Coming Soon #82: Black Gold

"Reggae Gold 2014" [VP Records]

As always - not too long after the latest edition of "Soca Gold", the flagship release of VP Records, "Reggae Gold" is not too far behind and although we'll have to wait until August for it this year (a couple of days before the absolute worst day of the year, actually), 2014's set is well on its way. Also, just like its "SG" counterpart, even as important as the actual music on the album, the COVER is hugely important and in 2014, "RG" scores heavily - going underwater and going beautifully. As for the music, it doesn't offer too much in the way of surprises usually, but this year… okay maybe it still doesn't offer too many shocking moments. What did catch my eyes, however, were a pair of appearances from recent VP signees, Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin whose 'Catch Me' and 'Truck On D Road', respectively, appear on the album. Along with the Soca royalty, also appearing are far more regular and expected faces on this series such as Busy Signal & Major Lazer, Sean Paul & Konshens, Etana, Romain Virgo, Gyptian, of course Maxi Priest and others (like Agent Sasco and Spice) (and Jah Cure). 

Releases on August 12

CD + Digital

"No Prejudice" by Natural Black [Natural Black]

Also coming soon this week is the brand new album from Guyana born chanter, Natural Black who returns with his very first set since… his last one, "No Prejudice". We'd heard so many rumours regarding Natural Black's next album over the course of the past couple of years, but it seems as if he finally got tired of waiting and, apparently, he delivers "No Prejudice" on his own label. Listening through some of the clips of the album, I do hear glimpses of vintage Natural Black within, most notably on songs such as the title track, 'Feelings' alongside M'deon and certainly 'This Will Be Over' which is a remake of some type, I'm sure. But it also sounds to be a very varied album as well.

Releases on July 8

Digital

"Street Shots  Vol. 9" [21st Hapilos]

"Reggae Gold" isn't the only popular compilation on tap this week, also coming soon is the latest installment of the always active 21st Hapilos' "Street Shots" release. To my opinion, "SS#9" is, rather easily, one of the finest editions of this series. I don't always pay it the best attention, but this one well caught my attention and as far as being a non riddim album, it may just be one of the best Dancehall compilations of the year (not that it is a hard thing to be these days). It's nothing out of the ordinary - featuring the usual suspects such as Kartel, Alkaline, Busy Signal, Mavado, Konshens, Popcaan and others. But to my opinion, heading the album, figuratively and literally (it's the first song), is "80's Dancehall Style" - by far my favourite song from Aidonia in a loooooooong time. 

Releases on July 8

Digital 

"Street Shots Vol. 10" [21st Hapilos]

And there's more - not only is 21st Hapilos delivering #9 of their signature series, on the same day they're also set to do the same for "Street Shots Vol. 10" (and I believe they are also re-releasing vol. 5). Billed as the 'Throwback Edition', "SS#10" is actually somewhat depressing as some of these tunes seem like they are… four, or maybe five, minutes old at the most and they're being called "throwback". Still, just because it may make you cry, with tunes such as 'Rum & Red Bull" from Future Fambo and Beenie Man, Kartel's 'Clarks' and Mavado's 'So Special', it isn't entirely without interest, again, from primarily more casual observers. More steady fans you can check it out too if you want further evidence of just how damn old you are getting. 

Releases on July 8

Digital

The Jump Out Riddim [Di Genius Records]

Though it definitely took a little longer to reach, finally arriving on the official digital side is the latest set from Stephen McGregor and Di Genius Records, the Jump Out Riddim. This flashy and energized composition does have something about it which caught my ear despite not being something I'd usually enjoy. When it really settles down, it does feature some magical moments. Making the best usage of those moments are the likes of Agent Sasco, Bramma, Beenie Man, OC and Singing Sweet. Also appearing, of course, are label staples such as Chino, Laden, Mavado and McGregor himself.

