight Records - excellent. 

Releases on December 4

Digital

The Jump Up Riddim [Weedy G Soundforce] 

The increasingly impatient Soca head in my bones saw the name 'Jump Up Riddim' and immediately thought that its creator, the typically Dancehall-centric Weedy G Soundforce, was changing focus just for a minute and while it wasn't what I was thinking (hoping), it was kind of accurate and not at all disappointing either. The Jump Up is an ooooold school vibed piece which definitely maintains Weedy G's well proven quality levels. Label favourite, Perfect Giddimani, leads an impressive pack which also includes Teacha Dee, Skarra Mucci, Grindsman and others. 

Potential Rating: 4/5

Releases on November 30

Digital  

The Corner Shop Riddim [21st Hapilos] 

The BEAUTIFUL Corner Shop Riddim, via 21st Hapilos and co., is in next and with it, it's bringing a whole heap of big names as voicing this piece are Ce'Cile, Romain Virgo, J Boog, Collie Buddz, Richie Stephens, Jah Vinci (big tune, 'Never Too Late'), Sophia Squire, reigning world's luckiest human being, Chris Martin (BIG tune, 'Mi Friend Dem') and even more and they all do very well. This one, like the Seize The Day, is pretty much a guaranteed winner and someone will surely make fun of you, SEVERELY, if you aren't listening (and by "someone", of course I mean me). 

Potential Rating: 4.25/5

Releases on December 12

Digital  

"Dig Deep" by Saritah [Time To Shine Records]

I don't know very much at all about Saritah, from out of Australia (where this album I'm going to tell you about now is already currently available), but I do know interesting when I hear it (and I also know that Bredz chose to point it out to me because he REALLY liked the cover, whether he wants to admit it or not) (biggup Bredz and his eyes) and that's exactly what I hear on her new album, "Dig Deep". I hear sweetness, I hear a little R&B, I hear a little Jazz and I hear something which isn't close to, but isn't exactly the full opposite of … maybe a favourite of ours with the same three letters starting her name. I haven't heard the full set here, but I do have a nice feeling about it and while I may never write it up, I do plan to pick it up. Join me at it and check it out "Dig Deep" when you can. 

Releases on December 4

CD [I THINK] + Digital

'Only Man In The World' featuring Tarrus Riley by Anuhea [VP Records]

And lastly coming soon this week is Sweet singing Anuhea (great name!) from out of Hawaii with the very nice single, 'Only Man In The World', which features the singer alongside Reggae supernova, Tarrus Riley. Unsurprisingly, also on board is VP Records (this tune would have probably been perfect on the last edition of "Reggae Gold") who likely figure the tune to be a hit and I don't know that I'm going to disagree with that. It's a very nice song and the digital release also includes a very Zouk-ish acoustic version. 

Releases on December 4

Digital

In Stores Now

"Kakilambe" by Takana Zion [RKF Production]

"Kakilambe" is the fourth studio album from Guinean young veteran and burgeoning star, Takana Zion and you're going to also have to call it his most 'flexible' to date as well as the sounds on this thing come from far and wide to make it a complete record. Just listening through it briefly, you hear a wonderfully healthy variety of vibes and genres and while I surely can't say that this was what I was expecting, I also cannot say that I was totally surprised after the album's adroit first single 'Emmanuel' (which I now love) reached a few months back. Besides that song and a few others (like 'Mosiah' which is also very good), a major point of interest here is the song 'Mama Africa', which finds Takana taking an excellent and fitting (although unlikely) next step following 'Glory’ from his last album, 2011's "Rasta Government" on which he linked with Capleton as this tune actually features the chanter alongside Sizzla Kalonji. You don't have to go very far with this album either in terms of how it comes through - you simply won't hear many people with bad things to say about Takana Zion's music. 

CD + Digital

"#TeamCham" by Baby Cham [Madhouse Records] 

I don't know that an album is far off at this point, but if you haven't paying a great amount of attention to Baby Cham, the DJ and Madhouse Records are giving you an opportunity to refresh via a new nine-tracked EP, "#TeamCham". Here, just as you would expect, we have just a collection of recent and kind of recent tunes from Cham. Of certain interest are the tunes 'Stripper Pose' and 'Portmore Anthem' which both have original and edited versions on the EP and feature Madhouse's Lawless Riddim which… is just completely ridiculous in every way and worth the price of admission to pretty much anything. 

Digital  

"Stronger" by King Lorenzo [Rocky Hill Records] 

Next we have an album I was very much waiting on and one which just seemed to kind of 'appear' from earlier this month as Lorenzo, now King Lorenzo, returns with his second album, to my knowledge, "Stronger" for Rocky Hill Records. Lorenzo is another artist in an unfortunately very long line these days and throughout Reggae history, who doesn't get the credit and recognition you would think he would be 'due' because of his immense talents, but maybe you can personally change that when you pick up "Stronger" right now. The album comes more on the old school side and to solidify that thought, "Stronger" actually features combinations with both U Brown and the woefully underappreciated Nereus Joseph, as well as Clifford Fyah Henry. While I haven't made up my mind on this one just yet (it might make for a nice review someday), I think I'm going to really like - and I think you are too. Check it out. 

Digital

The Check Life Riddim [G3R Productions] 

And lastly - while names like Nuni, Teacha Bang, Denise, Red Lion and… the label also actually, G3R  Productions, may not be enough to steer your attentions in the direction of the Check Life Riddim - "LUTAN FYAH" should be and here he delivers one of the strongest tunes the chanter has pushed in all of 2012 in the form of the riddim's MAGICAL title track. 

Digital