Still Satisfied: A review of See It Deh by Ras Shiloh

Solidified. Perhaps the methods that we use to measure things like success and accomplishments need to be more individualized for different cases. In music we may look at things such as a general popularity which is reflected via several ways: How many times your music is played -- how many hits you've had -- once upon a time it would have been album sales and maybe even the number of people who attend your live performances and, fittingly, those are all fair points. People do make music as a career and if you're hitting all of those marks, chances are pretty good that you're making a good living. HOWEVER, around here we specifically spend a great deal of time (likely more than any other) writing about a genre that is so foundationally structured around a message that isn't necessarily eschewing of all things 'popular' at all times but is of the type that it directly reaches to those who do not fall within the 'mainstream'. Of course I am referring to Roots Reggae music and it is a genre like any other but it is one well married to its ideology, arguably, even more so than its sound (which is odd, if you really think about it. You could put an Opera riddim behind a singer saying "PRAISE JAH RASTAFARI" and someone will call that Roots Reggae or say it has Roots 'overtones'.... and everyone will agree with them). Because of that, I don't know that registering someone's success there is best accomplished on any type of chart or computed using data but, instead, is done more appropriately on a personal level. We recently did a new feature called Signatures, where I listed out my favourite songs from a particular artist and, it just happens that the first installment of that series is Akae Beka. Now, I don't know how many albums or tickets Akae Beka sold (although, unsurprisingly, if you're trying to collect Akae Beka/Midnite albums in 2024, I'm sure you've noticed that the price has gone up) or how many hits they charted; maybe MANY by comparison to their peers, maybe not - BUT YOU'D BE A DAMN FOOL TO THINK AKAE BEKA HAS NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. When you make 'message music', surely you want that message to reach as many ears and minds as possible, but I would think that even if you tap into just a handful of individuals, so long as you provide them with certain ideas and ways of living and progressing that, to some extent, you've accomplished what you've set out to do and if that is accurate (and isn't just an over-romanticized thought on my part) then today we're going to have a look at a VERY fruitful artist.

When the name Ras Shiloh comes up I think even his most casual of fan probably has a couple points of reference for his music. The first and most immediate is his voice. Often linked to the great Garnet Silk (a comparison he Shiloh has more than welcomed, more on that in just a second), from the very beginning of his career Ras Shiloh's voice has been one of the most discussed aspects of his work and, all these years later, that is very much the case even still. The next thing you're likely to know about the music of Ras Shiloh is a song nearing a truly staggering THIRTY YEARS of age: His cut of Tony Rebel's Lala Bella Riddim, 'Are You Satisfied' (that one riddim produced 'Are You Satisfied', the MAMMOTH 'Jah By My Side' from the Rebel, himself and even 'Ghetto People Song' by Mr. Everton  Blender). I'd be surprised if, over the last quarter of a century, Ras Shiloh has EVER given any serious performance that did NOT include at least a portion of that tune being sang. It is without a doubt his most identifiable set and one could even make the argument that it is one of the entire genre's most recognizable of its era and beyond.

