Coming Soon #66: Here They Come!

"Here Come The Kings" by Morgan Heritage [VP Records]

While it may already have been released by VP Records (because they do stuff a week earlier now), the official release date of the most anticipated "Here Come The Kings", the first studio album from the second family of Reggae music, Morgan Heritage, in a few hundred years is still a week off so it makes the top half of this post and is its first entrant. As I've said in the past, although I certainly have not been the biggest fan of the Morgans throughout the years, I was really looking forward to this one because my ears have been open to their music over the past few years and I'm looking forward to 'applying' the changes and seeing if they stick. So far, listening through it just a bit, I am kind of impressed, but I'll tell you about that, fully, in a few days.

Releases on June 7/10/11
CD + Digital

"Never Surrender My Faith" by Lutan Fyah [Jah Warrior Records]

Next we have something that has been on radars for quite some time as Lutan Fyah reaches Jah Warrior Records from out of the UK with a new album, "Never Surrender My Faith". Once upon a time, not incredibly long ago, Jah Warrior was much more active and did full albums for the likes of Jah Mason, the great Peter Broggs and others and, if I recall correctly, it was in their plans to deliver a full set for Lutan Fyah as well. This was maybe a decade ago, however, and while the Fyah has gone on to do great things, I kind of had forgotten about this project. But it is a 'better late than never' concept at work and now it's up and coming. Listening through some of the clips, it does sound, primarily, like an older version of the artist at points, and I actually do recognize a song or two, but I am definitely looking forward to hearing the completed project… after all of these years.

Releases on June 10
Digital

"All Or Nothing" by Stein [Fox Fuse]

Reigning World's Angriest Man, Einstein steps forward with his debut album via the increasingly useful Fox Fuse (who I used to know as a publicist, but has turned very active in doing their own releases as well) (Dancehall and Soca mostly, but they do other things as we'll tell you about in a second), "All Or Nothing". Okay, if you don't know much about the DJ, what I'll tell you is that he is, in terms of full talent, maybe one of the most gifted relatively recent finds of Dancehall music. He's very good. But you can expect his talent to come pouring through in a very, very aggressive package and just listening through the clips here, "All Or Nothing" sounds precisely how you would imagine it does - really electric and pulsing, but as I said, don't allow the vibes here to detract from an amazing talent. On a quick glance, the album appears to be a nice mix of new songs and known and tried material and I have no problem with this at all. Biggup Stein, definitely biggup FF and I hope it does very well for them - check it out.

Releases on June 25

Digital

{Note: Is released in both Explicit and Edited versions, so choose wisely}

"Frequency" by Jahcoustix [IrieVibrations Records]

German veteran, Jahcoustix, is also back with a much anticipated new set, courtesy of the always dependable IrieVibrations, "Frequency". Jahcoustix is one of those people who I always try to make a point of to listen to just a bit more and, much like the Morgans, he's right on time with the new album. Also, in terms of getting my attention (because I'm sure that's (not at all) so important) he couldn't have chosen a finer outfit than IrieVibrations, who stays on radars, particularly recent in what they've done with the likes of Luciano and Anthony B. I'm expecting similar results from this one and that is especially the case with a supporting cast of the flaming Kabaka Pyramid, Raphael and the great Horace Andy and Apple Gabriel, respectively. We'll probably slap a review on this one, but don't wait for me - get your own copy of "Frequency" when it reaches. Oh and I have a REALLY good feeling about this album for whatever that's worth.

Releases on June 14
CD + Digital

"Public Secret" by Yasus Afari [Fox Fuse]

Fox Fuse is back and this time they're bringing a big-time veteran as venerable Dub Poet, Yasus Afari is up with a brand new album of his own, the already well regarded "Public Secret". I think that, inherently, it is a pretty good idea to work with a label that either was or still is a publicist outfit as well and this album may be a shining example of that as the first single [I THINK], 'Wine Pon Paper' has already done well and when I saw it on the tracklist, its popularity kind of began to make more sense - he was leading it into an album. You know what you're getting into when it comes to the work of Afari, but "Public Secret" does sound a bit more varied than what I'm accustomed to hearing from him. But, as always, make up your own mind when you pick it up.

