Endless New and Newer from Trinity Farm Music

"Heart Of One" [Trinity Farm Music]

 1. 'Yadding By The Rivers' by Arkaingelle

2. 'Faith' by Dre Z Melodi

3. 'Wadada Today' by Haile Maskel

4. 'Luv Yu' by Hikari Zion

5. 'Take Frontline' by Jah Myhrakle

6. 'Everything Fine' by Ickarus

7. 'Same Family' by Ras Elijah Tafari

8. 'Rastafari Guide The Way' by Isayah

9. 'Moralist' by Kali Wale

10. 'By His Words' by Jah Myhrakle

11. 'Want More' by Xkaliba

12. 'You Can Be' by King Hopeton

13. 'Keep My Health' by Dre Z Melodi

14. 'Depression' by Rob Symeonn

15. 'Refugee' by Noble Culture

16. 'To Africa' by Ickarus

17. 'Hot Hot Hot' by Ras Elijah Tafari

18. 'StrucJah' by Isayah

19. 'Negust Is Ruler' by Haile Maskel

20. 'Natural' by Messenjah Selah

21. 'Not In The Mood' by Noble Culture

Okay so, when we last spoke to [about] the wonderfully prolific people at Trinity Farm Music, they were dealing with yet another release from the equally active Ancient King, following the [other] new album release from the determined chanter (biggup Determine), "Oath Of Akae". Next week, by the time you read this, the label is back with a BIG new compilation with a very interesting roster of vocalists that definitely caught my attention, "Heart Of One".

Who's here, exactly??? Well, there's Rob Symeonn, there's the Arkaingelle, Noble Culture, our old friend Messenjah Selah, RAS ELIJAH TAFARI [!], KING HOPETON, Jah Myhrakle, "Original Nine Fingers" Xkaliba, Star Lion Family veteran, Ickarus, and others! I mean.... that is BRUTAL and I mean that in a great way. TFM has been flaming as of late (and it continues. I'm writing this one Saturday, the 19th and, yesterday, they released 'Africa', a new tune from Abja) and a really big compilation like 'Heart Of One" presumably stacks up to be, is a damn strong addition to their catalogue in my opinion. The label... there's something about them that... I don't know.... There's something really strong about this lot. It almost comes off like their RAN by music fans - if that makes any sense at all. Trinity Farm is making moves and working with individuals that I would work with! 'Let's make an Ancient King album!', 'let's do something with.... Danny I'.

And if you think they're just kind of making cheap stuff and throwing it all against the wall to see what (if anything) sticks, I would point you in the direction of an album they did about a year and a half ago by the name of "Living Testament", by Akae Beka, which was subsequently named Album of The Year 2024 by this blog. They make REALLY good stuff as well. It isn't quantity over quality. 

You can check both quantity (twenty-one tracks in all) and, likely, quality in just a few days on the 23rd of July when Trinity Farm Music returns with "Heart Of One". I will be there and so will you.... it isn't like you have anything better to do. 

Coming Soon From Glen Washington!

"Just Giving Thanks" by Glen Washington [Tad's Records]

1. 'Sweet Loving and Affection'

2. 'Love Will Never Run Away'

3. 'Better Than Before'

4. 'Goodness and Mercy'

5. 'Heart Attack'

6. 'Chant Them Down'

7. 'Oh, To Be Like H.I.M.'

8. 'Loving You Forever'

9. 'Square One'

10. 'Love Knows No Shame'

11. 'Dreadlocks Conqueror'

12. 'Seeking Jah Love'

13. 'A Change Is Gonna Come'

14. 'Are You Ready?'

Okay so, today we have a few problems, a few issues, that we really need to talk about. Venerable veteran singer from out of Clarendon, Glen Washington, is back with a new album this week. That, in and of itself, is pretty big news but he has been quite active in recent times has Washington. Just last year, he released "Feeling Irie" and the year before that was "Mr. Washington" (for the fine folks at Love Injection) and there was a re-release the year prior to that as well for "Wandering Stranger". As I said, the man's been at work (there was also "Jah Children", a strong EP for the Zion I Kings, in 2023). This time, however, things seem a bit different. 

On the 30th of May -- this forthcoming Friday -- the singer is set to release yet another album, "Just Giving Thanks" for the always so damn welcomed Tad's Records and I have heard quite a bit of it (courtesy of that wonderful site with the... entire song-long clips) and.... it... it's kinda excellent. I mean it is REALLY GOOD! You're going to hear it and think it pretty much standard fare for Glen Washington. It's fourteen songs about love & Jah across a heap of classic/classic sounding riddims. That's it. That's all it is. He's been doing the exact same thing for the best part of a half a century (literally all of it), but I'm under the impression that, in 2025, he' s mining gold with this latest set.

Highlights are in abundance but particularly highpoints include the all kinds of interesting 'Square One', 'Goodness and Mercy', 'Heart Attack', 'Better Than Before' (which, I THINK, is the first single), 'Chant Them Down', 'Dreadlocks Conqueror'.... I should stop there before I end up naming the entire album.

Sometimes I get these things wrong but I am DAMN confident on this one. What I believe to be a potentially special release from Glen Washington, "Just Giving Thanks" on Tad's Records, is available later this week - but you knew that already. 

New From Ancient King!

"Oath Of Akae" by Ancient King [Trinity Farm Music]

1. 'Oath Of Akae'

2. 'Kiddus Kiddus Kiddus'

3. 'The Earth is Egziabheer'

4. 'Tender Obedience'

5. 'Ak Who You'

6. 'Hites'

7. 'It's The Rain'

8. 'Permit The Child'

9. 'Make Someone Smile'

10. 'Brake All Chains'

11. 'Convenient Store Tree'

12. 'Peace Is Possible'

Okay so, a minute or two ago, we just told you about a new, forthcoming album from the Volcano Trumpet, Qshan Deya', "Reggae Ambassador", and as it turns out, the week prior to the return of Deya', another of our favourites is set to release his latest studio creation. Fiery Cruzan chanter, Ancient King, is back and back alongside a very familiar source - teaming up with Trinity Farm Music for "Oath Of Akae". 