And Shiloh has done some serious work besides 'Are You Satisfied'. While the Brooklyn native will never be known as the most prolific of artists (and I also think he's just fine with that) and surely not on the album release side, what he has done has been farrrrrrrrr more than respectable. You can go all the way back to 2002's "From Rasta To You", which was an EXQUISITE set and go up to, unfortunately, his most recent year of activity when it comes to new material which was just five years on (and I'm about to tell you about an album featuring material even older than these two). During a very Sizzla-esque campaign in 2007, Shiloh would release one album for Greensleeves and another for VP Records in "Only King Selassie" & "Coming Home", respectively. Both sets were literally damn near perfect (historically, I've held "Coming Home" (deemed an actual Modern Classic on these pages) in slightly higher esteem but going back and listening through them both for the sake of this review and I'm not so sure about that anymore) (but "Coming Home" did have the MASSIVE "Volume of the Book" ["Under a cool meditation while the whole earth shook"]) and who knows why it took so damn long after that (maybe that was kinda Ras Shiloh retiring from making albums) but it's 2024 and Ras Shiloh now has a brand new album out for the masses, "See It Deh". Back in 2020, the singer would pop up with the tribute EP, "Ras Shiloh Remembers Garnet Silk", but "See It Deh" becomes his first full length project in SEVENTEEN years (unless I am really forgetting about something). The album comes via an old favourite of ours who I am ALWAYS thrilled to run into, Reggae Vibes Productions. JahMikes and company have been hard at work for well over twenty years and have vibed alongside some of our favourites such as Jah Mason, the former Prince Theo, Theo Nyeemiya and many others. It was with the Mason when I believe I first became familiar with RVP as, also back in (I now feel compelled to dig this album up because I haven't seen it in awhile, so let's see if I can find it quickly because I think I know where it is) (it wasn't hard to find at all and. listening to it now, some of these tunes are personal classics for me) 2002, they headed an album for him by the name of "Unlimited".... very strong and has aged well. Mason is someone else who, although he has checked in with his fair share of hits and big tunes, his 'wins' are probably best gathered in a more unconventional manner. Obviously Ras Shiloh hasn't made it an aim of his to release albums. In the press release that I read for "See It Deh" he literally says "I don't really rate albums", which is fine, but you'd never know it from the levels attained throughout "See It Deh". When I first saw it in the offering not only did I get pretty excited as I thought it would be very interesting to write about (because it's been awhile since we've written a review for Ras Shiloh's work) but also just to hear! The early clips and bits that I was already familiar with would lead me to believe that "See It Deh" would be quite strong and....

Quite strong indeed! Ras Shiloh hadn't exactly been dormant over the last few years despite not flooding the shelves with albums and he actually turned up with some very nice tunes, some of which are featured here (one of which, however. is not. In 2019, Shiloh did a tune called 'Bun Dem and Done' which is EASILY one of the best songs of his entire career, in my opinion and if you haven't heard it, go and take care of that now and I'll be waiting for you when you get back). That being said, the opening tune for "See It Deh", 'Endless Joy', was completely new to my ears and although you will find stronger material unfolding on the album behind it, it does get us off to a good start and is just a really nice song. What stands out is this kind of.... 'over sang' chorus. It just has this really LOUD affect to it (surely done on purpose) that is going to do something strange: If you have children, you'll want to be really careful with 'Endless Joy' because as difficult as it will be for you to get it out of your own head, they will give you no relief at all! While the backing singers dominate on the chorus, for his part, Shiloh also excels, producing a solid lyrical effort within a very cool delivery and, again, though it isn't THE best tune on this set, 'Endless Joy' isn't acres away from it either. The next selection, 'Righteousness', is even closer, actually. EVERYTHING about this one glows! From the second that gorgeous riddim (the True Crisis) fully drops in (intro'd by a lovely saxophone that sticks around throughout), straight through its end, 'Righteousness' does definitely prove to be one of the biggest highlights from "See It Deh". Sticking to the very basics, 'Righteousness' is simply about doing positive things and doing what is right for yourself as others whenever but the presentation DEFINITELY adds so much more to it. You've heard hundreds of songs vibed just like it, but they rarely sound this nice. Speaking of what sounds nice: Nothing on the whole of "See It Deh" sounds nicer than the well familiar 'Hail The King'.

