I've Been Waiting: A review of B.A.D by Skinny Fabulous

Scary. Now typically, this would be the point of the review where I attempt to grab on to some interesting angle from the album that we're looking at during that particular day and reach obscure conclusions and connections to other things and go off on my beloved tangents before ascending (or descending) into the artist and music; but today I don't think that is necessary (even though, TECHNICALLY, I'm doing it right now). Nope. Instead we're going to take the more direct route to things because TODAY we have reached such a significant point in the history of this blog as one of my favourites -- and probably my absolute favourite Soca artist in recent times -- is now delivering a debut album that we have been anticipating, fruitlessly, for a VERY long ass time. I couldn't tell you, within even a relatively close window of time, when I began to listen to the AMAZING music of St. Vincent star, Skinny Fabulous. What I can tell you is that it was almost surely after I had become a fan of his musical 'brother' Problem Child (more on him later) ["THIS IS NOT A PARTY AND THIS IS NOT A FETE, THIS IS MAD-MAD-MADHOUSE!"] and it was years and years ago and, after refreshing for the sake of this review, I can go back nearly FIFTEEN YEARS now of ultra-familiar tunes and bona fide personal anthems that he has provided me. What I can say that struck me, especially, about his work is that, first of all, when it comes to POWER Soca music, he has very little in the way of peers. While Skinny may not pack the lyrical punch that someone like Bunji Garlin does (but.... no one does), he is very impressive with the spoken word, crafting CONCEPTS of songs which so fittingly match the genre. On top of that, you will NEVER find a powerful song that he has done which isn't impressive melodically. Even if you don't LOVE every single one of them, Skinny Fabulous makes a point of not only bashing his listeners over the head (and he will do that), but making them enjoy it at the same time by providing a fantastic tempo to go along with the bruising. Each and every season, along with others such as Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons and Destra and a few others (Mr. Killa), I am MOST keen on hearing new work from Skinny and he has rarely disappointed over the years becoming, EASILY, one of Soca's most consistent of acts. I've also had the fortune of seeing him perform on quite a few occasions on some truly big stages and I can tell you there are very few people that I have seen with THAT level of personal energy. It is DEVASTATING! It is a quality possessed by very few individuals (off the top of my head, there's Machel Montano (more on him later as well)... Lyons and.... uhmmmm) that make a similar brand of music that they can give you that energy both in person and in just hearing their music. It is ENTIRELY transferable (Garlin is different. His energy does come through but you'll find yourself coming back over and over against attempting to hear every single word that man says) (Ilah Man from out of St. Lucia may be another good example of that) and he has provided so many powerful displays throughout the years which, again, have more than made a fan out of me.

Most recently there was Garn (not completely true anymore, but it's only been overtaken recently by a tune we're going to tell you about today), but I can seriously name you probably a couple of dozen FAVOURITES either off the top of my head or with just a little thought. Tracks such as 'Mental Home' (I have no idea why that one came up first) ["WE JUST ESCAPED FROM THE.....MENTAL HOOOOOOOME!"] (random ass ten year old tune), 'Fire Anthem', 'Pieces' ["THE FIRST PARTY WI TOUCH - IT AHGO MASH UP INNA PIECES!"], 'Soca Defenders', 'Swarm The Town', 'Act Normal', 'Famalay' with Garlin and Montano, 'BTW', 'Rock This Place', 'Head Bad', 'Going Off' [BEHAVING LIKE WE GOING OFF!"], 'Monster', 'General', 'The Cave' [" NO CELL! NO TOWER! NO BATH! NO SHOWER!"], 'GODZILLA', 'Ignorant', 'Mash Up International', 'John Wick', 'Bongokart', 'No Other Way' ["NO OTHER WAY! WI DON'T KNOW NO OTHER WAY!"], 'Duracell' (tune grew on me, I used to not like it very much), 'Brutal', 'Hurricane' and PROBABLY my favourite, 'Scary'["EVERYTHING MASH DOWN! EVERYTHING TEAR DOWN! EVERYTHING BRUK DOWN! WHEN YOU SI WI COMIN!!] .... and I left some out (like 'Reckless' w/Garlin) that I could also mention (and 'More Jab'). Each and every season he drops a new batch of tunes and that list grows, clearly making for one of the most decorated catalogues that I've ever come across in Soca music.

