'Still Going Mighty': A review of "The Qabalah Man" by Luciano

Re-cover. Although there is something certainly to be said for having a supreme appreciation for someone who has, essentially, given an entire lifetime to making wonderful music and millions of people happy along with it, I think that doing it while one is still within the process is even more powerful. In music in general, but particularly in Reggae music where the indisputably dominant figure of the genre will likely always have as strong of a presence as in any other genre of music (I do not even think it possible to have someone more closely associated with a style of music than Bob Marley is linked with Reggae), we do tend to go through whatever is necessary to give a credit to those who have, functionally, already made their amazing contributions and that's fine. Still, I think it just as important to celebrate those who will, presumably, someday join them. Although no one rises to that level [DUH!] we do currently have a small group of artists who are for the most part widely feted and distinguished for their assistance in advancing Reggae music. One of the most interesting is definitely Bounty Killer who may just exist as the most influential Dancehall star of all time for those who were to follow him (it would be a damn arduous search to actually find a [male] Dancehall act who wouldn't count the Killer amongst his most inspiring figures in music). Beres Hammond also, easily, belongs in a similar class as he is someone in Reggae music who has had a career and a presence which is probably as close to being flawless as is possible for a human being. These two are names who, especially amongst more passionate fans, have established a very large amount of unerring respect even in the case of years and years worth of controversies in the case of Bounty Killer. Legendary Roots Reggae singer, Luciano, has also amassed such a grand level of admiration and esteem in his storied career and, these days, he continues to collect the accolades with no end in sight. Luciano has seen the risings and the comings and the goings of so many different stars and potential stars and has done so without ever really experiencing a definitive drop in terms of popularity which has been remarkable. And although the genre does carry a few names which have gotten bigger, I do LOVE the opportunities during which fans of Reggae music are able to show just how powerful the message of 'The Messenjah' remains. 

"Piece of The Pie" by Junior Kelly [2013] & "Bryan Art" by Bryan Art [2013]

Albums, of course, provide wonderful chances to do just that. It has been a surprisingly long two and half years from the last time we heard from Luciano on a full album release. That album, "Rub-A-Dub Market" from IrieVibrations, in retrospect, was amongst his very best records to date and was a borderline classic in my opinion. It was also very popular, naturally, and is still very well accepted for an album of its age (and it falls in that strange category where it isn't quite old enough to grab that kind of nostalgic attention) and deservedly so. It was brilliant. I wasn't at all expecting a new project from Luciano for this year ahead of it. Prior to "Rub-A-Dub Market", he had done both "United States of Africa" and "Write My Name" within less than a year and it didn't seem as if we'd get another in 2013, but thankfully that is not the case. 

"Tell It From The Heart" [2003]

Earlier this year the well respected Anthony Senior and Al.Ta.Fa.An Records returned to action and, most notably, did two albums, one was a self-titled piece for underrated and overlooked singer, Bryan Art, while veteran chanter Junior Kelly served up a "Piece Of The Pie" to fans, simultaneously. These albums featured material which was already decently known and were, basically, compilations (if I recall correctly, and I usually do not, the tracklist on Bryan Art's album was very similar to that of his debut set, "20ten"). And the label apparently hadn't given up on 2013 as they now return with a longtime staple in Luciano for his brand new album, "The Qabalah Man". Along with doing quite a few tunes for Al.Ta.Fa.An, Luciano had also already done a full album release with a whole heap of their input. Way back in 2003, Minor 7 Flat 5 pushed a set by the name of "Tell It From The Heart". And, as was the case on a great deal of their music, it was Al.Ta.Fa.An who did much of the work for that album. By its end, though unremarkable, "Tell It From The Heart" was a solid and decent, yet very well presented, album in its time (featuring combinations with the likes of Turbulence and Lutan Fyah). Because of just how prolific he has been and successfully so, it doesn't appear, at all, that it is difficult to make music with Luciano, but when you have someone who has worked continuously with him and are now at work on a new project, you would think that, perhaps, a little more attention would be paid to that album and that has definitely been the case with "The Qabalah Man". We have really enjoyed seeing just how much of early amount of buzz this album has generated. If you recall, the aforementioned "Piece Of The Pie" received a similar amount of coverage just ahead of its own release date and I think that definitely is a credit not only to Al.Ta.Fa.An Records as well as VP Records who distributes "The Qabalah Man" via their virtually overactive distribution arm VPAL (they literally put out all of the albums) (ALL OF THEM), but also to fans. As I said, we, as fans collectively, have yet to really allow Luciano to fade to any degree and… we probably never will. And he may never give us a good reason to either, especially if he keeps making music like this. Let's talk about it!  

