Status Quo: A review of African Dream by Lyricson

Familiarity. In Dancehall music, there is what I like to call the 'Three G's of Dancehall'. You have Guns, Girls (or Guys) and Ganja. You will find Dancehall tunes about other things besides those three things -- you'll find some very specific ones and very general ones as well -- but if you deal with those three, you're likely to have covered the core themes of the VAST MAJORITY of Dancehall music. That was true in its prime and is still true in its... entirely ridiculous current form. Soca is even simpler. If you tell people to jump and wave (and misbehave), you're good! Soca will actually venture towards one of Dancehall's 'Three G's' (and I won't insult your intelligence by saying which one) but, again if you seek songs which encourage whining and just generally unacceptably low standards of common sense, you will go through much of the entire genre. For me, as a giant nerd, the brilliance and finest moments (with very few exceptions) comes when someone can either go around the expected and offer a different viewpoint (check 'Anxiety' by Patrice Roberts where she talks about how the RIDICULOUS joy that Soca provides greatly helps her mental health) or even feed into what is the norm and still manages to thrive within it and separate their work from the endless pack. Of course, that isn't to say that there is something wrong with the "norm"; to the contrary, in many cases it is such because it is tried and trusted, but it is so nice when people add a bit to the vibes. When you get to the matter of Roots music things get very straight and very narrow. Revolving around the centralizing theme of His Imperial Majesty are various others such as oppression, justice, freedom, LOVE and more which go to comprise the foundation of the genre. It has always been that way and, though things and trends change very often in music, I would be shocked if, one day (even several hundreds of years from now), that is not the case for Roots Reggae music. For me, when you put things is such a relatively small 'bundle' of possibilities like this, it makes it even more impressive when someone, ESPECIALLY LYRICALLY, are able to differentiate themselves from their peers (how many clever ways can someone come up with to say "Hail Jah", after all). That's why I always attempt to make more of an effort to celebrate those who give us all a fresh perspective to look at of such grounded ideology. 

And then there's the matter of SOUND. When you think of Roots, you think of that one-drop riddim, you thinking of chanting, you think of another small group of identifiable characteristics, emblematic of the genre. Thankfully, however, these can be stretched in a variety of deliciously different ways and we have a number of artists (and producers) who're capable of making an eclectic blend of what is typically a very straight-forward sound. Someone who immediately comes to mind here is Jah Cure, obviously. It doesn't particularly matter what the Cure says when it comes out sounding the way it does; and I would also point to someone (perhaps surprisingly) like a Luciano. Luciano's music, lyrically (or in any other way), will not challenge the boundaries of Roots music and despite his very long career, he's rarely done anything in the way of being controversial. However, Luciano has moments where his vibes display this... AURA (I don't like it but I'm using it here) that pushes it to such a different place with selections such as 'No Night In Zion' & 'Jah Canopy' demonstrating that. 

2017

Today we're going to look at someone who probably has one of THE most dynamic sounds in all of modern Roots Reggae music that I've ever seen. Guinea born and France based Lyricson has been someone who we've been looking at for a surprisingly long time now. From probably just ahead of what would become his debut set, "Born 2  Go High", I had been familiar with the work of Lyricson, which dates back to more than TWENTY years now. What I heard and got me hooked was a very dynamic brand of Roots. Lyricson was equally adept at chanting and deejaying and he also had this GORGEOUS singing voice which, when he chose to push it, was one of the more surprising skills that you would have heard on anyone at the time (they all sang (or most of them, anyway), but Lyricson's voice was VERY GOOD). Now, when you take such a talent and combine it with some of the greatest producers and players of instrument that the genre had to offer, you were dealing with something really serious and I'm sure I speak for a more 'seasoned' brand of listener (WE OLD!) when I say that new Lyricson music in the 2000s and into the early 2010s came as a very welcomed stop along my listening habits. The pinnacle might've been the "Messages" album which carried one of the single greatest songs I have ever heard in my entire life, its SHATTERING opener 'From The Beginning'. Lyricson was a decent lyricist as well; although I wouldn't rank him, in retrospect, as one of the greatest of that era (or this one) (more on that in a minute), he could definitely hold his own. He would go on to do some more controversial type of material (I think, one year, I actually 'awarded' him 'The Worst Album of The Year', without wanting to name him), but the last time I heard from him on an album, 2017's "Revolution Time Again" (great name), he had returned to form. That album was very strong and featured guest roles from the aforementioned Luciano, Vaughn Benjamin and others as well as the GIANT tune, 'Jah Never Failed I Yet', one of the artist's best ever, in my opinion. Seven years on and Lyricson is back, courtesy of "African Dream" via Royal Music. I did not have much in the way of a 'lead-in' to this one, as it popped up maybe just two or three weeks ahead of its release date but I was damn interested in hearing new music from Lyricson and, RIGHT THERE, I decided that, no matter what it turned out to be, I was going to write a review for the new album.... just because.