But there was something missing. Wasn't there? I'd looooooooooong given up hope on Skinny Fabulous making an album, though if you go back far enough on these pages, you'll find at least a couple of Most Wanted lists that we've done in wishing that he might release one in any given year. Its prospects had, literally, descended to the point of thinking it may be even less likely to come than that long rumoured next album from Lady Sweety (who has returned to us), but apparently time changes things. I read an interview with Skinny Fabulous where he said that he never saw the importance of releasing an album because he was performing constantly and making money, but that he gradually began to see its potential benefits as the digital medium became more and more popular and albums had become so much more accessible. By the end of the review he was advocating for his fellow peers to follow the same route (GOOD IDEA SKINNY!), as he sees it as only a positive and he even goes on to talk about things such as Grammy's in the future and the general development and PROMOTION of the genre. I'm biased as hell. I love albums. They're very convenient and identifiable and, when you go back through an artist's career, albums stand up as these pillar-like moments of various portions of their career. I also think it's an 'easy' (that's not the best word but it's what I'm going with) way to generate buzz. If someone pays for you to make an album, they're also going to at least make an attempt to promote it to the masses. Skinny Fabulous has mow wonderfully and OFFICIALLY exited the ranks of the album-less as his anciently awaited debut, "B.A.D [Beyond A Doubt]" comes to fruition via DSM Music and Monk Music (of the aforementioned Machel Montano) and, if I have yet to paint that picture as vividly as I possibly can: THIS IS A BIG FUCKING DEAL! Like I said, I'd given up hope and when I saw "B.A.D" in the offering, I didn't believe it, but I was extremely pleased as someone who has enough ammunition to build a few 'greatest hits' collections, gives us a proper debut. Soca albums can be tough because they typically go in only two or three directions: In very rare cases they're accounts of a particular season or two (and that's something probably only reserved for the likes of Montano, Destra and maybe you could include Nadia Batson - people who almost ROUTINELY release albums); they also, even more infrequently, could be bigger productions of labels such as VP Records and you'll see that with Garlin and Lyons most recently (I'm thinking I'm forgetting someone); and sometimes they'll come through as digital DUMPS as, presumably, someone responds to fans asking for such things (coincidentally this was recently done by fellow Vincy star, Fireman Hooper, a couple of years ago when he gave us FORTY tracks of "Fireman Hooper Classics"). Skinny seems to have chosen the first route as, despite being TWENTY-THREE tracks deep, "B.A.D" is built on fresh material and, as you would expect from such an expansive project, it covers a very large range of vibes and, by its end, serves as both a very powerful introduction to and SUPPORT for an artist destined to be (and ALREADY) one of the greatest Soca has ever produced. Let's take a listen! 

2023 just might prove to be a very crucial year for Soca music, on the whole. There may not actually be a genre MORE dependent on the in-person experience than it is and having had it removed, on a large scale, has certainly been damaging. Things should be fully back to normal this year and we've already seen several pieces marking the occasion. Skinny Fabulous is also obviously doing his part in the festivities and a large chunk of it is to be found on his brand new debut album, "B.A.D", which gets up and going with its title track, following a  very interesting Intro which features, amongst others, Bunji Garlin, Destra and Machel Montano (who mentions that the artist, born Gamal Doyle, has been a songwriter for him "for some time") speaking on behalf of Skinny who chimes in himself as well. "#BAD" is outstanding. It is a delightful demonstration of Skinny's devotion to Soca music. 

"Well I hope you know we're unruly

Know in fact we're unruly

And when Soca music goes through me-

No one cannot talk to me

I can't help myself, I have no chill

When dem tell mi stop, it's just more still

Cause I'm a bad child

I'm a Soca bad child

If you open up di mad file

I'm a Soca bad child

Di crowd I moving mad wild

I'm a Soca bad child

Since I young I was a bad, BAD child"

Well said, coming from one of Soca's most PRODUCTIVE of offspring. The tune is such a nice, predominately Groovy, and easy listen and by album's end, it well remains a definitive highlight. Next up is a tune I'm well familiar with as it was a previous single from... maybe just three or four weeks ago now, 'Tek Jam', which features young Trini veteran vocalist, Nessa Preppy. This one probably lands somewhere between Dancehall and Hip Hop (although more on the Dancehall side to my ears) and, to be honest, it has grown on me just a bit. While I won't say that I LOVE 'Tek Jam', I do see a quality in it that I didn't the first few times that I heard it. Check the pretty old-school, innuendo-latent Soca vibe of 'Sauce', featured on the fittingly named Retro Fete Riddim, courtesy of Vybez Productionz and International Stephen (who also takes executive producer credit for the album). Here, Skinny gives a shout to some of his female peers ["Yes suh. Bring something like Nessa. I waan give she pressure. I still waiting on Destra"] and women, in general, with a damn infectious sound. In terms of singles, I wasn't at all surprised to see the treatment given to this one as it is terribly difficult to get out of your head (the video is probably in here somewhere. You can give it a shot yourself. If you were looking some a little early-album chaos, check 'Big In The Dance', which taps Trini artist and radio host Viking Ding Dong to join in on the fun and that is PRECISELY what 'Big In The Dance' is. It is a lot of fun. While we haven't pressed the pedal completely to the floor, it is close enough to get that intoxicatingly POWERFUL vibe which Skinny Fabulous is so damn special at and, for his part, VDD definitely holds his own, making for one of the baddest tunes on the whole of "B.A.D". Chasing 'Big In The Dance' and having a name like 'Buss Party', I definitely envisioned (or is it enaudioed????) another mash up/jump up affair and though that wasn't at all what it ended up being, I was very happy with the clever Wetty Beatz produced (Quick Riddim) drop. I'm going to use this one to illustrate just how potent Skinny can be lyrically because I doubt that anyone else will REALLY do so, but very early on in 'Buss Party', he lays things to ruins and not be ABSOLUTELY DESTROYING it in typically Skinny Fabulous fashion but, instead, by producing one of the album's SHARPEST instances. 