Although "The Qabalah Man" does mirror its predecessors from Bryan Art and Junior Kelly as far as compiling together previously done tunes, it does feature (at least to my eyes) more in the way of lesser/un-known pieces which gives it more of a fresh vibe which is very good. That being said, however, the tune which begins the album, 'Create Our History', is probably the single most popular selection on the whole of the album. The song, which features the venerable Bob Andy, is not quite a decade old, but off the top of my head, I'd say it reached in ~ 2006 or so. That isn't a problem in this case. It was a beautiful unifying piece when you first heard it and it still is and one which age has really only helped along the way. 'Don't Sell Out', on the other hand, though it does sound well familiar, I can't quite be sure that I have heard it before and it is outstanding.

"I see them coming from afar to The Motherland

And many of them, though we don't know who they are, they all have a plan

First they came with slavery and now they're coming with their industry

But I know that they have a plan to vandalize out Motherland

Say Afrikans let's be wise and don't sell out -

Prevent us living from hand-to-mouth

They still want to work us everyday 

And still they barely want to pay

Cause many of these modern day investors are descendents of backra masters

Who would work us day and night, not giving us a bite -

And still denying our rights"

The song is a historical/social commentary which is meant to uplift people of Afrikan heritage and, in that, it blaringly successful and definitely one of the biggest highlights on "The Qabalah Man”. I'm also fairly certain that the next song on the album, 'Material World' is also new to me. I think I would have remembered a song like this where Luciano maybe, sort of seems to take a not too veiled aim at a couple of his waywardly behaving peers.

"Some man come round yah, come bawl fi Gaza

And ah bawl fi Gully and bring down disaster

Di Gaza bust and di gully come down -

Because their foundation was not solid ground"

Grrrr! Also, the riddim on the song is stellar and Luciano adopts a more direct delivery which is downright dazzling.

'Create Our History' w/Bob Andy

As for the songs on "The Qabalah Man" with which you may be already 'familiar', following the opener, there is song #5 which I was just really happy to see on the album, 'Weapons of War'. The anti-violence offering actually rides the gorgeous Soul Riddim, courtesy of Oneness Records ["You won't find the key to my door!"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!]. Al.Ta.Fa.An also grabbed up a Oneness produced tune for the aforementioned "Piece Of The Pie" album and we'll also hear from them again on this album. This particular song was one of the many standouts on the Soul Riddim (which just makes me SMILE on 'impact' these days) and it occupies a similar standing on this album. The wonderful Mark Wonder (speaking of Oneness Records) joins on the BIG 'So Long' which featured on both the original and re-vibed versions of his own album for Al.Ta.Fa.An, "True Stories of Mark Wonder and Friends" (maybe they should do another!). You don't even have to fully immerse yourself in such a song to know its quality (but you should do that anyway). It is a combination between Luciano and Mark Wonder and it is a gem of a song. And also featured is Achis Reggae favourite, Naptali, who lends a hand on the still STERLING tribute to The Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, 'Black Man Government' [aka 'Seven Miles']. This song was present on Naptali's conquering "Long Journey" release from 2010 (for Oneness Records) and I was also happy that they chose to include it here as, at least presumably, it pushes Naptali and his wonderful music to an even larger audience than originally picked up his own album (which doesn't include you, because you have good common sense and already have it). Later we get another combination, 'Dis Yah Reggae Music' [aka 'Sweet Reggae Music'], on which South African chanter, Vido Jalashe (biggup Black Dillinger) guests. This piece is delightful with an old school charm to it and one which is not at all vacant of social and spiritual relevance. And that is it! The rest of the songs here I may be convinced that I know some of them from somewhere, but I'm not completely sure and, again, that makes for a more pleasant listening experience and, ultimately, an album with an ability to appeal to more familiar fans as well as newer ones. 

