I don't feel like writing an intro. They announced the nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards. They have a Reggae category. Let us take a quick look at them and make a bad prediction for the winner. BOOM!
"Heart & Soul" by Vybz Kartel [Vybz Kartel Music + Greedy Lion]
Vybz Kartel was nominated last year for "Party With Me", if he releases an album next year (and he most surely will), it will also be nominated. This year, he was back with "Heart & Soul" which, for whatever it's worth, is clearly stronger than "Party With Me", at least in my opinion. I am working on a tribute to Kartel (called Signatures) but it's full of MUCH older work because it's been quite awhile since he made my type of music, though i am in the minority there. You'd figure that, with such regularity, he'll likely take home a Grammy one of these years and it wouldn't be surprising at all if 2026 was his.
"No Place Like Home" by Jesse Royal [Easy Star Records]
As was the case for Kartel, 2026 represents the second nomination for Jesse Royal as, a few years back, he was tipped for "Royal". His effort for 2025, "No Place Like Home", isn't quite as strong in my opinion but it did have a number of big tunes (the biggest of which probably being 'Hope', alongside Romain Virgo). Also in its favour would be the fact that "No Place Like Home" features a Marley [Yohan Marley], which can only help your chances and 2023's Reggae Grammy winner, Kabaka Pyramid also makes an appearance. Take that and combine it with relatively recent voter familiarity and Jesse Royal could go home with the prize next year.
"Blxxd & Fyah" by Keznamdi [Keznamdi Music Group]
First-time nominee, Keznamdi, gets a nod this year for his "Blxxd & Fyah" set which reached not very long at all (it was August, doesn't seem like THAT long ago, still) and though I think it's difficult to see him actually winning, he does have a very appealing and OPEN style that I think Grammy voters will enjoy, going forward. This would be an excellent introduction for many of them and, in a few years (or even next year), maybe the roots have been laid for him to win it all. Another thing about Keznamdi is that his album is excellent. "Blxxd & Fyah" is one of the best album's here, it might even crack my top ten list for the year; so what it may lack in star power (it does) it more than makes up for in overall quality.
"Treasure Self Love" by Lila Iké [Ineffable Records]
We're about to wrap a bow around the year that was 2025 and the ridiculously interesting Lila Iké is kind of a big deal and, to go with it, here is her first Grammy nomination for her "Treasure Self Love" release. This album at least seemed to be all over the place but it never truly stepped too far from center and what resulted was an extremely well-received and appreciated project which has led us here. I actually think Iké's chances here are quite good. If voters have paid the slightest bit of attention, this isn't their introduction to her wonderful music (and damn interesting background) and you could make the case that, in any circle, "Treasure Self Love" was one of Reggae's biggest releases of the year (I should probably try to review this thing in the next few weeks).
"From Within" by Mortimer [Overstand Entertainment]
Though it missed the cut-off for this year's awards, Mortimer's 2024 offering, "From Within", did do a considerable amount of damage last year as it was carried on several 'best of' lists at year's end. Perhaps (not likely), that's a fact that has given him a head-start for Grammy voters who've been keen on it for over twelve months at this point. Three other things it has going for it: Mortimer has been very consistently performing at a high level in recent times, it has a very open and easy to appreciate vibes to it as well and between Damian Marley and the aforementioned Pyramid, "From Within" featured two previous Grammy winners (Lila Iké also appeared). It doesn't seem likely but were you looking for anything resembling a 'dark horse' this year - look no further (you couldn't look any further anyway, this is the last nominee).
AND THE WINNER IZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
"Treasure Self Love" by Lila Iké
In the absence of a true hammer this year ("hammer" being a Marley or a previous winner), I think it's largely a two horse race, with Kartel & Lila Iké leading the way. I'm towards "Treasure Self Love" because I think (it is) the better of the two, in general, and also think that if/when Vybz Kartel does win a Grammy, it will be with something more substantial. The next time he puts his proverbial foot down on an album --with respect to the competition of course-- I think he takes it but that isn't "Heart & Soul" (despite its name) (and next year it should be pretty good. You'll have Chronixx, probably Buju and I'd be surprised if we don't get something from the Marley clan). I think if voters do their research on the background of Lila Iké, they'll really enjoy her uniqueness and listen through "Treasure Self Love" will net her the victory, joining Koffee in 2020 as the only females to ever win the award. So, with that being said you can learn who does win it all on Sunday, the 1st of February, 2026 when we give congratulations to Keznamdi for winning the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. I'm going to get something to eat.