"Hold on dey, wait mi seh look

Anytime I step in, di whole place shook

I bring all mi money from mi bankbook

Watch gal just ah bubble up dem body like soup

Yes, I jump like a fish I hook

I teefing a whine tonight, I'm a crook

IF YOU CAAN FIND WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS SCENE YA-

I GO LEND YOU MY FETTING BOOK

Cause is a move wi feeling tonight

Enjoy wiself widout fight

So tell dem how just do it

Cuz wi just do it like Nike

Wi does mash up place and leave it flat

Every girl is wi type

So if you just hate to show yuh behaviour

Well wi just do it on site"

This one has a somewhat unusual pacing to it (I'm almost tempted to call it R&Bish) whoch does really compliment it well, but the star is DEFINITELY what is being said, so pay a level of attention which you may not have anticipated having to on a Soca album from someone besides Bunji Garlin (I told you, the man is a razor). 

Speaking of lyrics: 'Big Millions' is a slightly older tune (from last summer about) that I most certainly did not expect to see on a Skinny Fabulous album. Chimney Records supplies their Upstairs Riddim for the track as things take a decidedly Dancehall turn on "B.A.D" (which I just start referring to as the far more easily typed "BAD") (DUHHHHHHHH!). As a complete song, I don't particularly favour 'Big Millions'. You know exactly what this one is about - it' Skinny enjoying the fruits of his considerable labour, but he says some things here, occasionally, which well keep you on your proverbial toes so while you'll surely size it up (correctly) as something you've heard dozens of times, be careful to not dismiss it fully. Jamaican Charly Black comes through for the colourful 'Please Don't Call Me'. This is track looking at the final embers of a failed relationship burning away. It certainly isn't amongst the biggest winners here, but 'Please Don't Call Me' has a fun vibes to it and, again, I wasn't surprised to see it featured as a pre-album release single as well. There is a skit here, called 'Bounty Is Legend', which features SF talking about one of his greatest musical influences and idols, Bounty Killer, and from just how far back he's been a fan and the ultra-high esteem he has always held him in. The skit makes way for a tune, 'Up Dey', which features the Killer and the 'Killa' as, joining Skinny and Bounty, is none other than incomparable Greenz torch Mr. Killa. The trio does what you knew they would do (on... just a dirty song) and produce a piece of work which proves to be incredibly difficult to shake out of your head. Just look at though, Bounty Killer, Skinny Fabulous and Mr. Killa on the same track! That's almost overkill on a tune which is, I THINK, is a rematch of an original solo effort from the Killa across Tall King Productions' appetizing Gyal Up Riddim. I'm also going to mention both 'Double Bubble' and 'Perfect Touch' here (because I just wrote it with them in the next paragraph and it didn't work quite right) (little behind the scenes action there for you). The former, Skinny's cut of the pounding Big Cup Riddim from International Stephen and DJ Avalanche serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever, none at all..... besides making SOMETHING on your body move for the whole of its nearly three and a half minute duration. If it does not do exactly that - seek help my friend. 'Perfect Touch', on the other hand, impresses in an unusual way. 'Perfect Touch' sounds like something you'd hear from Vybz Kartel. It's dirty, it's highly lyrical in bursts ["Girl bend over like when you see something drop"] and it has this kind of.... STUTTER to it (Kartel, at his best (in my opinion), always sounds like he was doing three or four things at the same time. He was doing the tune, but he was looking for something and maybe cooking or WHATEVER, so instead of rolling straight through it, the vibes came in smaller groups, which I also hear on this one) (probably did a SHIT job of explaining that, but I don't care. Let's see if it survives editing) (it did!).