Of those remaining "newer ones", definitely the most attention-grabbing is 'Organize' which actually features Luciano alongside the legendary U-Roy and future legend, Statian supernova, Ziggi Recado. I'm sure that composition flowing behind it is somewhat derivative of an older Al.Ta.Fa.An piece, but I do not recall hearing this tune and it is outstanding. Recado absolutely shines amongst these pillaring artists and it comes together wonderfully. The song actually comes back and gets a later as a Dub and I'm really happy that such things are becoming more and more prevalent. They could've done this with several of the songs on the album and it would've worked, but just the one is a fine addition, still. Another tune which should probably attract a similar type of buzz as 'Organize' is 'Tribute To Dennis Brown' which Luciano does with the aid of Dub-Terian on the melodica. This song is, essentially, a cover of Brown's 'Stop The Fussing and Fighting' and it is a stirring rendition. Yet, despite carrying such an impressive cache of guests and doing big tunes throughout which're far more likely to end up in the spotlight, my absolute favourite song on the whole of "The Qabalah Man" is definitely the MASSIVE 'No Mercy'. TEARS! 

"I si dem rising up dem war-machine 

Warmongers cooking up another scheme -

To wipe the human population clean

But wicked man cannot fulfill their dreams

History is trying to repeat itself 

You can read it in their books, on their shelves

Just like Hitler and Napoleon

Mussolini and dem evil gang

They're trying to destroy Jah children

But Father God is here to mash up dem plan

And there's no victory for no evil man

Warmongers your lives will surely end

Wicked man yah gone haffi fall

In your blood - guiltiness

THERE WILL BE NO MERCY AT ALL -

FOR THOSE WHO ARE MERCILESS

Only Jah can save us now

Because they let the devil intervene

They want to wipe away the nation clean

I si dem coming with their poison gas

To make the people blow away like trash

And now it's time that wi realize -

How many innocent get brutalized

Well what will happen is a big surprise

WICKED MAN YOU MUST CAPSIZE!"

BOOM! This tune is spectacularly presented and it is kind of unique for a Luciano song. He doesn't often blend the spiritual with the tangible in such a powerfully direct way, but in this case he intertwines them in such a way that he ultimately paints a picture that one is literally dependent on the other which, again, makes for a song which has a wider range of potential fans. And though it may not get the biggest push (or one of any kind), this big moment really adds to the fuel of the album for anyone who takes the time to listen to it in my opinion. Doing the same on a slightly smaller level is a trio of pieces which round out the album. 'Speak Your Mind' is a very good offering which has a 'large' and sonically pleasing vibes to it. Because of its punchline ["You've gotta speak your mind, tell it from the heart"], it probably would have fit better on the older album, but it works well here as well as a tune really speaking on the danger of letting things build up inside of you without really just letting someone or something know how you feel. And later is 'Skull & Bone' on the classic riddim. It is delightful to listen to is an extremely straightforward song about staying away from negativity in life. Things dazzle later in this song, making for one of the more entertaining selections on "The Qabalah Man". And finally check the somewhat Jazzy 'Don't Give In'. It isn't amongst the album's best to my opinion, but it did grow on me just a bit through spinning it a few times. So be sure to give the song a real opportunity to impress before passing a final judgment.