The title of this album will SURELY catch quite a bit of attention amongst fans as Ancient King was a frequent spar of the legendary Vaughn Benjamin and when I first saw the name, I immediately took it to be some type of honour to Benjamin (and that's how I'm still taking it, at least in part). I've had the opportunity to listen to a bit of "Oath Of Akae" (because it's on that wonderful site with the "samples" which are basically entire songs if you've got the time to put them together) and I'm enjoying what I'm hearing. Early favourites include 'The Earth Is Egziabheer' (you can actually listen to that entire song because it was a previous single), DEFINITELY 'Ak Who You' & 'Brake All Chains', 'Peace Is Possible' and another tune, 'Make Someone Smile' has also began growing on me, just a bit. It doesn't seem very long ago that we dealt with Ancient King's most recent set, "Seh Selassie I", for Ras Elyment (it was like a year and half ago) and I'm already looking forward to digging into this one as well.

So are you! We'll both get what we want on the 2nd of May (literally the day after tomorrow at this point) when "Oath Of Akae", the new album by Ancient King on Trinity Farm Music reaches our brains... through our ears; but you probably knew all of that already. 

Qshan Deya' is the Reggae Ambassador

"Reggae Ambassador" by Qshan Deya' [House Of Riddim - 2025]

1. 'Thanks and Praise' 
2. 'Paradigm Shift'
3. 'Best Version'
4. 'Reggae Ambassador'
5. 'System Corrupt'
6. 'Wicked People'
7. 'Vatican'
8. 'Love and Harmony'
9. 'Saturday Night'
10. 'So In Love'
11. 'Close To Me'
12. 'Butterfly'
13. 'Weed'
14. 'Reggae'

Okay so, big news today as we are very close to the release of a brand new album from a somewhat reclusive longtime favourite of ours as the Volcano Trumpet, Qshan Deya', is soon to return with a big, brand new album courtesy of beloved 'vibes outfitter' (you cannot tell me that isn't a cool way of saying 'producer') House of Riddim from out of Austria, "Reggae Ambassador". Doing my weekly rounds of seeing what new had popped up, I was DAMN HAPPY to see this one in the offering as not only is "new Qshan Deya' album of massive interest to me but, again, pretty much anything the HOR lays their hands on will stand up on our radars and the fact that the two of them are at work together makes this a potentially HUGE deal. 

The last bit that I'd heard of Deya' was that the St. Vincy born singer had actually repatriated and had moved to Ghana (a quick bit of research seems to confirm that he is still living in Ghana and has been for a couple of years now) and now he's back with a new album, so named after a recent single. Listening through the clips of "Reggae Ambassador" - nothing at all has changed, musically, as you would expect as Deya touches on the usual topics in the usual manner that we've come to expect from him in his wonderful career to date.

Want to hear more?? Of course you do. Join me in doing just that on the 9th of May, when Qshan Deya' & House Of Riddim release "Reggae Ambassador". 

Strength & Resilience by Lutan Fyah!

"Strength & Resilience" by Lutan Fyah [I Grade Records]

1. 'Warning Dem'

2. 'Listen Mama'

3. 'Leader Before Me'

4. 'Just The Time' featuring Akae Beka

5. 'Strength & Resilience'

6. 'Pieces Of Broken Soul'

7. 'African Children'

8. 'Drain The Swamp'

9. 'Freedom Sound'

10. 'Secrets'

11. 'Protect Your Energy'

12. 'Days After Summer' featuring Queen Omega

13. 'Tomorrow Today'

PROBLEMS! Okay so, with 2025 (we made it!) well in progress, we look ahead at what and who might stop by to make for a suitable followup to a year in 2024 which may not have been brimming with greatness, but was quite solid in retrospect and... well apparently a pair of looooongtime favourites are providing us with what may just be the year's first TRULY great album release (it will be). Just about eight years ago now, the brilliant Lutan Fyah FINALLY officially linked up with the equally sagacious I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings to produce a long awaited by me album, "Music Never Dies". We reviewed it at a 5/5 [DUHHHHHH!]. It was fantastic and immediately became a favourite of mine from both catalogues of artist and label. Now, a few weeks shy of what will be its eight anniversary, a release is set for "Music Never Dies" as Lutan Fyah and IGR present "Strength & Resilience". I had NO CLUE that this album was in the offering and in the process of doing what I do every couple of weeks or so and just checking through a few sources, I came upon it and you can imagine just how DAMN HAPPY I was to see it. Though the Spanish Town chanter has steadily released singles and EP's over the years, the case could be well made that the "Music Never Dies" set was his last genuinely big album release and it is well overdue that the Fyah returns to scorch everything, everywhere.

2017

I've actually gotten to listen to a bit of "Strength & Resilience" already (courtesy of that one website with the long-winded previews) and it is EXACTLY what you would expect. OBVIOUSLY a lot of my attentions were focused on the pair of combinations, 'Just The Time' and 'Days After Summer', the former featuring oft-Lutan Fyah spar, Akae Beka, while the latter calls in, RIDICULOUSLY, the incomparable Queen Omega (a Lutan Fyah/Queen Omega tune....) (sometimes I have too many words) (sometimes I have none), but I also hear an uncredited guest on 'Freedom Sound' (pretty sure I know who that is, but if they're not saying it, then neither am I) and I also hear a song called 'African Children' which is the current leader for me here. 'African Children' is SOARING! 