Okay so, I was sitting here working on a Grammy post (which you should get in the next two or three days) and a Chronixx review (next week for that one) and I decided to go check up on some old emails and, luckily, I stumbled across a link from our old friends from the highest region, JahSolidRock, who let me know that they were in the kitchen, cooking and in the lab... labbing [?] and had a new album forthcoming from the criminally consistent Micah Shemaiah. In fact, they already had the project's first single up and running, 'Not For Sale' which is billed as, "An authentic, deep roots tune composed and performed by real human beings and recorded in the legendary Tuff Gong studio in Kingston, Jamaica"; and, of course, I was interested (I was interested at "Jahsolidrock", they had my attention right there). When I actually took a listen to it, as expected, 'Not For Sale' was exceptional and I thought YOU wonderful human beings would enjoy taking a listen to it.... and I was right!
Irreplaceable. Back in March of this year we lost Mr. Calvin George Scott, better known as the coolest of them, sweet singing Cocoa Tea. I think that, for so many people (myself and yourself included), Cocoa Tea was the type of individual who, whether we listened to his work consistently or not, we just kind of presumed that he would just be there. Every once in a while you'd get a new song from the singer and he'd even score a hit every few years while, of course, building upon a mountain of tried and trusted output. About a month prior to Cocoa Tea,'Kette Drum' chanter, Determine, left us as well and, although in somewhat of a different way from Cocoa Tea, Determine was also a fairly dependable type (although probably not as often in his case) and someone who was woefully underrated, given his undeniably mountainous level of skill. We have others who're in similar positions and are still with us and I think that we, as fans and listeners of this fantastic sound, have a wonderful opportunity with us to be able to celebrate these individuals while they are still here to appreciate it and are still here to continue to provide us with these healthy moments. I don't know how this is going to work out but the last thing that I finished writing before I just started this one was a Signatures feature on Jah Mason. Today is the 16th of October (two hours left in the day); so a month from tomorrow Jah Mason turns fifty-five years old. He's older than Determine and, despite all of his acomplishments, there're people who still have the nerve to walk around thinking that Jah Mason's a 'one hit wonder' (MADNESS. ABSOLUTE MADNESS!). He's someone who we CLEARLY need to show more love to and, hopefully, I've done my part for the moment and turned some attention to his amazing catalogue of music. You know someone else who belongs in this conversation who almost NEVER gets brought up, Steve Machete! I probably have him on the mind because of a WICKED compilation he once appeared on alongside Jah Mason (and Anthony B) called "Saddle To The East" but he definitely applies here. There is a 0% chance that Steve Machete will ever be alive to appreciate the gratitude that fans have (or should have) for the wonderful music that he has given us throughout the years but, in his case, it may not even come after he's gone. Because of that (and because he's fantastic), I make a point out of just randomly checking to see if he's done anything recently every few weeks or so. Occasionally I get lucky and he does have something new (or something I missed) and it's just about always at least SOLID. I also go to the late Peter Broggs and I am so damn hopeful that man went to his grave with the knowledge that he changed lives with his contribution to the world and is able to rest well due to it.
We do have a number of individuals who have entered a stage of their careers where you would begin to think and HOPE that fans would be keen on showing our appreciation to. I'm not talking about elders such as Beres Hammond or Marcia Griffiths or Horace Andy who will enter eternity knowing EXACTLY how much we love them but another strong group of vocalists who may not feel it inn terms of consistency. We may pull up a certain tune or tunes or maybe even an album or two but they also have a massive body of work to account for as well. In this lot, I include someone like Glen Washington who we, routinely, cover around here and someone else we've always made a point to acknowledge (coincidentally, a native of Clarendon, like both Washington and Cocoa Tea), the WELL ESTEEMED Everton Blender.