Overall, I do want to stress just how pristinely done this album is in terms of how everything was placed together and eventuated. In that aspect particularly, it is one of the better Reggae albums of the year. As for the music, while I don't think that I would put "The Qabalah Man" amongst Luciano's top ten albums to date, it very comfortably would fit within that next group (and it would be one of the better in it as well in my opinion). What the album does best is what Luciano has done best throughout his career: It's very consistent. Finding a legitimately BAD song from the singer, in general is a difficult task (even with opinions being as fickle as they are), but finding one on this album is an impossible one. There aren't any. And, again, I do really enjoy just how much of a big deal has been made of this album. Big credit goes to Al.Ta.Fa.An Records for that and to Luciano who has once again given fans a reason to celebrate what has been one of the greatest careers that Reggae music has ever seen. Well done. 

Rated: 4.10/5

Al.Ta.Fa.An Records

2013

CD + Digital 

Review #479

New From Midnite & I Grade Records!

As we've been going back and examining our way through the catalogue of Vaughn Benjamin and Midnite, I've made it a point to mention that, despite just how many albums they do have (at last count, I think, it was forty-eight), there is one stop along their musical journey which always manages to make itself a highlight amongst the lot. That comes via working alongside the wonderful people at I Grade Records who not only consistently seem to bring out the best in Midnite, but unlike many of the other labels that release Midnite's work (although it does seem to be changing just a little), IGR also makes sure that fans know about the music via some of the best promotion that we have in Reggae music today. Because of that, you can well expect to hear quite a bit about a new project because on the way is a brand new album from Midnite for I Grade Records (and the Zion I Kings) which is, apparently, set to reach early in the new year, "Beauty For Ashes". [WHAT!] [BOOM!]

"Mongst I & I" EP [2011]

Can't wait (neither can I, but we really have no choice)? Before that, as they have in the past and as they did ahead of the last Midnite/IGR combination, the fantastic "Kings Bell", I Grade Records is releasing an early EP for the forthcoming album based on the (presumed) first single, 'Same I Ah One'. Along with that song and four mixes of it, the EP also takes things a very large step forward in showing a bit of the new album by adding two additional tunes. Because of that, not only do we hear from Pressure Busspipe, who guests on 'Same I Ah One', but also visiting are Lutan Fyah and Ras Batch who feature on 'When Jah Arise' (which sounds SPECTACULAR!) and 'Weather The Storm', respectively. 

"Beauty For Ashes" [2014]

With a lineup like that, you really have to start wondering about the eventuality of "Beauty For Ashes". Where do you go from there? You also wonder of things like videos as the "Kings Bell" album birthed the very first official Midnite video ever. What isn't up for question, however, is that this album already is sure to be a great one and a contender for Album of The Year for 2014. That, we'll have to wait longer for, but not for this. The "Same I Ah One" EP from Midnite and I Grade Records reaches digital shelves on December 17. Time to get excited.

Check It #60: Spicy

"Songs About You" by Million Stylez [Special Delivery]

Definitely check out the latest from almost unnecessarily gifted Swedish Reggae export, Million Stylez, who teams up with big French imprint, Special Delivery, for his brand new EP release, "Songs About You". As his name suggests, Million Stylez can do virtually anything and he stands as one of the most FUN artists to listen to these days, so I was really happy to see that, in absence of a new album, at least he was hard at work on a new project of some type in 2013. This six track release features two tunes with which I was personally familiar, 'Feeling For You' and 'Me & You' surrounded by a quartet of pieces that I've never heard of. Also, what you find here are songs more specifically steered towards relationships and such things, unsurprisingly given the name, but he does bring a little fire and hopefully it is just a glowing start of what turns out to be a fantastic and varied 2014 for him.

Digital 

'Carnival Tabanca' by Bunji Garlin [Sheriff Music & Black Ice Studios]

Someone who will certainly have a giant year in 2014 is Soca ace, Bunji Garlin, whose addictive brand of 'Differentology' continues to take over the entire world and whose next album, of the same name, should arrive early in the new year. Until then, however, check out another of his golden tunes from earlier this year, 'Carnival Tabanca' from Sheriff Music. It is another track on the lighter side of things, but as has been his display in 2013 (and in 2012, looking back), Garlin thrives in virtually any musical situation these days. 