^SIMPLY ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS I HAVE EVER HEARD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE^

So what happened??? Well, thankfully, that answer is complicated (because I like to explain things, if you haven't noticed). "African Dream", the new album from Lyricson, is missing something. It has that characteristic, signature Lyricson sound and dynamicity but... it isn't the strongest lyrically and maybe that's what my ears stuck on. I really wanted to love this album but I couldn't and what we ended up with was a set which will likely satisfy the majority of listeners but one which misses out on a fantastic opportunity to take things a few steps further. That being said, the opener here, 'Black Man Liberation', is far and away one of the best efforts on the album it heads. This song has nary an equal on the album and it, nearly perfectly, exemplifies what is Lyricson's style when he's at or near his best. It is FULL and RICH and though perhaps not as vibrant as most of his winners, I am not complaining at all. 'Black Man Liberation' is absolute GOLD! In a nice touch, the album actually concludes with a SWEET dubbed out version of the opener. To me, that shows that Lyricson and company had a great deal of confidence in that particular tune in every way and.... they were right to have such pride in their work there. Charged with buidling on that vibe is 'Strickly Love' and it was right here where I think, unfortunately, I began to focus so much on the lyrics and, from that aspect, 'Strickly Love' is lacking and the sound, while nice, isn't enough to overcome it. What happens is a song that, while I wouldn't be surprised to see it make an impact, PERSONALLY, it's a little on the thin side for me and it doesn't bring much of a punch. By comparison is 'Africa Rise Up' (that may not be an actual, full sentence, but I'm going with it). Here is another selection which is not great lyrically but the sound, again, is much more typical Lyricson and it's strong enough to kinda/sorta make you not care that it isn't very substantial (there's an odd portion of the song which almost sounds like old video game music.... I even kind of liked that. It was a very nice change of pace). Sonically, 'Africa Rise Up' is gorgeous (it has one of the finest choruses on the whole of "African Dream"), it is DAMN pleasing to listen to on the surface. It most certainly isn't the finest written tune you'll run into but the message is high, it's very positive (and that is something I'm going to want to say about virtually every song on this album, for the most part). "African Dream" features five combinations in total and, arguably, the biggest name to join Lyricson is also the first as the great Jah Mason makes his presence known on 'Peace And Meditation'. If I had to play out what a potential Mason/Lyricson might turn out to be, I'm confident that what I would come up with would be quite similar to 'Peace And Meditation'... but I was kind of hoping for a JOLT. I wanted something a bit more. Again, it's just fine and it is what you are thinking it is but, on paper, such a combination is all kinds of fascinating and 'Peace And Meditation', in my opinion, could have been something more. 

Also accompanying Lyricson on "African Dream" are Jah Bouks and Duane Stephenson, as well as Sister Rudo and Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté. The first two are likely to be well familiar to more seasoned fans of the genre and, at least on the surface, the two will definitely be amongst the most immediate attention-getters. Jah Bouks gets in on the action during 'Lions Roar'. Something about the pacing of this one seems somewhat odd (thinking, specifically, about how the verses blend into the choruses), 'Lions Roar' is just fine. It has a rich and distinct old-school type of an appeal and the vocal pairing between the two built atop a vibes speaking on instilling pride in the masses (particularly the youths) make for a well memorable track. For his part, Duane Stephenson easily has one of the nicest voices in all of Reggae music and has for years. The problem I have with his song, 'What a World', however, is this: 

"What a world this would be if we all can, as one-

Put our differences aside

Stop the fussing and fighting

As far as I can see, we are one and the same

So why don't we all unite?