I'm pretty sure the rest of the album is as well and you can join me in finding how just how high it does hit when "Strength & Resilience" releases on the 28th of February. TIME TO GET EXCITED. 

Da Grammy's 2025

Okay so, it is that magical, wonderful time of the year when we all begin to take a look back at the year that was and we do this by... taking a look ahead at what is to come in the form of The Grammy Awards, early next year, given to [what they believe] the year's finest Reggae album [...or what they deem to be an "album"]. Today we take a look at the nominees and end up making a sure-to-be-inaccurate prediction. We do it every years so.... let's get to it. 

{Note: No. CLEARLY I did not feel like writing an intro for this one. So I apologize for its poor quality. The rest of this post is goo... is as bad as it normally is}

"Take It Easy" by Collie Buddz [Harper Digital]

TECHNICALLY, last year Bermy star, Collie Buddz, was also nominated via his lovely riddim, the Cali Roots and his name is back on the bill this year in a more direct form via his own album, "Take It Easy" (...which also released in 2023 but, apparently, it had passed the deadline). "Take It Easy" fully deserves to be her. It is a GOOD album and, given the fact that the people who vote for these things should be well familiar with Collie Buddz' name you'd expect an album of his in 2024 (or 2023) to snatch a nomination. Previous nominee (and winner) Bounty Killer ups the star power present, giving "Take It Easy" a more LOGICAL look at a Grammy. 

"Never Gets Late Here" by Shenseea [Rich Immigrants + Interscope Records]

Given her popularity and her prolificacy (and the fact that she just hit twenty-eight years old), you'd have to think that a Grammy at some point is in the future of superstar, Shenseea so don't be surprised if 2025 is her year with "Never Gets Late Here". Though I've yet to enjoy much of her work when compiled together (pretty sure I'm not her target audience), the ridiculously high level of talent is un-ignorable. Lyrically, Shenseea can do some SERIOUS damage and do it effortlessly. The greatest example of that, here, was a tune called 'Tap Out' but she's shown it in glaring spots throughout the years. "Never Gets Late Here" was quite well received amongst her fans as far as I could tell and heavily promoted as well and, like I said, perhaps this is her time.

"Bob Marley: One Love" Music Inspired by the Film Deluxe [Island Records]

Probably the on-paper favourite this year would be the soundtrack to, easily, one of the biggest moments in Reggae music in 2024, the film "Bob Marley: On Love". The original version of the album features music exclusively from the Gong, himself, while the nominated deluxe set features work of the legendary singer placed into the hands of several different vocalists. Most notable (to my audience) would be the likes of Skip Marley, Mystic Marley and the aforementioned Shenseea. That being said, I don't particularly like this album, AT ALL, but you're not shocked at all if, given its origins, that it goes home with the prize.

"Evolution" by The Wailers [Crescent Moon Records + Marshall Sound]

From Marley's movie to his band. The immortal Wailers checked in for 2024 with the new project, "Evolution" which, although it didn't seem to generate a ton of buzz, was a fine production and one of the finest of the entire year from the genre, in my opinion. I don't find myself keeping up as much as I should with the wailers these days but I did take "Evolution" for a listen when it released (a couple of weeks or so after my birthday) and I was WELL impressed with songs such as 'You Belong To Me', 'Holding On' with Gramps Morgan, 'Generation' with Michael Rose, the all kinds of catchy 'Give It Up' featuring the timeless Marcia Griffiths as well as the closer 'Sins' and the title track. By my count, this is the fourth time the Wailers have been nominated for this award (in one form or another) and you'd think they'd win it one of these years, eventually; 2025 may just be it with, arguably, the single best album on this list.

"Party With Me" by Vybz Kartel [Adidjahiem Records]

To the surprise of absolutely no one, also getting a Grammy nod this year is the recently freed, Vybz Kartel, who, as expected, wasted NO TIME AT ALL, in putting together a piece of work and setting it out to the masses. Said work, "Party With Me", was EONS from his best work to my opinion and he'll likely never hit those heights again (when Kartel was at his zenith, there was NOTHING like him), but his nomination here goes to show that not even thirteen years directly out of the spotlight (.....but not REALLY) have diminished his popularity.

and the winner izzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......

"Take It Easy" by Collie Buddz

Just being nominated a year ago, you would think, would have provided Collie Buddz with a familiar advantage because MOST LIKELY many of the same people who voted in 2023 are voting again in 2024. On top of that, the artist has a name which goes back quite awhile ('Come Around' is nearing two decades old at this point) and, as I said, "Take It Easy" is just good. I am rarely correct on these predictions and just assume that I'll be wrong but I am actually EXPECTING Collie Buddz to win it this time. Am I right. Probably not, but who cares. See who takes home the Grammy for Best Reggae album (as well as the rest of them) on the 2nd of February, 2025.

See It Deh by Ras Shiloh!

"See It Deh" by Ras Shiloh [Reggae Vibes Productions]

1. 'Endless Joy'

2. 'Righteousness'

3. 'Hail The King'

4. 'Happiness'

5. 'Here I Come'

6. 'Long Live The King'

7. 'Never Be Enough'

8. 'On My Ship'

9. 'People Be Free'

10. 'See It Deh'

11. 'System'

12. 'Tears From My Eyes'

Were the prospects of a new album from Norris Man not enough for you for this week (GREEDY!), then the sweet and divine Reggae powers have something else that you just may be interested in as yet another well GRIZZLED veteran is set to release a new album of his own (and his first featuring original material in several centuries) when Ras Shiloh brings forth "See It Deh"! The album comes via the very nice Reggae Vibes Productions, a label who has, perhaps quietly but effectively, established an excellent reputation of their own with a history stretching back to around of a quarter of a century or so (I first really began to pay attention to RVP when they released the blistering "Unlimited" album by Jah Mason ["MI DUN SI DEM MOVE! MI DUN SI DEM FLEX!"] [BOOM!] and is Shiloh's first of any type from 2020's "Ras Shiloh Remembers Garnet Silk" and first carrying original songs since..... 2007 [!!] when the singer would release a pair of albums "Only King Selassie" & "Coming  Home" for Greensleeves & VP Records, respectively ('Coming Home" is a borderline modern classic. It is excellent and "Only King Selassie" isn't very far behind it).

