'Beat Down The Door!': A review of "New Name" by Jah9

Let her in. It can come about in a variety of different ways - that moment when you almost have to take notice that someone who has recently come along has just hit the proverbial 'next level' and gone from 'up and comer' and 'prospect' to a bonafide big name. The most often taken route being the scoring of a big song or multiple big songs which then lead into some type of at least short-term level of consistency. Today we have such a wide variety of names who took that course - we look at people such as Tarrus Riley, Etana, Duane Stephenson and (conveniently) Queen Ifrica. Did Tarrus Riley really have to say that 'She's Royal' for the world to take notice? Had he continued to progress along in his career (which had already included an album, "Challenges" at that point), wouldn't he have made the point anyway? Did Etana have show us her 'Roots' or tell us about living at the 'Wrong Address'? Did Duane Stephenson have to return to 'August Town' and was it completely necessary for Queen Ifrica to refuse to keep things from 'Below The Waist'? Of course it was. It was all worth it and for a group now widely regarded as stars of Roots Reggae music, that one moment, which gave them such a wide-ranging level of stardom is always not only worth it, but is a most critical occurrence in regards to the entire genre of Reggae music. Similarly, I could write this a year from now and say the same things about individuals such as Chronixx and Kabaka Pyramid and Khalilah Rose and the likes. It is the way things are done and they have been done that way for an extremely long time and will continue to be done so (did Sizzla Kalonji really have to drop… two of the greatest albums of all time? Probably not, but the world is a much, much better place that he did). Someone else recently taking the track towards being someone that you must listen to and in great detail is now the flaming hot Jah9. Over the past year, in particular, the once incredibly potential-latent vocalist from out of Montego Bay has been converting promise and potential to performance and production. She's recorded for the likes of Don Corleon, Silly Walks (she is on their new Honey Pot Riddim) (in stores now) and others and if that didn't get your attention (shame on you!), she just made a move which is going to ensure you not only know her 'name', but also that you never forget it. 

Though she has recorded with a variety of different producers (including Overstand Entertainment, she's also on their Rootsman Riddim, which we told you about from not too long) (in stores now), Jah9 has surely done her greatest work for the venerable Rory Gilligan [RoryStoneLove] who has provided her with golden platform after golden platform over which to apply her equally blinding talents. Within just the past ten months or so, the duo has produced absolute magic together and following a mighty stream of singles, it seemed as if the next step was  becoming more and more anticipated (because it was) and more and more obvious as well. If you have that level of musical chemistry and are that WICKED - Why not make album?  

Also from Jah9 & RoryStoneLove

Yeah! Why not. 2013 now brings us the debut album of Jah9, the most appropriately titled "New Name". It wasn't broken, AT ALL, so the album finds the continuation of the musical relationship of Jah9 (whose given name is Janine, which makes 'Jah9', BY FAR, one of the coolest name selections EVER) with Rory Stone Love and they continue their excellence here. I was really happy to see such a powerful amount of response to this one prior to and just following its release. I have a very good idea about this album, which I've already alluded to and will conclude later, but such a high level amount of buzz surrounding a project from someone who isn't necessarily a 'household name' in Reggae music (but is well on her way to becoming one) is so very nice for the individual and for the general health of the music. And in a young year which has already seen similarly regarded projects from Etana ["Better Tomorrow"] and Protoje (more on him in a minute) ["The 8 Year Affair"], 2013 hopefully figures to be a year highlighted by a massive youth movement of some sorts when it comes to albums (Chronixx??? Whenever you're ready!). For her part, Jah9 manages to keep the large momentum going and demonstrate the all of the press wasn't unwarranted. To my ears, the one thing which has always stood out as far as her style was this very refreshing kind of poeticism that Jah9 has, as once a poet (and still one, obviously). Normally when I use anything referring to 'poet' in music, I'm talking about someone such as a Tanya Stephens who, in her case, I generally use it a substitute for the word 'brilliant' (because that woman is a genius), but in the case of Jah9, I do it in a more traditional type of application. While she most certainly does have a great command of melody, Jah9 also has such a presence which almost forces the listener to pay prime attention to what she is saying. Of course, that's just what I do, so listening to the album was just a joyous experience and, based on her previous work, it was something which I hoped and expected would be present. I would also, somewhat liken her "presence" to someone like the aforementioned Queen Ifrica (whom she sounds almost nothing like, but they both exude this wonderfully empowering level of confidence and contentment in what they're saying and how they are saying it). The part which is uniquely hers, however, is the ‘packaging' portion. Jah9 combines the cool style of a Spoken Word poet, with the confidence of the most boisterous of Dancehall DJ's and tops it off with a level of rarely rivaled lyrical ability to produce a full winner in "New Name".  Let's go.