2000
I feel better when Everton Blender is making music. Reggae music, in general, is better when Everton Blender is making music. We can all sit down up 'lift up' constantly songs like 'Lift Up Your Head' ["and hold it up hiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh!"], 'Ghetto People Song', 'Blend Dem', World Corruption' and others but the Blender has has churned out VERY solid material which hasn't received similar praise and it seems like it's been a really long time since he's hit a level (in terms of popularity, not quality) of those tracks... but he's been hard at work. Most recently (I THINK), in 2020 he gifted us his most recent full release, the more than decent "Where Is The Love" for Spider Ranks' Love Injection Production imprint (another longtime favourite of mine). That album would have initially reached during our hiatus but I made it a point to make sure that I reviewed it when I returned and for a similar reason as the foundation of this review. In that one, I essentially referred to Everton Blender's music as "comfort food". It's the type of music where, if you don't know what to listen to, you can always go back to it and will always work for you (I also mentioned someone else who definitely fits into this class of names, Yami Bolo) (Junior Reid is another - just people who're older than you're realizing when you think about them). It's easy to listen to (and can be thrilling at the same time) and very dependable; even with new music that you have not heard before, you know what you're getting from Everton Blender in sound and in grade. He was back at it again (two days after my date of birth), in 2024 with a new release, this time via Blendem Inc (I wonder who that label belongs to???), "Can't Take My Space" (I THINK that's the first time he's done that on his own label). The new release is a blend of songs of various ages but it does seem to have arisen through some distinct design/planning. I don't think Everton Blender just up, one day last year, said that he felt like making an album and put it together and here we are (though I wouldn't be surprised if it took a bit longer than he thought it would when he started). If you're familiar with Blender's work, even if you haven't heard a single one of these tunes before - you should know what to expect. "Can't Take My Space", like every other album he's ever done and ever will do, is a mixture of modern Roots music with vibes of a more old school type, as well as some Lover's Rock. Again, it's always of a certain level of quality and you do not have to worry AT ALL about disappointed by Everton Blender. He is what he is and he'll hit his mark. I guarantee it! Of course, it's particularly sweet when it's even better than what you're expecting and I can HAPPILY say that, as far as anything recently, "Can't Take My Space" shows itself to easily be amongst the Blender's finest.
Can you think of a better phrase to describe Everton Blender's voice than "BRIGHT"? When he pushes it to any degree whatsoever, it literally SPARKLES. It turns on and it illuminates EVERYTHING it crosses. For example, take the very first tune from his latest offering, "Can't Take My Space", 'Reparation Time'. Riding a cut of some classic riddim that I don't feel like figuring out the name of, the Blender dazzles in the name of calling for some amends and changes to be made ["Over four hundred years of slaver, backra masters still nah waan pay wi"]. This song PERFECTLY exemplifies what I mean when I talk about how dependable and reliable Everton Blender can be. 'Reparation Time', for the most part, is done. It's already had its run and it wasn't a HIT, but you listen to this thing and doubt its quality. I dare you! It is a FINE tune with a big heart and, definitely, one of the best tunes on this album. We get our first bite of Lover's Rock very early on with 'All Day', which was a single here and did pretty well, actually. Though you will find better tracks of its type on "Can't Take My Space", I've got no problem with 'All Day' (minus the talking in the middle which is kind of cringe and it always is on love songs) and it actually has grown on me just a bit from the first time I heard it (the riddim behind is a GORGEOUS piece of instrumentation. It's probably one of the strongest on the entire album). 'She Is So Mellow' is also near the front of "Can't Take My Place" and is probably just a touch stronger than 'All Day'. 'She Is So Mellow' is just a SWING. It's just a vibe. There is substance there (I GUESS), but you won't dare focus on that at all. Things get to soaring again courtesy of the tried and trusted 'Another One'. As far as I know, this song might just be around twenty-five years old at this point. It was produced by Jr. Reid and featured on "Tribute To Grammy" a compilation done in honour of the late younger brother of the 'One Blood' singer, which released in the year 2001. Because it's SO old, I would presume that this is a personal favourite of the Blender's and he felt compelled to include it on an album over which he had total control. I have no problem with that. 'Another One' has somewhat of an odd trajectory (you're going to have something of a problem trying to justify a chorus like that with most of the song's lyrics from the verses) but, in full, it's still very, very good and if it's managed to slip between the proverbial cracks for you, ENJOY your first flash of it here. Also featured in the first lot of tunes from "Can't Take My Space" is another older tune, 'Babylon Get A Blow'.