"Acoustic" isn't a term often associated with Soca music at all. Just thinking about it, the only musically-streamlined brand of the genre that comes to my mind is work done by Kes, here and there. Skinny Fabulous takes his shot with an acoustic version of previous release 'Apology'. The original drop came via Big Z and Vybez  for their Big Mood Riddim and was Zoukish to my ears which definitely makes for a seamless transition into this medium and, likely because of that, I can't actually tell you which version of 'Apology' I prefer. The original surely is more familiar, but this set is well growing on me (and it also helps that it features the lovely backing singing from the first). 'Apology' kicks off the second portion of "BAD" which is carries its both of its heaviest hitters. Before that, however, there're more than a couple of other very solid selections rounding out the latter stages of "BAD". For example, definitely do take a spin of all kinds of interesting 'Bang' with Walshy Fire & DJ Crown Prince. Maybe I should call 'Bang' "Soca Dub", because that is basically what it is. You hear from SF in bits and pieces, but his presence is there only to help highlight the riddim and the vibes which're the biggest star here. I was very happy that they chose to include this on the album; not only could I probably listen to it happily for a couple of hours or so, 'Bang' is a very welcomed changeup which, on an album with twenty-three tracks, is a GREAT thing. Also catching my attention was the "Bonus Track" (which comes after the hilarious Outro where an interviewer wishes Skinny all the best and then Skinny also wishes Skinny all the best), 'Stupidness Rocks'. This is a Rocked out remix of the original (just called 'Stupidness' on Marvelus' GOT Riddim of about a year ago). Again.... why do this?? I have no idea but I'm glad that they did! Ultra gifted sweet singing French sider Oswald adds some shine to the gleaming 'Girls That Like Girls 2'. If this one gets a shot at getting a run in the spotlight -- especially in terms of promoting this album -- I'd be shocked if it didn't do quite well. Coming through with that intoxicating Kompas SWING, 'Girls That Like Girls 2' would find its way to GLUE itself to minds of listeners everywhere (yes, I did just use GLUE as a verb). Team Foxx' delicious Baila Riddim underpins one of the album's COOLEST moments, 'Naked'. I'm going to go into this more right before closing, but 'Naked' is such a WELL DONE SONG! It's just so finely crafted and put together by everyone involved and the result is, like the track just behind it ('Girls Like Girls 2').... and most of the rest of "BAD", an excellent vibe and one which should draw fans to this project. 'New Gyal' comes armed with the Buddy Pass Riddim (which, MOST FRUSTRATINGLY, reminds me of something that I cannot quite recall - which is driving me absolutely crazy at the moment) and I am SERIOUSLY thinking about placing it in the next  group of songs which're represent the strongest on "BAD" because it is that good. 'New Gyal' is funny, it's petty and, again, it is damn strong!

"You think I vex cause you inside di party-

Flex wid your new man

But hey, I have a new gyal and guess what!

She pretty than you

Prettier than you

Sexier than you gyal!"

Now! I just told you about all of those songs; All of them are at least "GOOD". I'm about to tell you about four more that range even higher. The worst of these is something better than GOOD, in my opinion. 'No Relationship' has found Skinny dejected (not really) and giving up on relationships for more 'temporary' encounters ["No relationship! I want to beat and dip"].

"Yow, they gone say I tripping

They gone say I wicked

I CAN'T HANDLE DI HEAT, SO I BURNED DOWN DI KITCHEN

I ripping out di stitching

Everything I hitting

I not even choosey

It's anything I picking 

Now this year, I changing up di slogan

Different, yes, I flipping up di program

I not committing to none of dem, no man

I seh I will neva wife another gal!"

Why this song sounds like this is an absolutely mystery. It need not be THIS aggressive at all! It's frenetic and DARK and GLOOMY (it sounds like that grimy shit (and I mean that in a good way) you hear from out of Grenada sometimes) (biggup Lednek and Muddy and Dash and all of those guys) (Dash is an EXTREMELY gifted artist who you should check out if you do enjoy Skinny Fabulous' music) and not at all the type of atmosphere you would expect behind such a subject, but I think that's a major part of the attraction, for me, here. Get upset as hell [!]... when you don't really need to. That approach is more appropriate on the recent 'Behaviour Nothin', SF's contribution to the Spirit Of Carnival Project (that entire thing is excellent; featuring Montano, Garlin and Kes as well). This thing is CLEAN. It's of a more 'presentable' ilk of Power Soca and lack of morals ["She can see. Even the Prime Minister, he can see; Mi and my crew have no decency. Wi on a different frequency"] and I'm fully expecting 'Behaviour Nothin' (and everything else on that riddim) to do a considerable amount of damage this season. If it is DAMAGE and absolute carnage that you seek, then "BAD" delivers your biggest prize at track #15, with 'Danger', alongside the aforementioned Problem Child. PROBLEMS! Despite what you might think, with them clearly being such good friends and having spent so much time around one another throughout the years, you are not going to find MANY combinations between SF and PC (I'm almost certain I know of at least one other, but I cannot sing that song in my head. I'm thinking it is very old at this point) (subsequent research dates it back to 2009, 'Drinks Reach') (I REMEMBER THIS TUNE!) (BOOM!) and 'Danger' INSTEANTLY becomes the best tune that they've done together and not only because of a lack of competition. This thing is FILTHY! It needs to take a shower, dry off and then get back in the shower.

