The Marketplace Riddim

The Marketplace Riddim [Zion High Productions]

Just released and in digital stores now is the latest and fifth installment of the wonderful Riddim Series from the equally delightful  Zion I Kings, the Marketplace Riddim. This sublimely laid back track comes, specifically, from the lovely people at Zion High Productions and, as you would expect, it features an excellent ensemble of artists handling the vocals as well. All of the releases in the series, to date, have been top notch projects and today we take a brief look (I mean it this time, it is four tracks to deal with) at the latest addition which quickly proves itself to be no exception to form - the Marketplace Riddim from Zion High Productions.

{Note: Check out an interview from I'm Making It Happen of Tippy from I Grade Records. I've heard his story told so many times and it's so much better coming from his own mouth}

{Note 2: LIFE EXPERIENCES! Almost (not quite) makes me feel bad that I've spent most of my time mastering the ancient art of... just kind of laying around}

1. 'Marketplace' by Pressure

Unsurprisingly giving the riddim its title track is bona fide VI superstar, Pressure Busspipe who, as he ALWAYS does on ZIK projects, absolutely shines all over the Marketplace Riddim as he takes the listener to market with him on this sterling effort, which is as much of a musical celebration (or a vibes celebration... as I resist the urge to throw brain juice all over this big, BIG tune and overthink it) as anything. Even if you pay awful attention you probably know just how Pressure has been performing in recent times and it WELL continues here.

"Mi come a market, mi come fi bargain

And mi waan link di little Rastaman weh have him carving

Di money mi have, mi seh it can't pass di margin

Him seh, 'no worry mi chargie' "

2. 'Described Peculiar' by Akae Beka

Next is 'Described Peculiar' from someone who, MOST FITTINGLY, has been described as peculiar by many over the years at times, Akae Beka. From strictly the sonic appeal of this selection, this is by far one of the most easily listenable tracks from Akae Beka/Midnite that I've heard in recent years. The addictive simplicity of the Marketplace Riddim makes for a nearly perfect backdrop for Benjamin who,though not known for his melodic prowess, presents an infectious and BOUNCING [HUH?!] vocal here. However, as is the case on 100% of his output, what stands out most here is the direction of the song. What I ultimately take away from 'Described Peculiar' is that it is a piece about being HEALTHY. Health, in this instance, is an all-conquering one as Vaughn Benjamin deals with things from the physical to the mental and definitely the spiritual.

"Seen as evident as man ah chant Rasta

This is a people biblical described peculiar"

"Seeing as how the body is the temple of the law -

Man fi do their best to keep it optimum fah"

He (at least in my opinion) suggests  that the healthier and more prepared we can be not only can we succeed in the short term, but we're also far less likely to avoid making mistakes that we made previously and those who wish us to have those lapses in judgment (and are willing to 'help' us do so) will be just as far less likely to get what they want as well. 'Described Peculiar' is all kinds of interesting at its end and, if you can't tell, it's also my favourite cut of the Marketplace Riddim... ["Lion inna di present, lion inna di past"]

3. 'Too Much Religion' by Glen Washington

A name that I was REALLY happy to see visiting market was ZHP favourite, Glen Washington (MAMMOTH combination on Pressure's debut album, "The Pressure Is On", 'When Dem Come') [BOOM!] ["When dem come, wi gonna show dem a brand new way. When dem come, Jah Love will show dem a brighter day!"] [BIGGER BOOM!] [DAMN!], who makes his presence fully known on the poignant 'Too Much Religion'. The opening lines of this tune made me know that my excitement would go rewarded IMMEDIATELY:

"Love is the answer to all that I seek

WITHOUT IT, I'M TOTALLY WEAK"

Subsequently, Mr. Washington goes on to deliver a piece which, correctly in my opinion, essentially identifies religion as one of a seemingly infinitely long line of things which people use to separate ourselves from one another ["How can you say that your way is the right way when your brothers and sisters you slay? Works of the wicked will have to go down, IF YOU'RE WICKED, YOU'LL HAVE  TO PAY"].

4. 'Binghi Man A Call' by Lutan Fyah

And wrapping us up (it took me two days to write this, before I lost my entire mind, this would have been a half hour's worth of work at most) is another familiar face to the ZIK family, Lutan Fyah, who goes to market with 'Binghi Man A Call'. Apparently the Fyah is just a bit tired of waiting and your procrastination and if you needed a little motivation to get moving, here it is.

"STOP YUH COMING AND COME!"

After a TRIUMPHANT first verse (that thing is GOLDEN!), Lutan Fyah actually  goes on to well demonstrate the versatility of the Marketplace Riddim as, were you looking for a little BITE to this riddim, look no further than this tune which breathes some necessary fire to the release.

"We are no victims, we shall do more than survive!

Challenge yourself to do better everytime"

So. There you go. I don't really feel like writing a closer and you probably don't feel like reading it either. So - instead go pick up the brand new Marketplace Riddim from Zion High Productions which is in digital stores RIGHT NOW. I'm going to take a nap.