"Woke up this morning, behold the sun come shining
Three little birds by my doorstep singing
This is what they're saying -
'Babylon must get a blow
They must get a beaten
Babylon must get a blow
They must get a beaten' "
The song is a production of the once mighty Cousins Records (memba them???) and though, unlike virtually EVERY SINGLE ONE OF HIS PEERS, Everton Blender never got around to doing a full album with Donville Davis and co. at Cousins, a tune like this one, and its ULTRA-cool vibe (it is a revolution song but it's so damn chilled for the most part) and common-sense edge, it definitely makes you think of what might've come from such a union in full.
The middle portion of the album really represents the class of "Can't Take My Space", including its single finest moment altogether. 'Right Girl' (by the slimmest of margins) is probably its strongest piece of Lover's Rock (with respect to one song I'm going to tell you about in a bit) (...I might as well just mention it now, give me a second). 'Right Girl' is kind of infectious. It's very hard to shake certain parts of it atop what sounds like a cut of the Picture on The Wall Riddim, which Blender uses to tell the tale of how someone special caught his eye once upon a time. Much later on, we get the interesting 'Lady Madonna', which isn't too far behind the level of 'Right Girl' (if at all). In his catalogue, Everton Blender has a downright SPECIAL tune (with an album just as precious named after it) called 'King Man'. 'Lady Madonna' is also lovely to listen to (probably going to turn out to be my Wife's favourite tune on this album - she is LOVING it at the moment) with a highly catchy track underpinning it and a slightly unusual (not really) style to the Blender's vocals. You'll also find here a track that we actually covered a couple of years back, the excellent call to revolution 'Slavery Ship'. I was both happy and unsurprised to see 'Slavery Ship' aboard this album as, if I recall correctly, it did quite a bit of damage in its time and was relatively popular for Blender. A year on, it was a perfect fit for this album or any other album from the singer as he predicted, "Babylon ship ahgo capsize tonight". You might also recall the very similarly ruddered 'Going Down'. This tune, just like 'Slavery Ship', declared the days of oppressors to be approaching an end. You could not find a damn thing wrong with this one if you were to grind it down to its absolutely powderiest (probably not an actual word but who cares?) core. 'Going Down' is just solid modern Roots Reggae, with a very nice message (and one which does have its own blend, slightly, as Blender is keen to comment on the importance of respecting Mother Nature) and a lovely sound. For its part, despite its title, 'Good Old Days' does have a little something different to it; a little spiciness (let's call it... horns!). The instrumentation on the song is damn impressive, it's going to get you moving and keep you there, meanwhile the Blender goes about making his poignant point.
"Back in those days in the dance when a man step on your shoe-
It was just love between me and you
But nowadays the man dem face ah screw
Calling on the youths to make love flow through
There's a message in the song reaching out to you
So take a tip from your brother, Bubbaru"
"Can't Take My Space" reaches its zenith on the song for which it is named as 'Can't Take My Space', the song, rather EASILY, became one of the very best Everton Blender has ever done the second he finished it. He warns that "my shoes are too big for their feet" in not only an attempt to substantiate the lofty levels he's achieved in life (lest we forget) but the tune also (of course) has a spiritual side to it. The biggest shoes are worn by His Majesty and should anyone try to fill THOSE, they will surely stumble over their own feet in the attempt. DJ Virus (Star Bwoy Virus) takes both a producer's and featuring artist's credit on the clear champion of the album.