Looking through the tracklist, along with the title track, "See It Deh" has a few familiar tunes that I recognize such as 'Long Love The King', 'Righteousness', relatively recent single, 'On My Ship', and maybe one or two others as well. Listening through some of the clips of this one, I have a really good feeling about what "See It Deh" ultimately turns out to be and I cannot wait to wrap my ears around the finished product. 

That wait won't be long at all as Ras Shiloh's "See It Deh" is set to release by Reggae Vibes Productions this Friday, the 26th of July. 

Coming Soon From Norris Man

"Free Man" by Norris Man [Tad's Records]

1. 'Righteous'
2. 'Burn Babylon'
3. 'Ahead A Dem'
4. 'Going Out On You'
5. 'Baby's Mom'
6. 'Free Man'
7. 'Fighting For My Rights'
8. 'Jah Is The Almighty'
9. 'Jah Love'
10. 'To Jah I Pray'
11. 'Gun Hawk'

Okay so, given the fact that it's about two and half months out, I may be going early with this one but it has been on radars from maybe as early as late last year (and I haven't finished my review yet. Although it is progressing along nicely), I thought that I'd tell you wonderful, awful taste having folks about an upcoming release that I am VERY excited about. "Free Man" becomes the latest release from the scalding veteran from out of Trenchtown, Norris Man. The album, delightfully, comes courtesy of Tad's Records (who's always in a good form) and follows, most closely, late 2023's solid "Life" album from Danish imprint, E.Turn.A.T.  

....a few months ago

As I've said in the recent past, I've slotted Norris Man into a select group of veteran artists, along with the likes of Mark Wonder, Elijah Prophet, Spragga Benz and maybe just a few more as names who really have seemed to hit a level of undeniable consistency which has made it virtually impossible to ignore what they've been up to. With his style, however, Norris' case may be THE most unique of them all because it isn't something that appeals to everyone, inherently (myself included). With all of that being said, and with the brief bits I have heard of "Free Man" (which consists of clips of the title track and 'Fighting For My Rights', although a couple of the others also seem familiar - such as the ULTRA terrestrial 'Jah Love'), my expectations and anticipations have been well heightened and prime and I cannot wait to lay my ears on whatever this one turns out to be.

I'll have to though. The latest album from Norris Man, "Free Man", is set to release on the 26th of July, via Tad's Records. LET'S GO!

Reemah Returns!

Maybe because it's been awhile since we've last heard from her, or maybe you were unaware in the first place, but Reemah is a genius. Clearly, the esteemed Silly Walks agrees as they've tapped the Virgin Islands word scientist for their latest creation, the triumphant and flatly nommed Roots and Culture Riddim and she WELL rewards their work with the MASSIVE 'As Far As I Can See'.  

"As far as I can see, the  truth it must reveal

Because di system is a plague, people a get sick

DEM DUTTY LIKE A SEPTIC

As far as I can tell, they cannot prevail

And all di wicked dem ah plan could never work out

DI FYAH NEVA BURN OUT

From di people still ah suffer, bun a fyah mek it melt

Whole a dem a lyah, sell wi out fi just a cent

Neva care bout humanity and it evident

MONEY A DEM GOD BUT MOST HIGH A WHO WI REPRESENT

Hand inna di air and inna di water

Biological weapon a wah dem order

No si di countless millions who dem ah torture

FLY OUTTA BABYLON, WATCH MI DEPORT YA!

Inna di midst of psychological oppression, dem waan wi inna decline-

Inna deep depression

Cause di system got wi blind 

CONSCIOUSNESS INNA REGRESSION

And di pressures got wi stressing, basically go use discretion

Wah mek di rich, alone, ah benefit?

And inna di ghetto, most of di people dem no well-equipped

POLITICIANS STOP DI BS CAH WI SMELLING IT!

RELIGION IS A POISON AND THEY'RE SELLING IT!

Pure genocide, dem ah seek

Nuff a dem a big parasite, dem a leech 

Dem no got no love

Instead di war dem ah teach

DEM AH TRY SUPPRESS DI TRUTH AND SO DEM WHITEWASH AND AH BLEACH

Wi beseech dem

Cah money pile, you no si how dem ah stock it

ALL WHEN DEM AH STOCK IT, TEK IT FROM DI POOR POCKET

IF A POOR POCKET, DEM AH SEH A MORE PROFIT

FYAH BUN DEM AUTOMATIC!"

Grrrrrr! To my ears, as it has always been, that is a VERY RARE skill that Reemah possesses. The ability to both write it and then deliver it melodically is extra-terrestrial. She is existing in the stars somewhere!

And, in case you're wondering, Silly Walks also spread the R&C Riddim around just a bit, with Jesse Royal also providing his own excellent take atop it. Royal's old school saturated riddim title track is (fantastic) from years ago and, apparently, someone at the label realized [correctly] that they had a potential jewel on their hands and brought it back. Also, do not sleep at all on either 'Lift Me' or 'Jah Jah See' from Jah Lil and Inezi, respectively, as both are top notch efforts as well (especially 'Jah Jah See') (it's a little I Wayne-esque to my ears). 