Why fight against your brother?

Time is so short, my friend

We should come together

And live the best we can

Don't you know we were all created equal

We are all the sons of Adam & Eve

No matter your race, colour or creed- we all are one people

Same blood running in your vein and mine"

'What a World' is poor, lyrically, and you get to a point where its sonic appeal is not enough to lift it over that hump in this case. I heard this song and I got so disappointed because it really doesn't do anything. It's a lost opportunity in my opinion, built on..... just random, tried ideas that you've heard on thousands of other songs. Sister Rudo's was a name that I remember running into once or twice over the years but it had been quite some time since the most recent time I crossed her path. I was happy to see the mature singer aboard "African Dream" and although we find her on a tune that I find somewhat lukewarm -- the lover's piece 'No One Can' -- I would tell you that, be you the slightest bit interested, you should definitely seek out more of her material. Finally (besides the other five or six songs I still have to talk about) 'Farafina' is a song (LITERALLY. This is EXACTLY what it is) of African Pride and fellow Guinean singer Sekouba Kandia Kouyaté, with an absolutely GORGEOUS chant, makes a giant impact. My brief research says that Kouyaté is one of Guinea's most decorated of musicians and with a contribution like this... I AIN'T SURPRISED.

The single biggest moment, however, that I would find here would feature Lyricson all alone (I actually find myself saying that relatively often when an album has a number of guest artists) on the downright DOMINANT 'Mystically'. 'Mystically' isn't 'From The Beginning' in terms of its quality, but it is well on that same road! I hear Peter Tosh. I hear Bushman. I hear a variety of different vibes poured into this dazzlingly colourful mix and it is quintessential Lyricson. You won't find many (if any at all) who can make such a dynamic Roots track and, when at the height of his powers, he can turn out STUNNERS like 'Mystically'. Similarly, 'Jah Glory' is also excellent and I'll use it to make a point. This song isn't amazingly deep or masterfully written, but it is FRESH, lyrically in several ways.

"Oh Lord, I thank for everything 

YOU BLESS I & I FROM THE BEGINNING

Thank you for the joy and the strength within

Your mercy and Your grace everlasting"

That ^ right there, is nothing you haven't heard thousands of times before, but it given in unique way (during a unique portion of the song where lyrics run on in a way that suggests that Lyricson was just pouring out his emotions on the tune) which definitely caught my ear and I wish that there were several more such spans on this album.'Betta Way' also has a pretty nice vibes about it, though far more on the serene side, but it doesn't cover much ground. I don't have an issue with this one and I don't think many others will given that largely sweet sound. 'African Queen' is exactly what you think it is to the finest detail, while 'One Step Away' is about as straight-forward as it could possibly be in terms of sound and direction. It doesn't do much for me at all but, on its surface, it's harmless and does have a pleasant sound to it and that is the only attraction in this case. 

Overall... while I don't want to be too hard on "African Dream", I also don't want to largely change the things that I look when I'm listening to an album (especially one that I'm reviewing). I like originality. I like fresh ideas and fresh presentations and, when applied to Roots music, that may come in a much more subtle way (again, the themes have not changed in the history of the music and they will not change) but it DOES come. Lyricson's approach here is a VERY dynamic one (and it generally is) and what we end up with a very appealing sound but one which isn't necessarily the deepest. That being said, if you do have someone in your life who is maybe newer to the sound, "African Dream" would be a FINE entry point for such an individual; but for a grizzly old evergreen like myself.... I think I was just hoping for a little more.

Rated 2.85/5

Royal Music

2024

The Eye Of Tha Tiger Riddim

Just wanted to take a break from writing my next review (which you wonderful but awful taste having people should get a look at sometime this week) to mention a fun tune that comes courtesy of Outfytt Records and their Eye of The Tiger Riddiim as, seemingly as a slap to individuals like myself suggesting that his best days are behind him, the great Sizzla Kalonji declares himself 'Bad As Ever'. Just in case you need a little GRRRR! in your life (and who doesn't) check not only this track, but Bounty Killer blessing the same riddim with 'In My Bed'. 