If such a thing is possible, I definitely have to say that this album, very much, displays a great deal of symmetry. What I mean is that it seems as if, not only by the singer, but in terms of the prevailing sound and musical direction - all of these songs sound so nice together. So many times you hear albums which have a sound really just all over the place (not to say that this is always a bad thing), but that isn't the case here as all of these tunes fit very well alongside one another. Setting the standard for everything which is to follow on Jah9's lovely debut set, "New Name", is its MASSIVE title track which is the finest thing I found on this album and was definitely one of the best songs that I heard from anyone in 2012. Typically, I refer to compositions like this as a "praising" song and that is what it is, but it there is not any fraction of this song at all which is "typical", it SO much more as Jah9 brilliantly presents the influence and the splendour of His Imperial Majesty in a way it has rarely ever been shown musically. TEARS!

'New Name'

The tune charged with keeping the quality so high on "New Name" is 'Intentions' and although it could have and I don't think anyone would have minded too much, it doesn't fail in its role. This song, I had to listen to quite a few times to really grasp (I'm still working on it), but where I am now is appreciating it as a bit of a kind of subtly aggressive social commentary. You won't hear her calling fire to wash away this and that, but Jah9 really takes aim at filthiness and corruption almost like a Mother not trying to scold her child, but to correct them and set a better example herself at the same time. The result is a song which is as mighty linguistic showcase as you'll find on this album. She may not have been trying to scold you on 'Intentions', but by the time 'Preacher Man' rolls in Jah9, CLEARLY, is pissed off!

"Mr. Preacher man, whatcha gotta say to the nation?

Mr. Preacher what ya gwan say when the youths dem turn away?

I've been a believer for all of my life

But there've been constant conflicts raging in my mind

The people are hurting and crying and searching

And waiting for a reason to go on

And all you can say is 'go pray and be patient' -

'It won't be this way for too long'

Sitting and waiting

To me - that seems crazy 

Making dem lazy in your congregation

PLEADING  TO A SAVIOUR, AN EMANCIPATOR, WHOSE VERY BEHAVIOUR PROVES YOU WRONG!

The people caught up in religion :

Traditions of a people who did hold us in subjection

Rejection of the power that was inna our possession - 

Before all di regression

When we and The Creator had an intimate relationship

Before dem even land -

Ova pon The Motherland

Before dem even get fi ask di question:

If wi needed dem religion?

Dem giving it to we

Ah look excuse fi CARRY DEM INFECTION CROSS DI SEA!

Then dem tek di ancient people, put dem into slavery

Rape and murder in di holy name of Christianity

Yes religion is the tool, was the tool of the oppressor

Cause they never planned to set the people free!" 

Grrrr! She saves, arguably, her largest blaze for those using religion as a tool of oppression and, as you can tell, clearly this is a topic for which she has and has had for quite some time, a huge amount of passion for. Also, this is a song which is all poetry. It has a melody and it gets very intense, but those are things which register in traditional poetry as well and it strings itself together so nicely - as if to tell a story. I also have to mention the final thing you hear on 'Preacher Man' which is, as an excellent touch, a full church like organ as we've just experienced a sermon from Jah9. HUGE! 