So, be sure to check out the latest release, 'As Far As I Can See', from the incomparable Reemah who is in her typical destructive form as the world awaits her next full length release; as well as the rest of the big artists on the Roots and Culture Riddim from Silly Walks when it drops on the 5th of April.

Romain Virgo is The Gentle Man

"The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo [VP Records]

1. 'Been There Before' featuring Masicka

2. 'Switch You On'

3. 'Good Woman'

4. 'I Believe' featuring Patoranking

5. 'Want You Now'

6. 'Red Dress'

7. 'Driver'

8. 'No Curfew'

9. 'Take It Or Leave It'

10. 'Just Like That'

11. 'Bridges' featuring Jesse Royal

12. 'You Must Pay' featuring Capleton

Okay so, last time we quickly mentioned an interesting fact that on the first of March this new year already set was a couple of albums from Exco Levi and Julian Marley in a move reminiscent of the 24th of March last year (when Queen Omega and Chezidek pushed what turned out to be my first and second favourite albums of the year, "Freedom Legacy" and "Never Stop", respectively), that day is getting more and more crowded as joining the lot is sweet singing young veteran, Romain Virgo, is back with VP Records for his latest creation, the cool-titled "The Gentle Man". Boasting production from the likes of Seani B and the legendary Don Corleon as well as a vocal group of collaborators which includes the incomparable King Of Fire, Capleton, "The Gentle Man" figures to be, at least on paper, one of the biggest Reggae releases of 2024... and, at least in my opinion, Virgo has always proven to live up to expectations. From the earliest of stages of his career, the singer has seemed to have a bit of a different 'air' about him and those who are mostly (or completely) deaf can hear the quality of his music.

For example, check the absolutely MAMMOTH 'Good Woman' which is carried by "The Gentle Man" and fans might also recognize other big, big efforts such as the infectious 'Switch You On' and the class personified 'Driver'. 

I'm convinced, I don't need to hear much of this one to confirm it (still gonna listen to it though). Want a big album?? On the first of March, check out "The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo and you will have your prize. 

Coming Soon: Living Testament by Akae Beka

"Living Testament" by Akae Beka [Trinity Farm Music]

Okay so, while I'm still in the process of placing a bow on the solid year that was 2023, 2024 is already in the process of digging in its feet and getting started and, looking around, we've already seen a nice release or two in the year's first couple of weeks or so (biggup Elijah Prophet), with a few more set to come (both Exco Levi and Julian Marley are releasing new albums on the first of March ("Born To Be Free" and "Chapters: I Remember", respectively). With that being said (with respect to the Prophet, I haven't listened to his album, "Keys To Education" just yet and he is prone to greatness... should probably do that after I finish writing this), potentially 2024's first genuinely HUGE release is now set to be forthcoming soon as the great Akae Beka returns via the increasingly crucial Trinity Farm Music from out of California with "Living Testament". I could go into this one on paper just a bit (and I probably will), but I'm going to tell you one thing right now about "Living Testament": IT SOUNDS FANTASTIC. There is a website which I've mentioned before called Junodownload.com and that website not only gives you GIANT sound clips as a default but, if you have the patience, you can actually piece together entire songs and albums and I've done that quite a bit with this particular set. As I said, it is excellent!

Ahead of "Living Testament", TFM has already delivered its initial single, the very well received 'Who Will Go For Us' and, along with Akae Beka, Trinity Farm has also done works with a number of talented vocalists (just within the last year, alone), including the likes of Rob Symeon, Ras Abja, Danny I ["You take my mind pon holiday. Completely"] (BOOM!), JAH RUBAL [!] and even the great Army with whom the label released a lovely EP in April, "Higher Ground". So, be you unfamiliar with the work of Trinity Farm Music, you DEFINITELY need not worry as the label has well demonstrated themselves to be more than capable.

Along with the aforementioned 'Who Will Go For Us', early favourites include its chaser, the GORGEOUS 'Holding The Amen Key' (what a title!), the scathing 'Reforms Unseen', 'S On The Chest', 'Rebellion Running', 'Stone Of The Corner' and others... 'Like All Around Man Yard (album's eleven songs long and I just named damn near the entire thing as potential highlights) (I am NOT sorry. I DO NOT APOLOGIZE). 

Maybe that's not the case (it is) and I'm wrong (not today) (surely tomorrow, but not today). Find out for yourself when Akae Beka's "Living Testament" is declared on the 16th Of February.

{Note: Just in case you haven't figured it out, I have a VERY good feeling about this one}

Khalia's debut EP: Stay True

"Stay True" by Khalia [Ineffable Records]

1. 'Waiting On You'

2. 'Didn't I'

3. 'Tings & Time'

4. 'Double Trouble'

5. 'No Answer' featuring Tanya Stephens

6. 'Stay True'

7. 'Go'

Okay so, though it's still quite a bit off (not too far, about a month and a half), I thought you'd be well interested in learning that someone who is in the process of becoming a favourite of ours around here, the EXTREMELY impressive Khalia, is set to deliver her debut EP via Ineffable Records, "Stay True". The seven-tracked set has been greatly anticipated on our end as Khalia has been positively FLAMING as of late with BIG tunes such as 'No Answer' alongside Tanya Stephens  and the MAMMOTH Collie Buddz produced 'High'. Her style is a LOVELY modern Lover's Rock centered type of vibe which Khalia has spent the past half-decade or so developing into the absolute MARVEL that it is today (aided by the genius hands of Tony Kelly). 