Signatures Vol II: Norris Man

Okay so, while I originally had the idea that the next installment of our Signatures series would be Lutan Fyah (he will almost certainly be #3 now), I thought that, in an effort to be more timely, given my relatively fresh HIGH love of his output, that instead we'd take a look at the work of Norris Man. While the artist has definitely scored his fair number of big tunes, he seems to eternally be regarded as in some state of despair and has (probably happily on his end) made several songs which speak for the downtrodden and down-on-their-luck members of society (which the genre of music he makes does, as a whole for the most part, but he, in particular, has seemed to be tied to that type of song throughout the years, in my opinion). He's also hit, at least for me, with material covering a vast array of topics and because of that, i was quite happy to see that, when I was done compiling this one, through no intent, it blanketed several different ideas and themes that Norris Man has not only written about but excelled at. Today we take a look at the best of one of our current burgeoning favourites, Signatures: Norris Man. 

1. 'Persistence'

The way to life. I thought I'd get the most obvious choice out of the way first, as the now nearing a quarter of a century old 'Persistence' likely remains the single biggest and most identifiable tune Norris Man has done to date. The Kings of Kings helmed tune (remember them???) has, arguably, captured Norris' entire career as fans have always looked at him as this struggling singer dealing with the 'ups and downs' of being a professional musician but there is something SO MUCH more interesting about 'Persistence': IT IS GORGEOUS! It stands as one of the greatest sufferer's anthems in a genre which has, historically, been packed with them as anyone who is down on their luck or has ever been down on their luck can find solidarity in this IMMORTAL track. 

2. 'Home & Away'

Made a sacrifice. So, I'd made this entire list (or almost all of it, anyway) and I KNEW I was missing something and I knew what it was but I was hesitant in bringing it on board... and then common sense kicked in. I have NONE of that stuff but, fortunately, my Wife has tons of it. Therefore, courtesy of Mrs. Achis, a list featuring the biggest Norris Man tunes features... the second biggest tune of his career, 'Home & Away'. 'Home & Away' is a love song. That's just what it is and, occasionally such tunes will creep up and score unlikely hits, finding a giant audience within the masses and this was such a case. Carried by Vertex' Flames Riddim, 'Home & Away' kinda/sorta glows and while it may not be a definitive favourite of mine... sure, such a list would be kinda/sorta trash without it. 

3. 'King Of Your Soul'

Take control. I remember it well! Buried on a random, dozen year old album, "Modern Roots" (from which, off the top of my head, I can't remember a single other tune from right now), from Swedish outfit, Nordic Steel, 'King Of Your Soul' was very much a surprise. Who knew that what was such a varied project would produce, EASILY, one of the greatest songs of Norris' career and one of the greatest from absolutely ANYONE that I have ever heard (it's top 100 or so for me, right now). 'King Of Your Soul' had everything you would hope for in a praise: It paid ultimate tribute to His Imperial Majesty and it was also FUN to listen to. It was such a resounding vibe and made such an impact on me that I will never forget it and I don't give a damn if I'm the only one. 

4. 'When Your Time Is Up' featuring Pressure Busspipe

You were warned about this. The first of a pair of combinations that you'll find here, 'When Your Time Is Up' was a stroke of genius in bringing together two artists who proved to compliment one another PERFECTLY. Norris Man teamed up with VI scorcher Pressure Busspipe for Itation Records' (remember them???) Show Love Riddim on a tune which I THINK I originally encountered on the "Know The Road" album via Lustre Kings Productions (more on them in a bit), ''When Your Time Is Up'. The first time I heard it I just thought that whoever thought to bring them together just had an excellent idea (and said as much and, if I recall correctly, someone from LKP linked us and told me whose idea it was) because the results were so damn mighty. 'When Your Time Is Up' is a powerful tune about us all living in a positive and gratifying way because our time is quickly running out and you never know which day will be your last. The best combination Norris Man has ever done in my opinion.

5. 'H.I.M. Never Fail'

Conquering. I think the first song here would be the choice you'd most likely hear were you to ask fans which of Norris Man's pieces were their favourite and while it would be high on my own list (DUH), my answer would be this CLASSIC Henfield produced burner from a quarter-century ago, 'H.I.M. Never Fail'. Built on a version Dennis Brown's Created by The Father Riddim, the Babatunde (which is also one of my favourite riddims of all time), 'H.I.M. Never Fail' was praising track of powerfully rarely seen ilk combining an artist and a track which both were in a STUNNING form. TEARS! TEARS! And more TEARS!