The album's closer, 'Don't Be Used', is its only other combination, this one pulling in Isha Blender, Everton's daughter. This song is actually a remake/remix of an older one for Star Trail and while I do prefer the original (it's a touch more... 'agile' than the heavier new recording), this one, while definitely heavier -- and almost somber -- is still a fine offering, and Isha adds a fire as it progresses through but I would suggest that you track down the original for some contrast. I'll tell you (warn you), that you probably may not care for 'Money' (THE SONG) the first time or two that you go through it. It can be a little awkward, particularly early on, but it will pick up, I assure you; though it does not ever completely shed a most deserved "awkward" label (that chorus is just... something else). Give it time! You often hear pieces that shred money but the Blender injects a bit of realism into things with this effort. The last bona fide GREAT song on "Can't Take My Space" is the anti-violence set, 'Too Much Guns' which, as far as I can tell, is the album's most recent single (with the official music video just dropping yesterday as of my writing this, apparently). Songs like this are plentiful and downright infinite in the genre but they rarely sound so damn SWEET at this one. Blessed with another classic track, Blender serves up SUBSTANCE and IDEOLOGY in abundance in making his point but he also takes care to appreciate the moment. Later on, he soars in calling up some of the greats of Reggae music who've passed to gun violence such as Peter Tosh, Hugh Mundell and Nitty Gritty as well as others such as Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG in suffering similar fates. 'Too Much Guns' is a fantastic song, an strong choice for a single and I'm expecting (and hoping) that it reaches many pairs of receptive ears.
Overall, in doing some research on myself, I've noticed that this is now the fourth of Everton Blender's albums that I've reviewed and I mention that just to kind of stress the mindset here: Again, I think it's so important that not only show our appreciation in the historical sense for what he HAS done and the contributions that he HAS made but as well as what he's continuing to do in the music. We will forever (literally, FOREVER) be celebrating the greats. Someone, somewhere will be listening to 'Lift Up Your Head' and thoroughly enjoying it (if they have good taste) (and sense) but hopefully we recognize that this hole goes much deeper than just that tune and a handful of others. There is work to be heard on throughout the career of Everton Blender, such as right here, for which the case could be made being just as stellar. "Can't Take My Space" is a perfect title for Everton Blender album right now. It stresses what he's done and how he's come to be where he is, while also signifying that he is not yet ready to abdicate his throne. Long live the Blender. Well done.
'Who Are We' by Turbulence [Unemployment Records - 2025]
Gotta start off with something that's definitely put a a smile on my face over the last week or so and biggup Filomuzik and Unemployment Records from out of Italy for getting the best from one of Reggae's most enigmatic figures that I've heard recently. Turbulence MOST CERTAINLY has not been one of the most consistent of artists in Reggae music but I still maintain that he sits on a gold mine of talent which places him in very thin company. Alongside the aforementioned producer and label from Southern Italy, Turbulence turns up with 'Who Are We' which is, CLEARLY, the best song I have heard from him in 2025 and... probably the best in quite a few years (off the top of my head, I would probably say from since 2021 but it could very well be even longer than that).
"Who are we, who are we-
Without His Majesty?
Who am I, who am I-
Without The Most High?
Who are we, who are we-
Without His Majesty?
Who am I, who am I-
Without Rastafari?
I'm nothing but a drowning victim waiting to be saved
Jah hand me lifeguard inna this tidal wave
Lost and confused inna this deep, dark cave
Jah hand me lantern just to light my way HOME
Rastafari say: Who do I think I am to disobey?
According to your works, that is how you get your pay
Mi ask them this without delay"
'Who Are We' is a scorchingly clever praise, backed by a GORGEOUS riddim (and notice how it changes and electrifies as the song goes along) making it not only, as I said, Turbulence's best this year but likely one of the best from anyone. BOOM.