A couple of weeks or so ago, Ineffable and the Jamaican born, UK grown songstress dropped 'Waiting On You', the SWEET, CLEVER and SEXY first single from "Stay True" and the reaction has been extremely positive. 'Waiting On You' is gold. Hopefully the balance of the tracks live up to that level (and I'm sure they will) and I'm particularly interested in hearing 'Tings & Time' whose title is giving me all kinds of cool ideas as to what it could possibly be about and how it could sound. 

One the year's most anticipated EP releases, Khalia's "Stay True" is available on Ineffable Records from the 27th of October. Time to get excited.  

Smile Awhile With Irie Sounds International!

Okay so, it's definitely been a minute since the last time we caught up with our old friend James "Dr. Seuss" Lord and company at Irie Sounds International (a quick search on these pages says it been.... almost seven years since last we mentioned one of their projects) (the excellent Palestine Riddim which you should check out) and catching up with old friends is usually a good thing, especially when it sounds like this. The label fortunately did not take the same hiatus that we did over the past few years and has been hard at work. I was pleasantly surprised to see to their co-credit was a tune from last year  that I really enjoyed but had no idea that ISI had a part of creating, 'Stand Up', which was Bushman's take on the pandemic. I have subsequently discovered that the tune was part of the Picking Up The Pieces Riddim which features other fine tunes by Ras Attitude, Chezidek and others (like Binghi Ghost, whose 'Win the Race' is very nice and that riddim was BEAUTIFUL) and they also did the Glory Riddim, carrying lovely tracks from Lutan Fyah, Alaine and someone I'm about to tell you about today as well ["Glory to Jah in the highest! His Imperial Highness!"]. I was surprised to hear that James had packed up and actually moved to Ethiopia as of last year (how cool is that?!), but not at all shocked to hear that he was still hard at work and he told me to check out his latest release, the fittingly named, Smile Awhile Riddim. The track features a pair of selections from a couple of our favourites and if you aren't doing anything else at the moment, I'd like to tell you about them. 

'Life Is So Amazing' by Perfect Giddimani

When I first heard 'Life Is So Amazing' one of the first things that went through my mind was just how well ISI had done in choosing a name for this riddim. The "SMILE AWHILE" fits it perfectly. It is just so.... damn EASY. It is serene and everything seems to go so nicely into its proper order and space. For his part, Perfect makes the most of Smile Awhile with 'Life Is So Amazing', taking advantage of this SWEET simplicity in praise of His Imperial Majesty. 

"Life is so amazing

Give praises to the King of all Kings"

If you are at all familiar with Perfect's work, you know just how unpredictable he can be at times (and I mean that in a good way), but though he does apply just a little pressure at times on 'Life Is So Amazing', he keeps it largely level headed and, in doing so, delivers a gem.

'And Ethiopia' by Mikey General

Though I have no actual confirmation of such a background to this tune, I'd like to think that, upon learning what Irie Sounds had been up to (and WHERE they'd been doing), that it inspired Mikey General to bless us with 'And Ethiopia' which comes through as both a general praise of The Almighty as well a GORGEOUS tribute to Ethiopia, itself.

"Let me tell you bout the land where I love to be

Where I feel so happy and I feel so free

The land of His Imperial Majesty"

The General goes both historical and current in the tune which also touches themes such as unity and even the geography of the country as he paints a portrait so nice that the Ministry of Tourism of Ethiopia may want to think about doing something with this tune. 

I'm presuming that this is just the beginning for the Smile Awhile Riddim and if it is (or even if this is all we're getting) our first taste of it has been delicious. Perfect Giddimani's 'Life Is So Amazing' and 'And Ethiopia' from Mikey General are both available now via Irie Sounds International. 

New From Everton Blender!

 Okay so, though it's been a few minutes from since he blessed us with a new studio set (2014's "Where Is The Love"), I woke up this morning to see that the great Everton Blender had released a new single today and it is EXCELLENT. Coming courtesy of his very own Blendem Production imprint is big social commentary, 'Slavery Ship'.

"Tonight, tonight

Babylon ship ahgo capsize tonight!"

The I-Grade by Sizzla Kalonji

"The I-Grade" by Sizzla Kalonji

Okay so, there were two big releases coming out today that I was really looking forward to from a pair of my absolute favourite artists of all time. One was from the great Vaughn Benjamin, which I'll tell you about you in a few days and the other was from the legendary Sizzla Kalonji, "The I-Grade". Now I had my hopes up pretty high for Benjamin's offering, "Glory", but for "The I-Grade", I would have to say that my expectations -- largely due to more recent work I would say -- was kind of tempered... but in a hopeful way.

As I said previously, I was 99.99999% certain that "I-Grade" would be better than Kalonji's previous release, April's truly horrible "Run Tingz", and I'm happy to say that is definitely the case: "The I-Grade" is better than "Run Tingz", without a doubt. HOWEVER, with that being said, the new album which comes via Izreal Records & Sonovic Music in association with Sizzla's Kalonji Music Production isn't very good at all. What is most remarkable for me in regards to "The I-Grade" and the vast majority of Kalonji's recent projects is just how little actual Reggae and Dancehall music they contain. Most of the music here is.... Hip-Hop and R&B to my ears with just a bit of R&B and I understand people change and vibes change and everything changes (biggup Danny I), but never would I have thought that, with as active as he's been, that it would be difficult to get a REGGAE ALBUM FROM SIZZLA KALONJI. That is insane to think about where we are! The best tune is probably the closer, 'Now Dem Know', but I suspect that just like "Run Tingz" and "Rise Up" and "On A High" before it; in a few months I'll be pretty hard-pressed to name a single tune on this album.

Sizzla Kalonji's new album, "The I-Grade", is available now but if you do not listen to it, you aren't missing much, unfortunately. 