6, 'After All' featuring Lutan Fyah

Still waiting. I wasn't as appreciative of Norris Man's music as I am now back when I first laid ears on 'After All', another big winner from the "Home & Away" release but, in retrospect, teaming him up with a then and now favourite of mine was something which could not miss for me and.... it didn't. The tune pinnacled lyrically, no the blazing historical social commentary but the In The Streetz supplied riddim of the same name also shined, making a perfect backdrop for this mightily memorable combination. 

7. 'We Are The Creator'

They are the separators. 'We Are The Creator' was absolutely scathing! It was just a HARSH and often VICIOUS point made by Norris Man and the electrically charged In The Streetz steered piece finds its footing here LARGELY due to its lyrically execution. 

"They take us to distant seas, over distant shores

WE'VE GOT A LOT OF LOVE, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE POOR

Those who try to harms us want to make things rough

There is no other way than to show them that we're tough

Corruption inna di city, yeah, dem still ah cover up

Dem chat a bagga lies so dem ah go down inna di rough

POLLUTION INNA DI AIR AND IT AH MESS DEM UP

DEM SYSTEM NO REAL SO RASTAMAN AH BUN IT UP

MI DEH YA FI SI DI GREEDY MAN GET HIM THROAT CUT

Colonialism dem ah use to rule but mi no trust 

Rome? Much less fi drink from dem cup

SELASSIE MAN PRAISE BUT IN GOD THEY TRUST

We are the creator

They are the separator"

GRRRR!

8. 'Hold On To Your Faith'

More than joy. I think it says something fairly significant that, out of a pool of thirty-three songs, there is but ONE that appears on both of Norris Man's first two albums as far as I can tell (which probably means that there're actually like nine of them), "Persistence" & "Better Your Soul" [note: As I write this, RIGHT NOW, I still have yet to decide if I'm including the title track from the latter in this list], 'Hold On To Your Faith'. From its downright intoxicating chant of an opening setting the tone on a vibes which remains throughout, to the fact that the song has likely been undervalued lyrically for its entire life (you really tune this thing in. It is nearly SPECIAL) - what you had here in this both socially and spiritually aware creation was a CRYSTAL CLEAR highlight from the vault of its creator. 

9. 'Congo Shanti'

A place of meditation. Another relatively obscure personal favourite of mine, the Levy helmed 'Congo Shanti' was the standing highlight of "World Crisis", an overlooked album from way back in 2003. Though somewhat on the front-foot and aggressive, there was a certain level of obtainable SERENITY buried within this one that I've always gravitated towards it for that reason. The sweetness is here as Norris Man details many of the world's ills and his desire to seek refuge from them "up inna di hills".

 

10. 'Culture Dem'

Go purify. I feel like I've indirectly spoken about this tune quite a bit over the years but it's been a very long time since I've mentioned it directly. Wayyyy back in 2002 the good people at Lustre Kings Productions released the first installment of their wonderful Roots compilation album series, "Culture Dem". The thing was well done from the cover (which featured most (if not all) of the artists on the album hand-drawn, such as Capleton, Sizzla, Anthony B, Turbulence and Jah Mason) through the music and, over two decades later, I am still a fan and still writing about the works of LKP. It is simply one of my favourite albums EVER. Well, it just so happens that the title track of "Culture Dem" was Norris Man's. It will NEVER be far from my mind.

11. 'Undiluted Love'

And nothing can change that. Though the aforementioned 'Home & Away' is far more well known, to my opinion the classic 'Undiluted Love' is the single greatest love song Norris Man has ever made. A product of the same batch of music that produced the first selection on this list, 'Undiluted Love' had such a powerfully JOVIAL vibes about it that isn't always attached to such a piece (sometimes love songs can be... downright solemn, even when they aren't of the 'broken-hearted'  variety). The tune made you move to some degree, it got you going, physically, and it also resonated with you, again, in a way not typically reserved for such a selection. Just listen  to this thing!