Carried by the Jab Head Riddim via Jah Head Music (Garlin also did great on that one with 'Place Open' ["Jouvert is di vacine and I ready for di strong dose. !!! di social distancing woman and dem to come close"]), which has this GIANT feel to it (when it drops in, it sounds like an emergency is happening. Like someone needs help!) 'Danger' is also THE moment on "BAD" that is THE emotional release. It is the heaviest and MOST POWERFUL experience present here; that one moment where, if you had any energy left in your body, it's time to empty that shit. It is EXHAUSTING and I love it! Did you notice that out of all the exaltation and praise that I gave to 'Danger', one very large word was missing? "BEST"??? Despite it's disgusting genius, ridiculously I cannot say that 'Danger' is THE single best song on this album because "BAD" also features what just may be one of the best ten or so tunes that I have EVER heard from Skinny Fabulous; or maybe I'm juust being a prisoner of the moment because I ABSOLUTELY FUCKING LOVE 'Come Home'! Along with Soca's granddaughter, Nailah Blackman, SF pens an apology letter to Carnival for having taken Her for granted (which we all did) and it wasn't until she left us for awhile that we realized that we had all fucked up royally (well, everyone besides Shurwayne Winchester, who told us all years ago how much he revered Her on the IMMACULATE 'Carinval Please Stay') (always look for a reason to bring that tune up). 'Come Home' is of the type as many tunes you will hear this year, paying some level of homage to Carnival and how much she's been missed, but I will be SHOCKED if anyone does as fine a job as these two.

TEARS! BUCKETS AND BUCKETS OF TEARS! ["I'm sorry! And I need you back in my life!"]

I wanted to make a brief point about lyrics on this album and in Skinny Fabulous' music, in general. I used the word "concepts" in regards to the way in which he displays his music and, at least for me, that's different than just what he says. Skinny Fabulous can make a dozen jump up and wave/mash up Power Soca songs and each can have a similar base sound (it wouldn't happen like that, I'm just making a hypothetical situation) but you'd have twelve wholly unique EXPERIENCES. They'd all be different. That's what he's been able to do SO well in his career thus far. He's been able to remain unique and REFRESHING in a way which does not interrupt the intentional 'overboardness' of his sound. It's ridiculous. It's supposed to be; but at work is a level of orchestration only displayed by the genuine greats of Soca music and not ALL of them. 

Overall, "BAD" shines! Given its girth, I had no doubt in my mind that it would, but what I worried about was just how much fluff and filler it may contain and though yes, it is probably too damn long, I don't give a shit. I was thoroughly entertained by Skinny's debut album just as I have been by his long line of singles over the past decade and a half or so and I would expect to be for the foreseeable future as well. I do have to say just how damn pleased I was that this set did materialize and did so not as a 'greatest hits' (although I'd take that as well. Some of those older tunes are hard to find at a good quality. Were someone to remaster a bunch of them at a good quality, that would be very helpful) but as a single and current unit. I also love the cover with its kind of Matrix-like appeal, presenting Skinny as a superhero (or super villian) (he'd be fine with either, I'm sure) and doing so on the digital single covers as well. For me it all helps to put it in some 'official' capacity that Skinny Fabulous, ALREADY, sits as one of the biggest champions of Soca music, "Beyond A Doubt".  

Rated: Who Cares!/5

DSM + Monk Music

2023

Digital

GARN!

One Piece Ah Riddim [Wetty-Beatz Productionz]

1. 'Damage' by Lyrikal

2. 'Jab Religion' by Mr. Killa

3. 'Garn' by Skinny Fabulous

4. 'Smokey' by Wetty Beatz

5. One Piece Ah Riddim - Instrumental

Just thought that I'd take a quick moment to mention the latest masterpiece of a riddim from the always scalding Wetty Beatz, the One Piece Ah Riddim. I have a rather large complaint with this release - I'm just going to call it "garn".

I SIMPLY CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO THIS SHIT! It is sooooooo utterly damn ridiculous! That chorus is fucked up! The lyrics are fucked up too ["Which part mi head deh? Can't find it! Behaviour stink! Big toilet!"]! Thank you once again Skinny Fabulous for absolutely laying to ruins my plans.... oh and Mr. Killa's song is pretty good too if I can recall correctly, but it's been a really long time since last I've heard it. If you have anything positive going on in your life, PLEASE do not ruin it by listening to 'Garn'. If not, feel free to listen to this filth. 

While We Were Sleeping: SOCA!

Okay so, Last Time we told you about some of the more interesting Reggae and Reggae-ish projects that were released during our long time away and, as I said then, we'll probably get around to telling you about a few more that we missed at some point in the future as well. Today, however, we're going to take a look and a listen to some of my favourite and more interesting Soca songs that jumped and waved during that same time, while we were taking a nap. So, here're about fifteen songs which have , for one reason or another, impressed the hell out of me over the past five years or so. 