Coming Soon: L-E-G-E-N-D-A-R-Y

Okay so, look up on the release schedule and.... there're quite a few GIANT names loaded and set to release full projects in the next couple of months or so, thought I'd pack them all in a nice, neat (it'll be messy) little package for you so you won't forget; and even if you do forget, I'll probably tell you about them again at some point. Let's go!

"The I-Grade" by Sizzla Kalonji [Izreal Records & Sonovic Music]

I guess the new good news about the next album from Sizzla Kalonji is that it's a virtual LOCK to be better than  the last album from Sizzla Kalonji. In April, the wizard from August Town released "Run Tingz", which may lay a slight claim to being the single WORST album he's ever done. He has roughly two or three million albums or so, so you know that such a statement should carry a lot of weight. "Run Tingz" was absolute trash. So I can extend my 'guarantee' and say that either "The I Grade" will be better (it will be)... or it will be THE worst album he's ever done. 

In March, Kalonji dropped a single in collaboration with Izreal Records and Sonovic Music by the name of 'New Year'. That song was average, maybe slightly below even, and it was infinitely better than every song on "Run Tingz" save for one which I don't feel like looking up (I think it was called 'Gallang Bad'). It didn't make me hopeful for anything else that the union might produce, but you look up and they've now come together to make a full album, "The I-Grade". I don't have much in the way of expectations in regards to this one -- unfortunately most of Sizzla's recent complete albums have been underwhelming -- but there're a couple of tiles that seem promising at least and maybe "The I-Grade" will come as a surprise to us and break the recent trend.... and it is still a new Sizzla album and, somewhere inside of me, "new Sizzla album" STILL excites me, all these years later. "The I-Grade) releases on the 11th of August.

"No Destroyer" by Burning Spear [Burning Music]

Now I told you there would be legends. The biggest of them all in this post is the legendary Winston Rodney, Burning Spear who is making a full comeback to the game following an official retirement of half a decade or so. Having returned to the stages ~ 2021, the Spear is now set to deliver his first full album since 2008, "No Destroyer". I can remember thinking it rather odd that a musician retired because although it did happen, functionally, you so very rarely hear it actually announced and, as far as I know, it usually comes as a result of poor health. Thankfully and clearly that wasn't the case here as the near octogenarian Reggae BEAM (without Burning Spear, we'd all be kinda lopsided) did not make a brief check-in type of revival on one of his favourite shows or anything like such. He has truly come back to us.

Ahead of the release of "No Destroyer", Burning Spear has given us a taste of what is to come via the album's first single, 'Mommy', which is excellent. The two-time Grammy winner figures to be also in play this year and, unless I'm really forgetting someone, here is your sitting Grammy favourite of 2023, the moment it comes out. That moment ("it comes out") is nearing as Burning Spear's "No Destroyer" is available from August the 18th. 

"Simma" by Beenie Man [MD Music Group]

Though the tracklist that I've seen does not currently list any, supposedly the latest album from long reigning King Of The Dancehall (in my opinion, the Dancehall's final king for the moment, because Dancehall ain't Dancehall any more), "Simma", is absolutely loaded with featured guests: To name but a few of the ones you're likely to be most interested in, Busy Signal (that should be wild), Sean Paul, Louie Culture, Bunji Garlin, Shaggy, Morgan Heritage, Shenseea and Anthony Red Rose. While handling production are the likes of Suku, Jeremy Harding and Tony Kelly. That lot of names has me WELL interested and hopeful that the [actual] Dancehall side of Simma could at least potentially be quite special. Of course I'm also expecting (due to Beenie saying it) a wide variety of mixture in the vibes -- also featured are previous collaborator, R&B singer Mya and the inescapable Stonebwoy.

Billed as 'The Doctor's' seventeenth overall studio release and his first in the seven years since 2016's uneven "Unstoppable", "Simma" comes via his own MD Music Group (earliest rumours that I recall hearing had it coming through VP Records and we'll see if they have any involvement with the project, ultimately. "Unstoppable" was done on Beenie's 357 Records and released by VPAL, VP's distribution arm), which is certainly a big step in a career which has been full of such strides. Though I'm expecting it to be quite 'worldly', I do have a relatively good feeling about "Simma" and I'm expecting the Dancehall portion of it to be considerable... also a LOCK to receive a Grammy nod at the end of the year. "Simma' is set to reach just nine days after Beenie Man's FIFTIETH birthday on the 22nd of August.

"Born For Greatness" by Buju Banton [Gargamel Music + Roc Nation]

Lastly (literally, it's the last one coming out) is Buju Banton who is already back from 2020's Grammy nominated "Upside Down" ["Mi nuh trust phone, mi nuh own, mi like it"] with "Born For Greatness". Like pretty much everything Buju does these days (and has done for a very long time, for the most part), "Born For Greatness" comes via his own Gargamel Music imprint and the same association which was struck for distribution of the aforementioned "Upside Down", with Roc Nation, is still at work here. 

With respect to Burning Spear, I'm thinking that "Born For Greatness" will turn out to be the best actual release on this list. It will certainly be varied, it always is from Buju, but it will just as surely carry a few HAMMERS! One of which, 'Coconut Wata [Sip]' has already dropped ahead of the album and it is FILTHY! Longtime friend Stephen Marley, Snoop Dog and Victoria Monet all feature (and I'm also really looking forward to tunes called 'My Microphone' as well as 'Yard & Outta Road' and 'Walked Out') and you know Buju always brings in A+ level talents in production as well. Like the two albums I've mentioned ahead of it, "Born For Greatness" is also a likely Grammy nominee, at the very least, for 2023 as well and September 8th, 2023 is its due date. ENJOY... I'm going to have a nap and I'll see you later.