 

12. 'Murdera'

Judgment set. There was this wonderful FRAGILITY to 'Murdera', a song produced by our old friend, Sherkhan and Tiger Records way back in the day, for the "Much More To Life". It has become the definitive signature from that set eleven years on and has grown to the size (obviously given its inclusion here), that I find myself singing the chorus ["Murdera. Yuh judgment set"] quite often when I think of Norris Man' work. It's a PERFECT tune for such a list because it stands as one of the songs that he's done which is one of the most IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIABLE for me, personally. The actual song was a giant general swipe at negativity, with "murderer" being the route chosen to convey the idea but make no mistake about it: You don't have to actually kill anyone to take a shot from Norris Man on this track. Also worth mentioning is the wonderfully simple riddim behind which spices up during its latter portions and is absolutely fitting for the moment. 

13. 'As I Rise'

See them fail. And finally (unless I choose to switch it) is the newest selection here, the class of 2022's "Deep Conversations", 'As I Rise'. While I was putting all of this together I had a melody in my head for a couple of songs but I couldn't fit in the words for awhile. I eventually did and one of them actually turned out to be a Chezidek song (who would also make for a great 'Signatures' feature in the future) and the other was this GORGEOUS track. Along with being powerfully worded and organized (you can take this song in so many different directions and it makes sense on ALL of them).... there is something really pleasing about 'As I Rise'. That chorus is sublime and it just makes you feel good! It hits every note that you would want it to and is everything you would see in recent classic.

Royals!

Okay so, I was working on a review, but because I'm old and slow as hell, it takes a bit longer these days. THANKFULLY, the Gods and Goddesses of Reggae music were nice enough to bless us with a couple of big, BIG tunes from two of our looooongtime favourites. So let's discuss talk about it because I got some stuff to do and I'm hungry.

'Resilience' by Queen Omega & Nature Makonnen [Kushite Organic Recording]

First up is a brand new tune coming from Trini Reggae Empress, Queen Omega, alongside Nature Makonnen (who produces on his Kushite Organic Recording imprint), 'Resilience'. Ohhh, what to say about this song?? 'Resilience' is.... kinda brilliant.

"Resilient to survive

Resilient to stay alive and wi nah give up the fight

Persistence is to try

Wi si that we're main target

WI SI OUR ROYAL BLOOD MAKE UP DI RED CARPET

Black people fi sell upon di black market

Anytime wi ready, tell dem wi go start it

I si wickedness dress up inna tie and jacket

And so called leaders inna big gun racket

Too much of melanin babies end up inna casket

Too much bodies wrap up inna white blanket

Like how di plantation burn

Watch di tables will turn 

Just how di phoenix return

Vatican will get turned

For di future generation - 

It is my concern"

The Queen absolutely SCORCHES this track and makes for probably one of the single best tunes that I've heard in 2024, following a 2023 campaign which saw her drop my choice as the year's single finest album altogether, "Freedom Legacy".

'Find Out' by Skinny Fabulous

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from  Queen Omega's 'Resilience' is 'Find Out' by Skinny Fabulous. 'Find Out' is most certainly NOT brilliant. It is absolute foolishness... OF THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE CALIBER! 

"FUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT!"

Riding one of the most unexpected of punchlines that I have probably ever heard on a Soca tune (I was literally SHOCKED when I heard him say that. I had to bring it back to make sure I was hearing him correctly (and were there still any question remaining, I have since found an edited version). As long as Skinny Fabulous (and a handful of others) is making music, you can be assured that someone out there, somewhere, is pushing Soca forward. Pressing buttons and seeing where the line REALLY is (there is no line).'Find Out' is blissfully, addictive NONSENSE! 

What I'm Listening To: Binnaminnit

"The Akae Beka Scrolls" [Trinity Farm Music/Go A Chant Productions]

First up is a piece that I've been LOVING for most of September as Trinity Farm Music & Go A Chant Productions link up to bring forth "The Akae Beka Scrolls". This release follows February's outstanding "Living Testament" from Akae Beka and comes with a very unique story as far as I follow it. The legendary Vaughn Benjamin completed the work on "Living Testament" and returned to the studio intending to do more work and what resulted was a Dub album which he directed and produced and became "The Akae Beka Scrolls". Despite how often I find myself saying it, I'm starting to rethink the notion that I'm not much of a Dubhead because, as I get older, I'm really enjoying the subgenre quite a bit more. Playing here, along with Benjamin, himself, are familiar names such as Kenyatta Itola, Ishence, Ras Pulse and others. There is some really strong material on "The Akae Beka Scrolls" including the downright monstrous opener 'Psalm 19', which clocks in at nearly eight minutes in length. Also check 'Psalm 72', 'Psalm 37' and the wicked closer 'Psalm 119' (probably a poor choice of words there, but so be it). 