Along with the title track and 'Intentions', there were a few celebrated and known songs of Jah9's which would ultimately appear on "New Name". Such a piece was the pride and deep though inducing 'Jungle'. 

"It's a jungle out there and life is unfair for the ones left to scrape for the scraps-es

Generations have grown in the same situation - 

Tribal warfare, chattel slave and now, taxes

The people never have enough and children are born fatherless -

And families no one to rely on

So from blood, sweat and tears, the solution appears:

The pride needs defending by a lion! 

Will you be the one? -

Oh, for the mountains and valleys or the city streets

Will you be the one? -

To keep moving forward and never retreat?

In this jungle out there with so many limitations set intentionally just for us to fail

With ya plans in motion and standing in ya power and strength from ya lioness, you're bound to prevail

This mission is for those who can endure -

And won't stand for injustice and oppression no more 

And the journey is for everyone to share

WHEN THE LIONS ARE LEADING, THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR!"

I've heard this song a few times before and I don't know that I've ever paid it THIS much attention and I'm sorry! This thing is GORGEOUS! Out of all the songs you hear from men and women singers alike about men who have failed themselves and their families and their communities - Jah9 goes in the other direction and says that even if you haven't done right up until this point you can correct yourself and it definitely is a track for young men and boys as well who are growing up and learning to be providers and caretakers. FANTASTIC (and pay attention the riddim on that song which almost gets overwhelmed by the lyrics, but is also stunning). You might also be familiar with the tune 'Mr. Right', which was a popular song and may be one of the older songs on this album. It is a love song of sorts as Jah9 has identified her special someone and is reveling in the EXPERIENCE. This is not a sappy song about being in love, it's a very clever one about the actual evolving situation of being in love (and any song which mentions bubble wrap - by far THE GREATEST INVENTION IN THE HISTORY OF HUMANKIND - is a winner for me). And then there is also the familiar 'Legitimate', with a twist in this case. Back in 2011, Jah9 appeared on a pair of excellent selections, 'Wrong Side of The Law' and 'After I'm Gone', alongside her obviously good friend, the aforementioned very colourful Protoje (new album, "The 8 Year Itch", in stores now) (or did I say that already???), for his own fine debut album, "7 Year Itch". Eager to return the favour, apparently, Protoje makes an appearance on a tune which I've known being sans his presence and he adds even more fire to an already scalding piece. I could have SO MUCH fun trying to analyze this piece (and I probably someday will), but I'll be brief this time in saying that 'Legitimate' has a legitimate claim as being THE single most lyrically impressive moment here, from both Jah9 and Protoje. Wonderful.

'Legitimate'

Those are the songs you may've already heard of. Here're some others which you are likely going to hear about. Check the album's final song, the beautiful 'Inner Voice'. This track is one which really strikes at sagaciously establishing and maintaining a heightened level of self reliance and self confidence. The way Jah9 makes that point, however, is just somewhere else as she almost engulfs the listener with what she says. 

"The only double life that I lead is the fact that I'm a spiritual being -

An indivisible duality 

Accountable only to myself -

My physical is sacred, not a product for a shelf

Not for sale, only to prep

Except for the protection of my mind and self-respect, through daily meditation

I find my inspiration and secure my motivation as I introspect

I seek an inner voice

To help me make my choices 

In this western world, bombarded by so many noises

As a stranger here, I will have no fear

For in fulfillment of my purpose, my soul rejoices 

My only challenge is to better know -

This feminine divine which I aspire to

The lessons learned have brought me to a place of peace

For what I cannot change - I know I must release

And so with patience and humility I face the world

GOD MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH, BUT STILL A LITTLE GIRL

I will give freely of my time and energy

Knowing The Creator will replenish me 

As a stranger here, I must never fear

For the source of my potential is infinite 

Oh spending the moments as a sacred gift

The heights I can attain provide a constant lift

My spirit recognizes others on their journeys way

Representing for the anciency and present day

There's a light that shines from a fire deep -

Within my consciousness, a treasure that inspires me to keep my peace

For in the stillness is the key to creation of wealth and happiness, from positive vibration"

[I wanted to stop typing that, but every time I did, she kept saying something amazing] The presentation of the piece is also top notch as Jah9 takes us on a musical journey not to be forgotten. There is also the KNOCKING 'Imagine' on which Jah9 kind of daydreams openly about a glorious cultural, social and spiritual utopia.