'The Days' by Busy Signal [Zion High Productions 2025]
I'm always looking forward to seeing just who one of my (if not my absolute) favourite production units, the vaunted Zion I Kings, will work with next and I have to say I was quite shocked when I saw that next in the offering was the ridiculously gifted Busy Signal and I was also damn excited. I'll temper my HOPES (You know what I want) and just deal with what's at hand. While the link maybe surprising, the results most certainly are not. The ZIK's record is what it is, they've been amongst the most consistently high quality outfits in all of Reggae music since their inception (INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER) and, in case you haven't paid attention, Busy Signal is one of the most versatile stars the genre has ever produced. The man can literally rhyme about ANYTHING and shine whilst doing it. Their effort together, 'The Days', is a damn gem. It's a work of art... but you knew that already.
'Shout It Out' by Fikir Amlak [Saj Moor Dub - 2025]
Biggup our old friend, Saj Moor, who we told you about the last time we did one of these and is already back and this time, arguably, even stronger as the producer links up with the always active Fikir Amlak for 'Shout It Out'. I'll qualify this a bit: I haven't listened to Amlak's music a great deal over the years. Though I find myself crossing paths with his work every so often, I've never really focused much on him for one reason or another, but I have heard some of what he's done (he had a song a few years back that I REALLY liked called 'Royal Son'). So maybe you'll take that into consideration when I tell you that I'm quite confident in saying that 'Shout It Out' is the single best Fikir Amlak tune that I've heard thus far and maybe it becomes the impetus to get me to really tune him in (I'm pretty sure he has a new album now and even if he doesn't (or even if he does) the next one isn't too far away.... it NEVER is) Despite its title, 'Shout It Out' comes with this very cool and kind of building vibes to it (the riddim on this one is gold bar. Literally). It never fully ascends in terms of intensity but it remains with this gorgeous, almost mystical sound which Amlak puts to excellent usage in praise of The Almighty, while channeling the immortal Marcus Garvey.
The Tear Iron Riddim [Muscle Records - 2025]
Grrrr! Little late season madness courtesy of Muscle Records, check out the superb Tear Iron Riddim. I've been meaning to give this one its own mid-week feature post but it took me so damn long that it made more sense here. There're only five tracks on this riddim and I'm not crazy about all of them ('Jab Bull' by Island Prince is actually kind of annoying and I cannot remember the last time I called a song "annoying") but the absolute class of this thing is buried between a pair of tunes which are absolutely delicious. Greens blowtorch, Lavaman scorches everything everywhere with his 'Take Dat Down', while the queen reigns supreme as Fay-Ann Lyons provides the iron with its greatest threat, 'Show Me The Road'.
"A Piece Of The Blender: The Singles" by Everton Blender [Heartbeat Records - 1996]
I'm working on a review of an Everton Blender album so, of course, I'm going back and enjoying some of his older work so this EXCELLENT nearly thirty year old compilation is our blast from the past today, "A Piece Of The Blender". I've always appreciated how well this one was put together because it features songs such as 'World Corruption', 'Bob Marley' and 'Blend Dem' that would definitely get your attention and get your foot in the door; and when you settle in, also waiting for you were killers such as 'The Man', 'When You Wrong', 'Coming Harder' and others. I mention in the review how important I think it is for us to make sure that we pay the deserved respect to and CELEBRATE elders like the no seventy year old Blender while they're still around to be able to enjoy it. When you dig into much of his catalogue it isn't difficult because the man has given us some certified GEMS throughout his time.
I saw something that bothered me a little while ago. We won't put it in here (because you don't want to see that shit) but I saw a video about "Reggae One Hit Wonders" and on that list was Jah Mason... anyone with functioning ears (and a few people without) should know what rubbish his inclusion on such a list is. Yes, he has had a biggest hit -- I'm going to tell you about it RIGHT NOW -- but to discredit and discount well over THIRTY YEARS of beautiful work is pure insanity. Today we attempt to spread some mental health and a few drops of common sense while celebrating one of the genre's most CONSISTENT of champions. Signatures: Jah Mason
{Note 2: Doing this list definitely gave me a new appreciation of Jah Mason's work and I hope it does the same for you. That man is an INCREDIBLY skilled writer}
1. 'My Princess Gone'
Far far away. As is our tradition (because I've written enough of these things now to have a TRADITION!), we begin with what is likely (it is) Jah Mason's most identifiable track to date, 'My Princess Gone'. Producer Roland McDermott handed the Mason his lovely (and woefully mistitled) Adrenaline Rush Riddim (which also carried a well underrated tune, 'Wine & Roses' by Anthony B) and returned to him was an undeniable CLASSIC which conquered the Reggae world and, nearly twenty-five years on, is still sitting on a throne... but it's not the only ruler he's had.