{Note: Songs appear in no particular order and were not written in the order they appear}

{Note 2: Will  probably do this again at some point also}

{Note 3: Post #1500 on this blog}

'Run Wid It' by Mr. Killa [2019]

Step 1: Grab something

Step 2: Pick it up

Step 3: Run with it

Mr. Killa did not care what it was that you picked up, nor was it at all important to him where you ran to after you picked it up. You could pick up an empty can. You and your friends could get together and pick up a car. While on your way to pick up that car with your friends, you could stop and pick up one of them. You could go to one of his shows and, as I've seen before, you could get on the stage..... and pick HIM up. It was not important. Just pick up something [anything] and run with it. Do it now. Thank you

{Note: This song was fucking dangerous!}

'Judgement Stage' by Patrice Roberts [2019]

From ever since her days spent as sidekick to Machel Montano, featuring alongside the superstar on such tunes as 'Band Of De Year', 'Tempa Wine', and the MASSIVE 'Rollin', what I have most wanted to hear from Patrice Roberts has been that single moment where she LOSES HER ENTIRE MIND! She's come close a few times, most notably with 2018's 'Sweet Fuh Days', but back in 2019, Patsy got in right with 'Judgement Stage'. I love her music. I love her more aggressive songs and her beautiful Groovy ones alike, but 'Judgement Stage' may've become the best one that I've heard from Roberts altogether. It was melodic. It was kind of angry. It was rough around the edges and it was gorgeous from beginning to end. I have literally spent hours at a time listening to NOTHING but this one. One of my favourite Soca songs ever. 

'Mad City' by MX Prime [2021]

I had forgotten all about this one and had to go back to the list and alter it (bumping out Iwer George and Kes in the process), because for the vast majority of last year, MX Prime's 'Mad City' was running right over me! The artist previously known as Maximus Dan linked with The Ultimate Rejects and produced this angry ass unforgettable moment which, though it may have lost some steam for me these days, once was a song I spent virtually every waking hour singing in my head in one way or another.

'Famalay' by Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin & Skinny Fabulous [2019]

I feel contractually obligated to mention 'Famalay' because, at least on paper, it may be THE single biggest song in the entire genre over the past decade or so. It's definitely in that discussion. The tune brought together Soca supernovas, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and Skinny Fabulous on the same damn tune. Previously Montano had worked with both artists and Skinny and Garlin would go onto do the maddening 'Reckless' afterwards, but 'Famalay', as its title would suggest, brought together three of the biggest names in the genre and they did not put a foot wrong. I've always thought that it was Garlin's star who shined the brightest here ["Well let me tell you one time: Family is family and that's different from bloodline"] amongst the three, but he alone did make it a winner as all three would show up properly in delivering the biggest tune of that year and almost any other year as well. 

'Not A Drill' by Muddy [2017]

In terms of people who weren't really on my radar at the start of our hiatus, Grenada's Muddy may actually be the best 'newcomer' over the last few years for me. He's had several really big songs that I've enjoyed over the last half-decade or so such as 'D.S.A.', Raging Bull', 'Madada' [MAD] and others, but my choice for his inclusion on this list (because he had to be here) was this TRULY ridiculous piece from five years ago, 'Not A Drill'.

"If you find I ignorant then you hit the nail on the head!"

If you and I meet and you come way thinking that I am a damn fool - RIGHT ON! You are correct sir/ma'am! I completely agree with you! We reward thoughts like that around here and, each and every year, I'm certain to keep an eye and an ear on what Muddy is up to.

'Brain Tun Off' by Lavaman [2017]

Leave it to the wholly one of a kind Lavaman to turn his brain completely off and find a way to be rewarded for it. Lavaman is one of those types who we may overlook in terms of his actual level of TALENT because his hype can be so overwhelming, but his 2017 cut of Wetty Beatz' Punch Bag Riddim, 'Brain Tun Off', demonstrated precisely what the Grenadian is capable of in the midst of some of the most infectious chaos consistently churned out in the genre (I'd also recommend 'I En Done' from 2017 as well). 

'Soca Saved My Life' by Destra [2019]

You know I had to include Destra in here somewhere. If you asked me my favourite Soca artist at this moment, I would probably say Skinny Fabulous (and that has probably been the case for.... maybe five or six years now really), but if you asked my favourite of all time - that distinction belongs to the diminutive fireball from out of Laventille, Trinidad, whose melodically masterful choas enhancers helped me in initially becoming a fan of a genre that has given me and my family SO much joy throughout the years (I grew up listening to Soca, but didn't really gain a taste for it until right when I entered adulthood basically). She's made a three or four songs that I have liked more than 'Soca Saved My Life' in recent times, but I choose to mention it over those (like 'Stage Party') (and 'NOW' with Nadia Batson) for its impact. While it didn't quite "save" my life, I would not want to imagine being without what is, by far, my favourite musical drug of choice... damn living, breathing adrenaline rush. 