"Secret Hater" by Cali P [Senmbelek/Evidence Music]

A fun thing happened with this one: 'Secret Hater' is the latest fun release coming from looooongtime AchisReggae favourite, Cali P and I saw that he had a new tune out and I was eager to hear it and it lived up to the lofty standards set by the chanter through all these years ["Caan ramp wid di friend dem from di Netherlands. A dem will send you go a Neverland. Gwadada and di mad Nigerians - GRIND YOU LIKE  CINNAMON"] (I've, literally, been writing about Cali P's music for over FIFTEEN YEARS) - of course, the presence of Suku in production doesn't hurt either. As it turns out, 'Secret Hater' is also the title track from Cali P's latest three-track EP. The set also includes 'Mi Ruff Road'. New to my ears, 'Mi Ruff Road' is a somewhat Hip-Hoppish set (never my favourite) and HIGHLY lyrical. The wordplay on this one, subtly, is damn impressive! The third track is the downright GLORIOUS previous release, 'Jah Blessing' which originally reached back in April. 'Jah Blessing' is fantastic. It's aged very well and... I feel pretty confident in calling it one of Cali P's single best tunes EVER. Very nice three tunes collected here. You know what we really want (add like ten more to it!), but maybe that's for 2025 and "Secret Hater" is a tiny reminder and display of one of the finest talents in Reggae today.

'Satta Massagana' by The Fantells [Warrior Records]

If you follow Reggae music closely, there's a chance that you've come across both the group, The Fantells as well as the legendary tune they've recently redone, 'Satta Massagana' (literally one of the greatest songs EVER) (...like ever). You'd likely know The Fantells from several big tunes they had when they were active , particularly during the 70's (personal favourite of mine being 'Where You Gonna Run'), and 2024 marks a big return for the group (with new members). Earlier this year The Fantells released an entire album by the name of "Just For You" and now they're taking on The Abysinnians classic. Despite being fairly straight forward, 'Satta Massagana', because of just how well known and DURABLE it is, can be a difficult tune to recreate and, asy ou would expect, The Fantells have made a more than decent account of a truly immortal sound and be sure to give "Just For You" a listen as well (doing it myself at the moment and enjoying). 

The Rebel Frequency Riddim [D Rebell Productions]

Big credit goes to D Rebell Productions and Solid Rock Sound for their golden new creation, the Rebel Frequency Riddim. When you put together a compelling group of vocalists for your riddim, you're definitely going to get my attention and your riddim being of actual quality is an added bonus and, on the Rebel Frequency, DRP have both going for them and it isn't that the Rebel Frequency has.... an overwhelming group of artists but look at this: Norris Man, Clatta Bumboo, Jah Defender, Jalifa, Daweh Congo. That is EXCELLENT! The actual sound here has a beautiful ly HEAVY old school vibes to it which everyone handles extremely well. I've mentioned some of the bigger names here, but also check efforts from the likes of Nga Han and Prince of Judah, the former of which gives 'True Rasta' which is, arguably, the single best tune on this track. Probably one of the best riddim albums of 2024 so far here. 

"Home & Away" by Norris Man [Greensleeves Records - 2006]

And for the look back this week - I'm working on a feature on the great Norris Man and, in going back through his catalogue, DEFINITELY the set that has acted as somewhat of an anchor for me has been "Home & Away". So named after what is probably the chanter's second biggest hit to date (biggup 'Persistence'), my interest in "Home & Away", the In The Streetz produced album, has always centered around other songs besides the hammer. 'Seh Dem Bad', 'I'm A Free Man', 'Love Makes You Alive', 'After All' with Lutan Fyah, the absolutely GLORIOUS 'This You Must Know' and the MAMMOTH 'We Are The Creator' are all mega moments from an album which is considerably better than all of us gave it credit for being. There's another tune here by the name of 'This Day' which I barely even remember but is, SERIOUSLY, damn near perfect as well.