Coming Soon: Glory by Akae Beka & Zion High Productions

"Glory" by Akae Beka [Zion High Productions]

1. 'Aqueduct' featuring Micah Sherman
2. 'Aqueduct Dub' featuring Micah Sherman
3. 'Glory' featuring Kabaka Pyramid
4. 'Glory Dub' featuring Kabaka Pyramid
5. 'Son' featuring Mykal Rose
6. 'Son Dub' featuring Mykal Rose
7. 'Still Small Voice' featuring Reemah
8. 'Still Small Voice Dub' featuring Reemah

Okay so, wanted to quickly tell you about something which, I THINK, may've gotten delayed because I believe I recall seeing a couple of months or so ago being set to release (and either it did actually get delayed or the actual release date was just that far out). In any case, now set to release in just a few weeks from now is the latest project from the immortal Akae Beka alongside the flaming Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings, an EP by the name of "Glory", featuring four original tunes with their dubs. Similar (identical) works have come from both Glen Washington ("JAH Children") and Little Roy ("Woke Up") and now, WONDERFULLY, Vaughn Benjamin is up next.

The four tracks feature the accompanying work of four big artists including current Reggae Grammy holder, Kabaka Pyramid, Micah Sherman, Mykal Rose and..... someone.... someone named Reemah... on a song named 'Still Small Voice'.... hmmm.

Yep! 'Glory" has a combination between Vaughn Benjamin & Reemah! DAMN! I've actually heard quite a bit of this already (because JunoDownload puts up damn near entire songs as 'samples' and they always have) and it appears the be the heights of genius that you would imagine on such a pairing. Still, I'm well looking forward to hearing the full project as I'm sure you are and you can join me in listening as Akae Beka, Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings bring forth "Glory" on on the 11th of August. 

Army takes to Higher Ground with Trinity Farm Music

"Higher Ground" by Army [Trinity Farm Music]

1. 'Higher Ground'
2. 'Road Block'
3. 'Sweeter'
4. 'Problems'
5. 'Fall Pon Dem'
6. 'Road Dub'
7. 'Problems Dub'
8. 'Sweeter Dub'

Okay so, I'm actually struggling to think of what would have been the most recent time that we heard from much revered Cruzan veteran vocalist, Army (and the fact that he just may have the least google-able name in Reggae (biggup [Ras] Batch and Perfect [Giddimani]) certainly doesn't help in finding his work), but I am quite sure of the next time that we'll hear from him as the singer has teamed up with the US based Trinity Farm Music to release a brand new EP called "Higher Ground". I was VERY happy when I came across this release because you simply DO NOT hear much from Army. It's always been his way. I don't know much about him, personally, but he just does not seem to record very much at all, even when compared to someone like a Danny I - Army has seemingly led a more Dezarie-like recording schedule throughout his career. That's too bad because, as anyone who has truly invested the time in listening to what he has done, Army is excellent. Previously, the singer and TFM had worked together on at least one project, 2018's fine "Music Tree" compilation, which included a pair of tunes, one of which, the mighty 'Road Block', also appears on "Higher Ground" ("Music Tree" was very nice. It also featured music from the aforementioned Danny I, original nine fingers Xkaliba, Abja and others).

2018

Though I have not heard the full set yet, I have gotten a nice little dosage of the sound of "Higher Ground" and it is typically infectious Roots from Army. His music always has this very SMOOTH and easy vibe to it and tracks such as the first two (especially 'Road Block' which seems divine) definitely exemplify this; with the other selections bringing a bit more 'animation' into play. Also included are dubs of three of the selections which I am well looking forward to enjoying in the fullest.

If you are as well, you can join me on yet another big Friday, the 14th of April, when Army's "Higher Ground" releases via Trinity Farm Music. 

Chezidek & Irie Ites Never Stop!

"Never Stop" by Chezidek [Irie Ites]

1. 'Dem No Worry'

2. 'Try'

3. 'Who Fool You'

4. 'Jah Jah Bless'

5. 'Burn Di Ganja' [Edit]

6. 'Good Girl'

7. 'Who I Am' [Edit]

8. 'It's Time'

9. 'The Game'

10. 'Mr. Officer' [Radio Edit]

11. 'Ukraine'

12. 'Bad Out Deh' [Edit]

13. 'Kill Dem'

14. 'Kill Dem Dub'

15. 'Who Fool Dub'

16. 'Try Dub'

17. 'Dem No Dub'

18. 'Bun Di Ganja' [Original Mix]

....I mean..... this is just getting ridiculous! Following the madness that is set to unfold this coming Friday, you are going to have exactly THREE WEEKS to recover before yet another potential GEM of an album is set to release as the infinitely impressive Chezidek (seriously, if I named my top 10 favourite artists of all time, Chezidek's name just may be in there somewhere) is set to make his return and do so with one of THE most reliable units in the business, Irie Ites, on a big new album, "Never Stop". Previously, Chezi and II dropped the album's initial single, 'Dem No Worry', which has now been followed up with its second, the excellent 'It's Time'. 

Singer and label have a very long history of working together - a fact which is well reflected in the tracklist for "Never Stop". Along with newer sets, I was very pleased to see some of their older collaborations present as well as such as personal favourite, 'Who I Am' ["Accept me for who I ammmmm!"] [Note: One of the tracklists I found, which I chose for this post, includes the word EDIT after the song titles, I'm going to assume that means remastered versions of the song]. It's almost hard to believe that, despite having worked together so long (probably nearing two decades at this point) and having been so active individually, Chezidek & Irie Ites have never made a full album together.

That all changes on April 14th, when we get what is sure to be one of the year's finest releases, "Never Stop", arrives. CLEARLY someone, somewhere is being kind to us.

And in other Chezidek news, he also has a video for 'Herb Dealer', his cut of the Ganjaville Riddim, where it reigned as THE finest selection. BOOM!