'Geh Meh Mad' by Fay-Ann Lyons [2018]

Because she simply had to be here, for Fay-Ann Lyons' representative, I chose this MOODY, pulsing track from 2018, 'Geh Meh Mad', which was produced by veteran Keskeys. I don't know if would go as far as to call it one of the best songs she's ever done (that is saying a TON if you know what this woman has been up to for the last couple of decades or so), but what I will say is that from the very first time I heard it in late 2017 roughly, 'Geh Meh Mad' put me in a damn trance or something. It has this amazing hypnotic quality to it. Sit there and listen to it two or three times and you will find yourself kind of robotically singing along on the chorus

"..... geh meh mad

..... geh meh mad

..... geh meh mad

..... geh meh mad" 

Maybe that was the intention or just what happened with it, but 'Geh Meh Mad' was fucking dangerous! Do not listen to while operating machinery or holding a small child. 

'Lunacy' by Gabrielle [2018]

I didn't know much about Gabrielle Palandy when she dropped the seriously underrated 'Lunacy', a few years back... and I still don't know too much about Gabrielle, having heard very little from her (maybe just one song since this one, actually, and that was from just last year. 'Congo Gal', nice song). 'Lunacy' was just SO DAMN COOL with Gabrielle fully embracing and CELEBRATING the ridiculous side that is, at least hopefully, alive and thriving in us all. It definitely brought her to my attention and chances are you probably didn't hear it - now is a good time to become acquainted. 

'John Wick' by Skinny Fabulous [2021]

GRRR! 

A big credit definitely goes in the direction of Kay Frass Production and the larger than life Lavaman (who should be in here, somewhere, with a tune of his own), who is responsible for the blazing Legends Riddim which carried the latest in the line of equally GIANT, powerful tunes from my current favourite Soca star today, St. Vincent flamer, Skinny Fabulous, 'John Wick', which follows such unforgettably energized pieces as 'Head Bad', 'Duracell', 'Cave', 'Monster', 'Beast Leh Go', 'Di General', 'Mash Up International', 'Fyah Anthem', 'Godzilla', 'Scary' (which is my favourite), 'Ignorant', and others (DAMN!). If you love power Soca, Skinny Fabulous has probably done more for you than anyone besides.... well, I was about  to say Montano, but I think he's topped even the monk in recent times. 'John Wick' in particular was MADNESS! It was a beautiful piece of carnage just like the movies it was named after (they keep making the same movie over and over again, basically, but I thoroughly enjoy them).

"IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MOVE THEN YOU WILL GET TRAMPLED!

DO NOT FOLLOW US CAUSE WI IS BAD EXAMPLE!"

'Pieces' by Skinny Fabulous [2021]

If you've suffering from some type of cabin fever or pandemic blues over the past few years, you were most certainly not alone and Soca music, in full, was there for you - making several big tunes in observation of the moment. The biggest? It was probably Skinny Fabulous who swore to every one who could hear him that after "so long we've been waiting":

"THE FIRST PARTY WE TOUCH, IT AHGO MASH UP INNA PIECES!"

Not the most aggressive track on this list, but with Hunta Flow's fittingly middle of the road vibed Say When Riddim, 'Pieces' was as forecastingly DESTRUCTIVE as one could have hoped and I'm sure the man kept his word. 

'Into You' by Patrice Roberts [2020]

After Skinny Fabulous Patrice Roberts may just be my second favourite Soca artist going today (Fay-Ann would also have something to say about that as well) and she has come to that point largely based on a wonderful consistent ability to churn out SWEET Groovy masterpieces. While we were away she continued right along, business as usual, serving up DIAMONDS such as this wonderful track from 2019, 'Into You'. Precision Productions lent their delicious part old school Dancehall, part Soca riddim, the 10x Over to  the songstress and, in turn, she gave them a BEAUTIFUL song which, at least in my opinion, is one of her finest ever! That's saying a lot when you consider her catalogue, but 'Into You' was THAT good.

'The Struggle' by Bunji Garlin [2020]

Lest you ever forget just how lyrical Soca music can be and how it isn't just about jumping, waving and misbehaving, there will always be Bunji Garlin and he will always have performances like the Jus Now helmed 'The Struggle' from just a couple of years back (well, maybe not exactly like it. This one was special). 'The Struggle' was a mammoth chunk of GENIUS! It was so damn smart and, ultimately, has gone on to become one of my favourite Garlin songs from the last decade or so and maybe even ever. The tune was not only very lyrical, featuring downright immaculate wordplay, but it was pure, authentic Soca music. It wasn't Dancehall-ish or -esque or any of that shit. It featured Garlin with his incomparable wordy arsenal in full display in a way we have rarely, if ever, heard on a song before (I'm sure we have, the man has had some GEMS). 