Digital

'So Mi Like It' by Spice [Notnice Records]

Say what you will about Dancehall DJ, Spice (because you'll say it anyway), but you have to give her credit for both her passion for what she does and her considerable skill which has been glaring from her earliest of tunes. These days, while I don't pay as much attention to her work as I should, when something catches my ear, such as the x-rated master class that was 'So Mi Like It' for Notnice Records from a month or two ago, I'm sure to I've her what she's due as Spice continues to absolutely TOY with the spoken word. 

Digital

"Patrick 'Roach' Samuels Greatest Hits" [JA Productions]

In a very nice way, JA Productions have put together a tribute to slain Dancehall producer and fixture, Patrick Samuels [BKA - Roach], who transitioned earlier this year after making a very significant contribution to Dancehall music. Best known, probably, for his work with Vybz Kartel, Roach would work with virtually every big name in Dancehall music and his work on this compilation reflects that. Though you won't find Kartel's music here, you will find the likes of Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Konshens, Mavado, Aidonia, Agent Sasco, I-Octane and even Sizzla Kalonji, Baby Cham and Etana voicing on some of his biggest tracks such as the Overproof and Overtime Riddims, respectively. And biggup JA Productions for putting together something so nice.

Digital

Guacamole & Chips Riddim [Island Traffic Entertainment]

I'm still not completely sure what I think of the Guacamole & Chips Riddim from the always colourful  Island Traffic Entertainment from out of Grenada, and I may never be completely sure about it, but that's no reason not to tell you about it, so you can make up your own mind (or spend of the rest of your days attempting to). Featured on this crazy composition are Luni Spark, Voicemail, Skinny Fabulous, Dancehall veteran, Alozade, Area Kode and definitely check Valene Nedd who figures to have a very bright future ahead of her in my opinion. 

Digital

The Life Force Riddim [Blakheat Entertainment]

If you have a one riddim which can successfully carry the work of Qshan Deya, Norris Man, Fojo and Ajamu and then do the same for both Problem Child and Berbice ["LET IT GO!"] then you have my attention! That is exactly the route taken by relatively new label, Blakheat Entertainment when they dropped their very strong Life Force Riddim from a little while back. The roster of vocalists on this thing is ridiculous. It makes not the slightest bit of common sense but, at least for the most part, it works. To my opinion it is Problem Child leading the way with his golden 'Leave Me In Peace', but quite a few names here definitely turn in excellent efforts as well and do keep an eye and an ear out for Blakheat's future work. 

Digital

"Better Day" by Queen Kamarla [Catalyst Entertainment]

Take your other eye and ear and give a look and listen in the direction of Queen Kamarla who steps forward with her debut EP release on her own Catalyst imprint, "Better Day". I'm still really working through this one, but Kamarla has a very interesting way of writing which attracted me to her work and though I'm far from a final judgment, beat me to it and check out her new EP today.

Digital

The Believe In Love Riddim [Kipdilink International]

Kipdilink may be a name which is new to many eyes, but following this release, you may be unlikely to forget them anytime soon because the Believe In Love Riddim is outstanding and what the label has chosen to do with it is even more fascinating. This project actually links Jamaican stars alongside names from out of New Caledonia. They got some really big names for the set as well - with Lutan Fyah, Fantan Mojah, Turbulence, Jah Vinci and even Ce'Cile doing big tunes. Many of the others are new to me, but I am slightly familiar with Waawinina (because all you need to do is see that name once and you'll have hard time forgetting it), Julia Paul and, of course, Skanky. This one is really good and well worth checking out (even if only because 'Babylon System', Lutan Fyah's tune on the Believe In Love Riddim, is MAMMOTH).