TEARS! I'll make a point further on this later but when Shiloh turns up his vocals something happens to his music that simply does NOT for virtually everyone else. 'Hail The King', a towering praise is a mighty example of that. The tune comes through on a cut of the Traveling Man Riddim (a remade version of what I believe was the original by the Techniques) by RVP (the aforementioned Prince Theo also had a big tune on the riddim, as did Pressure Busspipe) from about a dozen years ago. I may change my mind at some point and be too lazy to come back and change this but as for RIGHT NOW, by the slimmest of margins, 'Hail The King' has no equal on "See It Deh". It is absolutely GLORIOUS and you really feel the significance.... I'll save that for later. If You, like me, found yourself wondering why 'Endless Joy' wasn't actually called 'Happiness', with as many times as the word is said on the tune, that's because this release has another tune called 'Happiness' and it also sounds very familiar. I don't think I've heard this actual song, however, and, instead, my familiarity with it comes in the form of that beautiful riddim bracketing it. Quick story: In the early 2000's or so there was a label by the name of Artists Only! Records (the exclamation point was a part of the actual label name) and they were solid. They released albums for the likes of Beenie, Buju & Bounty, Sizzla Kalonji, Wayne Wonder, Mad Cobra and others still. That same label also did "Wow... The Story", which was Baby Cham's first album and they were also prolific outside of Reggae music as well. In 2001, the New York based outfit would release "Many More Roads" by Ky-mani Marley and although I've never been much of a fan of Ky-mani's music - full credit to him for that one. "Many More Roads" was and still is excellent (surely you didn't believe me when I said "quick"???). Anyway, the very first tune on that album was 'Who We Are' shares a riddim with 'Happiness' and, the fact had been lost on me, but that album was largely produced by one Mike Coburn [aka JahMikes) and the Reggae Vibes Productions insignia is also on the case. That's why I knew 'Happiness'. Just as is the case for damn near all of 'Many More Roads', 'Happiness' is sublime. It's also quite simple and straight-forward (literally an anthem about being happy and feeling good!) (nothing wrong with that) and if you can resist the urge of singing 'Who We Are' while listening to it, 'Happiness' will likely have no problem carrying out its purpose on you... personally. 

'Here I Come' is another previous release, this time coming through across RVP's Soul Shake Down Party Riddim from a few years back, an update of an old drop by a guy named Bob. 'Here I Come' is downright MAJESTIC. I'm threatening to ruin my closing point but DAMN do you get the feeling that something very crucial is going on when you here this song.

"TIL SHILOH

SO HERE I COME!

RAS SHILOH

JAH WORKS MUST BE DONE"

We all have a purpose, hopefully a positive one, and 'Here I Come' is a song for everyone who is prepared to fulfill their purpose. It is a call to action of MAMMOTH proportions and a definite highlight from "See It Deh" (it is also the album's longest track, giving it all the time it needs to make a giant impression on the listener - a moment it well makes the best of). Ras Shiloh continues to receive high marks on another mega praise, 'Long Live The King'. Likely one of the oldest selections here, that's just fine. 'Long Live The King', Shiloh's cut of the probably two-decade old now Focus Riddim, retains every hint of the luster it would have had when it was brand new (with maybe one exception) (more on that in critiques). You see the title and you know exactly what it's about, but it is your [LARGE] mistake if you take 'Long Live The King' as.... stale or routine or generic and pass on it. It is a JOY to listen to. 'Never Be Enough' was wholly new to my ears and although it got off to somewhat of an awkward start, it quickly follows  the line of pretty much every other tune here and ascends. This one deals with the fact that there're certain actions (and CONSISTENT BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS) so deplorable that they are beyond forgiveness and being forgotten. I will also tell you that because of the kind of 'light' nature of 'Never Be Enough', that you may want to spend some extra time with it to fully take it in, because it's very easy to just enjoy on a casual level and move on. Previous single, 'On My Ship' is in next and it stands as the very fun changeup for "See It Deh" as it features Ras Shiloh dusting off his deejaying skills and tackling this kind of bouncing riddim. It's a love song and it isn't the greatest but I had no problem with 'On My Ship' and I do always appreciate when an artist and a producer and a label.... just make an attempt at trying something different and fresh, especially during an album where it's well possible to get stuck on the same vibes for song after song.

 

'People Be Free' also charts a different route as it is the album's sole combination, linking Shiloh with the animated Dominican born chanter, Simpleman, another favourite of RVP's atop their Talk About It Riddim (that also carried the Mason's big winner, 'All I Can See' ["I'm sitting here looking at the trees. I'm looking at the birds and the bees. ALL I CAN SEE IS LOVE!"] BOOM!) (Yami Bolo and Prince Theo also had big songs on the Talk About It) (Beres Hammond as well but DUHHHH!). This one is as all over the place as the fiery Simpleman but it more than earns its stripes in its time