"Imagine if Marcus Garvey was the youths dem example

What a future would be promising

Imagine if Haile was the teacher

And the scriptures were speeches to prepare dem for the journey to begin

I know perspective on history, to enlighten the mystery 

Immediately before it seeps - 

An opportunity for unity

Yes, each one must teach one

The neighbour's likkle youth is your son, your daughter, your sister, your brother -

A part of who you must become in the event -

Of revolution 

Imagine traditional initiation as part of the process to teach the youths dem discipline

Imagine all learning would be heightened by a positive example from the ones to whom the youths are listening

Uprightness in the mindset! -

Would be a given

The standard by which we be livin'

One militant and efficient community - in unity!"

Following a sublime interlude, 'As A Man', which is a Spoken Word piece, is the very impressive 'Gratitude' and then 'Taken Up'. The former, somewhat like 'Mr. Right', is a track about not just being grateful and thankful, but the EXPERIENCE of gratitude and showing it to The Most High in your life. The latter, on the other hand, with its intoxicating old school charms, positions itself as THE ganja song on the album and it is a big one. Finally, check what is my Wife's favourite song on the album (biggup Mrs. Achis), the LUSH 'Avocado' which, again, finds the singer in the presence of someone who has trapped her attentions. 

"Right remedy, him have di right remedy

Right remedy, him have di right remedy

Right remedy, him have di right remedy

Right remedy, him have di right remedy

Him teach mi all di principles him learn from di land

And as a mi alone him have, mi no haffi share him passion

No girl around can intervene can she nuh know what ah gwan

This perfect specimen a fi mi humble lion

Humble lion, him a mi humble lion

Humble lion, him a mi humble lion

Humble lion, him a mi humble lion

Humble lion, him a mi humble lion

No man nah violate from him deh pon di scene

Di only tenderness him have reserve fi di Queen

And if you catch a glimpse of him, you know weh mi mean

Nearly seven foot of muscle and a size fourteen

Size fourteen, him have di size fourteen

Size fourteen, him have di size fourteen

Size fourteen, him have di size fourteen

Size fourteen, him have di size fourteen

So as you can imagine, mi nuh need nuttin more

Mi belly and mi body and mi heart well sure

Seh him alone ah get di healing when mi unleash di cure

Everything is copasetic and wi future secure

Future secure!

Yes wi future secure!

Future secure!

Yes wi future secure!

And when a di youth dem time fi forward and wi watch dem ah grow

Brilliant and beautiful and Black like a you

You teach dem and inspire dem wid things dem fi know

Like how you catch a princess wid di avocado 

Avocado, mi love di avocado

Avocado, mi love di avocado

Avocado, mi love di avocado

Avocado, mi love di avocado"

The song is VERY clever as it has no consistently duplicating chorus and, instead, has a 'chorus of the moment' type of arrangement, which is something very unique and striking, as if you needed more of either from this "New Name" [you didn't]. 

Jah9

Overall - DAMN! I had this album ranked very highly when I started writing this review and now its gone even higher. Really the only critique you could have is that it, technically, only has eleven songs, but apparently eleven is a nice number for Jah9 (and everyone else, right now). I alluded to this earlier (seems like several days ago I wrote that), but I have such a powerful feeling about this that when Jah9 has finished writing her own story and we look back at her musical life, we'll point not to a string of tunes, but this entire album. I think that THIS is her kind of watershed moment when she stopped being someone who was 'going' to be… and started to be someone who IS… "New Name" is a spectacular set from beginning to end and one which brings with it a bonafide new Reggae star. Her name is Jah9. OUTSTANDING!

Rated: 5/5

RoryStoneLove

2013

CD + Digital 

Review #424