Digital

'Missing You' by Prince Theo [Reggae Vibes Productions]

I'm starting, hopefully, to see some of the eventuality here as Reggae Vibes Productions has just released the second single from criminally overlooked vocalist, Prince Theo, in less than a month. After 'Realm Skunk', we now get 'Missing You'. ALSO, between the two, they did "In This Town", which was a new album from veteran Courtney Melody… Somehow, someway, I see an album from Prince Theo emerging here and I cannot wait. 'Missing You' is a nice song and hopefully it's a part of what is to come. A new Prince Theo album?!!! WHAT! 

Digital

"HGS Sessions" [Higher Ground Sound]

And finally, biggup Bredz (as always) for this one in particular as returning with what may be their first official release from… 1964 is Higher Ground Sound. A little while ago we did a review on one of their two albums by the name of "World Crisis", which featured five tunes from both Anthony B and Lutan Fyah, respectively and now they're back with "HGS Sessions". This album is a compilation featuring some of the selections from "World Crisis" (it may actually feature EVERY song from that album - a fact which I am far too lazy at this point to verify) as well as their initial release, "Spanish Town", but I also see a song or two that I do not think that I recognize. In any case, along with Anthony B and the Fyah, you also get songs from Luciano, Al Pancho, Norris Man, Spectacular, the incomparable Steve Machete, Turbulence, Jah Mason and others. So take a look for yourself and welcome back HGS. 

Digital

Coming Soon #71: Elevate

"Strictly The Best 48 & 49" [VP Records]

Okay so, first up this week is a moment which we look forward to each and every year, the covers for the brand new editions of VP Records' "Strictly The Best" compilation release and here they are. I really like the changeup this year with the more futuristic kind of feel in the artwork so definitely biggup the artiste, whoever he/she may be. Of course, there is actual music on these things as well, but they're pretty much full of exactly who you think are on them.

Releases on December 10

CD + Digital 

{Note: I've also seen a release date for this one in January and the later one is generally correct, so blah blah blah}

The Brighter Days Riddim [Silly Walks Discotheque]

The wonderful and often brilliant people at Silly Walks are back and, in my opinion, they're back with one of their biggest projects to date (which is saying A LOT), the Brighter Days Riddim. This sterling composition is absolutely something special and should sit, in about a month's time, as one of the best tracks of 2013 altogether in my opinion. As usual, Silly Walks have enlisted some top notch vocal talents to deal with the set and fans can well look forward to big tunes from the likes of Exco Levi, Hezron, Christopher Martin, J Boog & Fiji, Busy Signal w/RC and Romain Virgo whose 'Soul Provider' takes top honours for me. Not be missed at all. 

Releases on November 29

Digital

The Brit Jam Soul Riddim

Good Good Productions continues to Brit Jam all over the place with their latest Brit Jam Riddim (I think this makes three or four now), the Brit Jam Soul. Strictly as a track, this piece has as big of a claim as any other you'll find here to being the best on this post (if you told me it was made by Don Corleon or Arif Cooper, I wouldn't question it, it's gorgeous) and it also carries quite a few stellar songs as well. Jah Cure, Bugle, Chevanne, Showtime Damion, Agent Sasco, Wasp and others turn in big tunes for the track which I'm well looking forward to hearing in its completion. Join me and pick it up when it reaches. 

Releases on December 3

Digital

"Spliff Tales" [Dynasty Records]

The well reliable people from Dynasty Records are back at work with a very clever compilation, "Spliff Tales" which is a set featuring ganja tunes [DUH!] produced by the label. If you pay a nice amount of attention, you may be familiar with some of these songs, but I definitely wouldn't say that it is the type of elementary compilation where you're certain to know every single tune on the album. The big names saturate "Spliff Tales" as it carries the works of the Sizzla Kalonji, Gappy Ranks, Turbulence, Delly Ranx, Laden and others. Dynasty Records favourite Bobby Hustle makes multiple appearances as does Sensation whose 'Mary Jane' tune may very well require a crowbar to rid the brain of (please do not hit yourself in the head with a giant metal stick). But, by far, I don't even have to hear every song on this album to let you know that its best song is the MASSIVE 'My Chronic' by Perfect Giddimani. 