Releases on July 1

Digital

The Gwaan Bad Riddim [DJ Frass Records]

Also turning their latest creation to the digital side is the blazing DJ Frass who brings forth the Gwaan Bad Riddim. I LOVE this riddim. It is hardcore and authentic modern Dancehall music without absolutely no leanings towards Hip-Hop and though not everyone who voices it shines, more than enough of them do to make it a worthwhile album. Doing exceptionally are the likes of Agent Sasco (again), a fed up and frustrated Lady Saw, Buju Banton, Bugle, 3-Star and even I-Octane who adds a bit more fire to his usual routine to come up with a winner.

Releases on July 1

Digital

The D-Stress Riddim [Sasco Music]

And quickly (because I haven't seen the final tracklist on this one and it is precisely the type of entry which we'd forget and have to mention it back in maybe October or something like that), do check the very colourful D-Stress Riddim from Sasco Music. The riddim here is candy for your ears and though I don't like every song that I have heard, big efforts do come from the likes of Agent Sasco (new album, coming soon), Konshens and Sean Paul (though apparently the latter's tune isn't on the album because they likely would have put his name on the cover). Big riddim.

Releases on July 15

Digital

"The Early Years: Grass Cyaat Riddim" [B-Rich Records]

Because it's just what people do - the latest to turn to the digital medium and begin to unload [upload] their vault is the venerable Richard 'Shams' Browne and B-Rich Records and they are doing it in style with a new series, "The Early Years". The first volume of the new series is one of the more underrated riddims of its era, the BEAUTIFUL and DARK Grass Cyaat Riddim. Somewhat surprisingly, this digital release does not include the full riddim and tunes from the likes of Lady Saw, Tanya Stephens, Elephant Man and others are not included (perhaps there'll be a part 2???). However, what is hear is a pair of the biggest tunes from the Grass Cyaat: 'High Grade' from Spragga Benz and the riddim's crowning piece, 'World Gone Mad' by Beenie Man. Mr. Vegas and Mad Cobra also feature.

Releases on July 8

Digital

The Energy Up Riddim [First Name Music]

Also bringing back the past this week is First Name Music but, in their case, they're putting a fresh and new face on it with their Energy Up Riddim. The set is a remake of an older riddim which is about fifteen years old now, the Energy Riddim and First Name now turns it over to a new generation of vocalists. Well maybe not so much on that last part as the Energy Up does feature contributions from the likes of Spragga Benz, Bling Dawg and Agent Sasco, all of whom voiced the original and there're also tunes from Capleton, Mr. Vegas, Lady Saw, Kiprich and Lexxus, all of whom were around at the time. And though that's almost everyone here, with the exception of Demarco, the biggest moment from the Energy Up comes from Busy Signal, whose towering 'Hill & Gully Ride' is downright masterful. 

Releases on July 1

Digital 

"The Truth Is An Offense [But Not A Sin ]" by Anthony B [Sketch Records]

And just in case you missed out on the recent eruption of veteran Anthony B, Sketch Records is helping you catch up with a four tracked EP from the chanter, "The Truth Is An Offense [But Not A Sin]". These four songs, essentially, feature Anthony B speaking his mind on many topics including a few of his peers. I haven't been the biggest fan of Anthony B's in recent years, but I do give a credit for 'Industry' which was a big tune. It features here along with 'Nuh Freak Party', 'Party and Broke' and 'Party Animal'. 

Releases on July 8

Digital

In Stores Now

"The Crossover" by Fucha Kid [Fox Fuse]

And finally biggup Fox Fuse for delivering "The Crossover" from Fucha Kid. The album is one which I never thought would actually come as, years ago, the Antigua based star (I think he may've been born in Guyana, actually) pushed a very solid album called "Start It" and from then I've been sure to check on his releases. They've made it easy for me this year and assembled a fourteen track collection of his music. While a few of these selections -- 'Baddest Wine', 'Hold Me Closer', 'Sample My Wine', 'You Deserve The Best' and especially 'Bacondo'(which, I warn you, is virtually impossible to get out of your head -- are familiar to my ears, it also feature a whole heap of new songs which I'm well looking forward to hearing. Impressive vocalist Alicia Roberts features on… basically every song on the album. 

Digital