Releases on June 11

Digital

"Mascareigne" by Ras Ricky [LSFM Music Group]

A name I haven't heard in a minute - talented and colourful Seychellois chanter, Ras Ricky, is back with what I think is his second full album to date, "Mascareigne". Ricky makes this type of mix of Dancehall and Roots Reggae (with considerably more of the former than the latter), but when it is on the Dancehall side, it is very intense, almost like the style of FWI Dancehall from a few years back (biggup Admiral T and Krys and Daly) and it appears to have remained so through the new album. However, there're some slower pieces in the album's latter stages which, to my early opinion, may just highlight "Mascareigne" (especially the closer, 'Selassie Love'). Definitely looking forward to the entire set when it reaches and you should join me in that.

Releases on June 14

CD + Digital

"Reggae Road Block" by Christopher Martin [CR203]

And quickly (because it's probably going to be posted out of order) (biggup Bredz), check out the new EP of world's luckiest man, Christopher Martin, via Chrome, "Reggae Road Block". The five track release features well known tunes from the vocalist through the label including the title track, 'I'm There', 'Paper Loving', 'Cheaters Prayer' and its remix alongside US hip-hopper Jim Jones.

Releases tomorrow or today… whenever this gets posted

Digital

"The Rebel" by Danielle Di [Tad's Records]

Speaking of EP's - also taking that route is colourful veteran Danielle Di for Tad's Records with the legendary Taxi Gang on board for "The Rebel" so named after her very popular tune. This set is actually eight tracks and nearly an hour in length and, to add even more of an attraction (if the cover isn't enough), Danielle isn't alone and, in fact, has brought in a stellar group of talent including Gramps Morgan, of course Cherine Anderson [twice] and ageless ace DJ, Shabba Ranks. Danielle has come quite a ways from being a chunk of eye candy who happened to do music (and she's still that), so while she'll never be confused with the most active of names, her skills in recent times have certainly caught up with… the rest of her and as a not so wise man once said - "this should be good!".

Releases on June 11

Digital

The Shack Riddim [Bassrunner Productions]

Bassrunner is back with a GORGEOUS and DELIGHTFUL new kind of old-school tinged Dancehall riddim, the Shack. When I first heard this thing, it just made me smile and I think it was an excellent idea to steer things in this direction and yet another fine piece of planning from the label who has proved themselves to be very impressive over the years. Also good planning was the roster of vocalists which includes Gappy Ranks, Ziggi Recado, Million Stylez alongside Rebellious, Etzia, Red Fox, New Kingston and a guy with no vowels in his name.

Releases on June 7

Digital

The Raw Cut Riddim [Chimney Records]

The consistently impressive Chimney Records is back with the official releasing of their latest composition, the beautifully intense Raw Cut Riddim. Despite its initial sound, if you pay close attention, you may notice just how versatile this track is and, despite not changing its base much throughout the album, the Raw Cut actually does multiple things for multiple names. The versatility reaches its zenith when the track is placed in the hands of Konshens who DESTROYS it with a single track in two forms, 'Anyweh'. Throughout - you'll find double tunes from a variety of stars, but their songs are just changed in the moment - Konshens really changes everything in delivering a 'gun version' and 'party version' of the same song. Joining Mr. Mental Maintenance (new DVD, "Live In Uganda", in stores now) are big names such as Agent Sasco, Mavado, Ele, Christopher Martin and even Tarrus Riley (told you it was versatile) and Sean Paul as Chimney makes a big statement for Dancehall Riddim Album of the Year with this one.

Releases on today/tomorrow

Digital

The Brooklyn Riddim [21st Hapilos]

The Brooklyn Riddim is up next via the production end of digital distribution monster (amongst every thing else they do), 21st Hapilos. Although a bit on the Poppish side, I do really like how this piece was carried out (I said I like it, I didn't say I was surprised) (I'm not - considering the source) and the track is also given to some very talented vocalists as well. Probably the biggest name here (to You and I) is Khari Kill, but the Brooklyn also features the likes of Rayvon (big tune), Noah Power (who likely has the finest tune in his 'Word Hard'), the aforementioned Red Fox, Screechie Dan and others.