Releases on December 3

Digital 

The Bad Artist Riddim [Kemistry Records]

Kemistry Records stays in the lab and recently they 'discovered' the damn infectious old school Dancehall ear candy Bad Artist Riddim and it is now set for an official release forthcoming. This track is subtle early 2000's Dancehall music and my only complaint here is that Kemistry didn't turn it over to more names than they did. The digital release features seven tracks, including tunes from Delly Ranx, Mr. Vegas [twice], Boom Steppa and Bugle with the big 'Mi Nuh Frighten'. Also, thankfully, found here is a clean version of the track which should give Bugle a run for the single best moment here. 

Releases on December 10

Digital

The Daydreamz Riddim [Kick Dem Records]

And speaking of Bugle, his tune, 'Thank God Fi Another Year' was also the best of the four on Kick Dem Records' Daydreamz Riddim which originally reached in August or so and is now going digital as well. This colourful composition was a decent piece and Bugle is joined by G-Whizz, D'Angel and Terro 3000.

Releases on December 17

Digital

'Formula' by Sizzla Kalonji [Muti Music]

And lastly coming soon this week is the 'single' from Sizzla Kalonji and Mista Savona for Muti Music (who recently teamed up on another nice tune, ’I'm Living') (in stores now), 'Formula'. There's a song called 'Formula' here and it features Vida Sunshyne (great name) from out of Australia and there're also songs from Capleton and Anthony B on the same riddim (Capleton's song, 'Prove Them Wrong', sounds special) and then four hundred remixes of the original tune. That's strange, definitely, but it is a digital release so you can pick only what you want and you most certainly DO want the first three songs here. Check it out.

Releases on November 26

Digital

In Stores Now

"Lead The Way" by Kabaka Pyramid [Bebble Rock Music]

We were supposed to mention this one from a month or so ago I believe, but now it's out and available and, as expected, very popular. If you need a good song these days in Reggae music, one of your best options is definitely the scalding Kabaka Pyramid as he has well turned out to be one of the most dependable hitmakers the genre has these days. Still we wait for his first official debut album, but until then, Bebble Rock Music has assembled “Lead The Way” which is an EP featuring some of Pyramid's biggest work recently. The set even includes the MASSIVE 'Liberal Opposer' from the Green Lion Crew's Rough Road Riddim. 

CD [I THINK] + Digital

"Elevation" by Daddy Rings [Kingstone Records]

Also jumping up with a new EP release is veteran chanter, Daddy Rings. These days Rings is probably best known for the work he's done with German superstar, Gentleman, but on his own he's done fantastic work throughout the years and I was very happy to see Kingstone Records pushing an EP for him, "Elevation". The release features a quintet of tunes from Daddy Rings, including his cut of Kingstone's recently release Natural Juice Riddim, 'Jah People'. You may also be familiar with 'Active' from a few years back and three other nice tunes, 'I Know Someone', 'It's A Jungle Out There' and 'Eyes On You' round on what may be one of the better EP's of the year (that being said, however, because of how many songs are on "Lead The Way", it is clearly leading the way as far as Reggae EP's in 2013 go).

Digital

The Militancy Riddim [Overstand Entertainment]

Check the GOLDEN Dubbish Military Riddim courtesy of Overstand Entertainment. This is another one we were supposed to deal with from a little while back, but I've been enjoying it for the past few weeks and you should definitely join me if you haven't already. I love the old school sound in entirely new hands and that is what Overstand has done in tapping on names such as Jah Cure, Kabaka Pyramid [BOOM!], Dre Island, Protoje, Iba Mahr, Jesse Royal and others. My favourite tune comes via a somewhat different sounding Chezidek who destroys everything everywhere (which is just what he has been doing recently) with 'Damage'. 

Digital