'Savannah Grass' by Kes [2019]

While it was definitely difficult not to get lost in the buzz created by the mammoth 'Famalay' in 2019, one of the tunes which not only faired very well for itself but THRIVED during the time was this, in my opinion even stronger, effort from Kes, the downright STUNNING 'Savannah Grass'. The tune has topped the still mighty 'Wotless' from a few seasons back to become Kes' biggest hit to date (at least as far as I can tell) and with great reason: It was absolutely phenomenal. I know people (two in particular) who think 'Savannah Grass' is the greatest piece of Soca ever created -- by anyone, ever -- and while I couldn't quite go that far, such compliments are not totally outlandish for this instant classic.

'Hookin Meh' by Farmer Nappy [2019]

Woman. You are looking entirely too damn good and this food you just cooked tastes entirely too damn good for me us to break up. I'm sorry. I will do my best to improve as a man and make some changes... but, nope. We are not breaking up right now.

That is the sentiment behind this WONDERFUL track from underrated Trini star and one of Soca' most consistent acts, Farmer Nappy, 'Hookin Meh'. Riding the infectious Purple Heart Riddim courtesy of De Red Boyz and Country Life Music, 'Hookin Meh' became a definite winner from the Farmer in a career that, whether you realize it or not, is absolutely BRIMMING with hits of varying degrees. This was one for the vaults and a mighty task you'll undertake in trying to forget it (trust me, I just failed at forgetting it). 

Upset! Otis - Grenada Soca Monarch 2010

Yow! When I'm wrong I have to say I'm wrong and a little while ago, I heard reigning and defending Grenada Soca Monarch, Mr. Killa's Monarch tune, 'See Dem Fly' and that tune was wicked, so I declared Spicemas Soca Monarch 2010 a "WRAP". Well, I was WRONG (as hell), because some dude named Kelvin Celestine [bka Otis] apparently took the crown with his tune, 'Tornado', which had to have torn a big fucking whole in the place. I didn't actually see the competition and while I know that Mr. Killa took second, I don't know who took third (probably Luni Sparks & Electrify) (or Zingo). But, it's all about Otis, so definitely congratulations. You might remember him from last year, telling everyone to 'Reclaim The Skies', but I don't know too much about the man, so if Grenada just has RANDOM DUDES jumping up and beating the Killa, then . . . Yeah, that might be interesting next year. Listening to his tune, I'm pretty sure what Otis had to have done to take the crown is to create one BIG ASS circle in the audience, either that or he somehow got a big tornado to LITERALLY drop on stage (and probably hurt himself doing it, but it was worth it). It actually sounds more like a Road March tune to me and he will be dangerous on the Road, I'm sure. But biggup Otis. Biggup Rankin Marvin (a Calypso) who took Groovy Monarch, also last night and also biggup Tallpree who is 2010 Grenada Village Soca Monarch (he also won last year, playing a wicked jab). And check out Otis' qualifying performance at the SEMI-FINALS a little while ago.

Mr. Killa - 'See Dem Fly'

Speaking of Soca Monarchs. Achis Reggae favourite, Mr. Killa, reigning Soca Monarch of Grenada has recently pushed the tune he anticipates attempting to defend his crown with next week, 'See Dem Fly'. I try to avoid saying "never", but uhmmm, yeah - Grenada Soca Monarch - That's a wrap. It's over the man has taken the crown without even setting foot on the stage. I haven't quite looked at the competition (although I should), but off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure Tallpree isn't reaching which would leave someone like Luni Sparks & Electrify and maybe Lavaman as the main competition, but . . . Yep. It's not happening.

"I am the baddest thing!
Tell me, why you start a war?
Tell them I am the King
Tell dem boy I am di Emperor!
Why they trouble trouble
When trouble don't trouble dem
Tonight is Soca Monarch and I come to murder dem!"

Mr. Killa: 2009 Grenada Soca Monarch

Mr. Killa

Unfortunately we were unable to attend (wife got sick) but last night Mr. Killa (aka Baby Killa) (aka Hollice Mapp) dethroned reigning Grenada Soca Monarchs Luni Sparks & Electrify to once again take the crown. I don't know how many times now he's won that title but Killa is by far one of the maddest, craziest and most ridiculous performers in all of Soca and is always amongst the favourites to take the crown going into Spice Mas. His tune, Swing It Away, in my opinion, was CLEARLY the best that I heard from out of Greenz this year

Luni Sparks & Electrify (pictured alongside Killa) did take second with their tune, Eruption.

Although I think they should have went with Mad Energy

But they probably would not have won with either tune as Killa's tune was absolute madness. Also hoping we get an album from Killa this year as he definitely had a couple which were top notch and would look mighty fine headlining a long player. ANDDDDDDD of course the winner of Grenada's Soca Monarch does qualify for next year's big show in TnT, so hopefully Killa can get a sponsor and some decent funds because in such a competition which figures to be wiiiiiiiiiiiiiide open next year, he can definitely be a dark horse in the race (like Skinny Fabulous). So congratulations to Mr. Killa and see you in Trinidad boss.