Releases on today/tomorrow

Digital

"Labwork Vol. 3" [Di Genius Productions]

Superstar producer, Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor is back with the third installment of his running compilation series, "Labwork" and, as usual, the jam packed album features a great deal of excellent material. Such is the state of someone when they have songs like this… just kind of laying around to make an album, with twenty-five songs on it, whenever they want. As usual, "Labwork Vol. 3" features the 'usual suspects'  with Chino, Laden, Bramma, Aidonia, Mavado, Busy Signal, Agent Sasco, Ele and Di Genius himself leading the way.

Releases on June 25

CD + Digital

"One Voice" by Aidonia [Black Spyda Records]

And lastly, coming soon this week is a project from the aforementioned Aidonia via Black Spyda, "One Voice". I'm fairly sure that this was also a mixtape or something like that and now they've gone and packaged it up as a full digital release with ten tracks on it. I'm nowhere near as big of a fan of Aidonia's that I used to be but, when at his best, his talent with words is one which needs a new scale on which to be measured because he has very little in the way of equals.

Releases on today/tomorrow

Digital

In Stores Now

"Moment Idéal" by Yaniss Odua [Caan Dun Music]

Supremely gifted chanter from out of Madinina, Yaniss Odua, returns with his very first album from since his last album, the BEAUTIFUL "Moment Idéal". I've always had a healthy respect for the skills of the popular Odua and, at least as an album, I'd probably say that "Moment Idéal" ranks as his finest piece of work to date (but I'll have to go back to verify that more) (and you know I'm well looking forward to doing that!). Having worked with big, big names in the past, Odua keeps that trend going as well, this time around tapping Richie Spice and again linking with the brilliant Tiken Jah Fakoly.

CD + Digital

The Arise & Shine Riddim [Weedy G Soundforce]

Weedy G Soundforce continues to impress with a mighty impact and this time around, for the first time, they're doing it on an even larger stage as their new release, the Arise & Shine Riddim, the Swiss powerhouse links up with VP Records' distribution arm, VPAL (who do multiple albums on this post today). To mark the occasion (apparently), they've also stepped up the quantity as the A&S comes in a giant twenty-one track package. As for the quality, however, they just don't have much in the way of room to improve and, while a bit slower and definitely from the older school this time around, the Arise & Shine is exactly what you've come to expect from the label over the past few years. It also is WHO you should expect as Weedy G brings together a fine group of artists including man of the moment, Sizzla Kalonji, Agent Sasco, Skarra Mucci, Teacha Dee, Grindsman and label staple, Perfect Giddimani, who not only brings two tunes on this track, but is also the man behind the next piece we have to tell you about.

Digital

The Barriers Riddim [Giddimani Records]

The aforementioned unpredictable firebrand, Perfect Giddimani, brings us his new riddim, the Barriers, via his new label, Giddimani Records and Flow Productions. This track is golden and just like the Arise & Shine (with which it shares quite a few name besides just Perfect's) it features a nice lot of vocalists. Joining Perfect are the likes of Lutan Fyah, Skarra Mucci, Ras Attitude, Fyakin and others. There is some really impressive sounds here and you should definitely check this one out for yourself.

Digital

The Hotta Step Riddim [Chiney K Productions]

And FINALLY (Bredz sent me a list with maybe thirty pictures on it, so we'll probably do a "Check It" later this week) (maybe on all singles) do check out the latest from Chiney K, the brilliant blast from the past, Hotta Step Riddim. This is the splendours of yesteryear turned over the minds of today and appearing on yet another stacked riddim is Sizzla Kalonji alongside Anthony Red Rose, Lutan Fyah (big tune), Luciano with Nitty Kutchie, Jimmy Riley, Lady G, Turbulence (another big tune), Teflon and definitely Esco Levi whose 'Talk Talk' may just be the biggest winner here.

Digital

Go buy some stuff! I'm tired!