"Mi stand up inna di lights now

Mi no waan no jinx and mi doh waan no lies now

I tell di little youths fi open up dem eyes now

Sing out, sing out and mi seh open unuh voice now

Sing out fi truth, sing out fi rights now

Boil up di veggies and mi seh boil up di rice now

And praise Selassie I and then you know yuh nice now

But di likkle weh yuh have inna this time run out

Mi tell dem watch di youth dem

Dem go watch Oprah

None a dem no memba Mama Mama Ethiopia

Tell dem inna di west, dem caan find hope yah

Yow a just oil and powder and Obeah"

Written in a kind of a broad manner, what brings 'People Be Free' altogether is the theme of unity, particularly amongst the daughters and sons and Africa all over the world. Whatever that may be, from something directly cultural to His Majesty, whatever brings us together is celebrated here and in a major way. The cool, infectious title track (oddly spelled as 'See It Dey' in the tracklist) is several years old and it is as SPECIAL as ever. This song (as well as the one behind it) makes me question my selection of the album's finest (thankfully, I don't feel like going back and changing it): It just a SPECTACULAR social commentary with Ras Shiloh showing that the results of negative actions are clear and apparent. There is no way to sweep them under the rug and ignore them anymore. The song also has a bit of subtle bite to it. I wouldn't go as far as to say the singer is ANGRY.... but he's getting there! 'The System' touches down on RVP's beautifully misnamed Hardcore Riddim (no way in hell you listen to that thing and think to call it the Hardcore) and actually isn't too different from the title track in terms of its general focus. To my opinion, 'The System' looks more at personal responsibility and how easy it is to lose your way and blame others for what you do. No system is bad enough to force YOU to give into negativity and destructive ways and when we do that, it's all on us. The tune's also just a nice vibes, an excellent vocal display and, again, one of the biggest sets on the entire album. Finally (speaking of great vocals), the album's closer 'Tears From My Eyes' (I know the title is tough but it's not what you're thinking) sends us out on a high note. All of the madness, the cruelty and the gloom from the two previous tracks have gotten to Shiloh and he's struggling to keep it together, a sentiment he expresses finely here. TRY TO TREAT PEOPLE BETTER! That's the core of 'Tears From My Eyes' (pretty sure I've never heard this one before) and the way we are so POOR at it is clearly sticking with singer as it should be a problem for us all. Perhaps we can't make a song like this about it (we cannot), but we all definitely have a part to play in doing better.

 

I alluded to this earlier but I simply must say something about Ras Shiloh's VOICE. With the way he sings... it has some sort of DRAMA to it. WHEN RAS SHILOH SINGS, YOU FEEL LIKE SOMETHING IMPORTANT IS HAPPENING. It's impactful. It's cinematic. It MOVES you and it gives such a presence to his music that I almost hear parts of his work in the same way I hear Jah Cure's music where it comes with this inherent point of interest (the Cure could sing his way through a movie script (a really really bad and boring one) and still have my attention) and there are some GORGEOUS displays of that found throughout "See It Deh". I'll also mention that because of that you'd hope that the sonics are completely on point and that is not the case on the entire album. I don't know the word (maybe it's "mastering"), but the sound quality, unfortunately, is not the greatest here. 

Overall, despite wishing that things could be a little clearer and polished up, "See It Deh" is excellent. As I was going through it, it turned out to be an unexpected nostalgic trip through some old favourites of mine courtesy of Reggae Vibes Productions. I never realized the artist - label link in this case was THIS strong but clearly not only is it in terms of quantity and activity, but also QUALITY. They have made some very good music with Ras Shiloh over the past couple of decades or so and "See It Deh" exists as this wonderful compilation of that work, along with a few dashes of new/er/ish blips, here and there. This album won't be terribly popular. Even some of the genre's most faithful and dedicated may overlook it and I think that's just fine with Ras Shiloh (as odd as that may sound) (and it does), but for everyone who does hear it and is capable of finding some joy in it, YOU WILL LOVE "See It Deh". It will make an impression on you and leave you with something, maybe even to pass on to someone else, going forward. In that respect: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Well done.

Rated: 4.35/5

Reggae Vibes Productions

2024