2. 'Keep Your Joy'
Goodness! 'Keep Your Joy' was both an early hit for Jah Mason and the title track for his debut album (for the wonderful people at Ghetto Technology... wherever you may be these days) (it was also one of a handful that appeared on both that debut album and its followup, "Working So Hard" - more on that one later) (neither one of those albums ever made it to the digital side and that's too bad). 'Keep Your Joy' is GORGEOUS! It is a beautiful, beautiful song and if you do know it, its presence here can come as no surprise as Jah Mason put on a stunning display in the name of telling all to keep your proverbial heads up in the face of negativity or when life just isn't going your way.
"Keep yah joy, keep yah joy
Even if yuh unemployed"
3. 'Fire'
Blaze without a limit. Another early top-taker, 'Fire' would have come up in an era where the trend in Roots music -- largely courtesy of the Capletons, Sizzlas and Anthony Bs of the world -- was to find anything even remotely negative or oppressive and completely DOUSE it in a cleansing (or destructive, if it was too far gone to save) flame. The result was songs like these but they were RARELY this good.... from, like, anyone. Brutally straightforward, yet still pretty damn clever ["Fyah caan escape, coulda short like midget. Well miah bun di fyah and it well legit. Well fyah red! And dem caan bridge it. Well fyah mek dem all ah dance like mimic"], 'Fire', perhaps unbeknownst to anyone during its day had a very sturdy pair of legs and it has aged exceptionally well. This is a list of my favourite Jah Mason songs and this one would DEFINITELY be in the top half of these: One of the best songs he's ever done.
4. 'Most Royal'
No barrier. No bridge. The title track of what is, arguably, the Mason's most underrated album to date, the Jah Warrior produced "Most Royal" (...for some reason, I was stuck trying to think of the name of that album.... I should probably go to bed after I finish this one), 'Most Royal' is just an overly-solid piece of music. What I mean is that, in describing it, you want to use words like 'proficient' and 'efficient' and 'solid' but it's better than that while not, at least on the surface being entirely spectacular. Keep on listening to it though... maybe it is kinda spectacular. This aggressive slow-burner earns its keep on such a post of mine for having grayed (you have to admit that "grayed" is a very cool way of saying "aged". ISN'T IT!) amazingly well; finding Jah Mason preaching for us all to just up our personal standards and expectations of others, as well) just a bit more.
5. 'Stay In My Heart'
Special place in my heart. Jah Mason's megahit, the aforementioned 'My Princess Gone' would head an album of the same name in 2006 where it was, undeniably, a highlight BUT it was not the best song on the album named after it.... it also wasn't the second best either (album was quite top-heavy, in retrospect, but maybe a bit underrated, still). The latter distinction belongs to the downright GLORIOUS 'Stay In My Heart'. What's so damn good about this tune? I'd challenge you to find a love song as intense as this one without falling into the ridiculous category. You'll find some craziness, surely (biggup Sizzla), but I can't recall one from the top of my head where the artist managed to keep his wits, while turning up the heat and putting on a blistering and EXCITING display in the name of professing their love. Jah Mason did it sublimely here and it has stuck with me over the years... still sticking.
6. 'Run Come Love Me' featuring Jah Cure
Let Jah loving share. Nearly thirty years ago now, the great Beres Hammond put his hands on 'Run Come Love Me' and, in doing so, would help to launch a couple of careers to some level of stardom. One of them (that other guy) would embark on a career as full of controversy as hits, while Jah Mason would go on to, as you can see, do a considerable amount of damage on his own. The two would also link on 'Working So Hard' for Henfield (I think he produced that song) and another one from much later, which was also excellent (I don't feel like looking up the title of that one right now), but 'Run Come Love Me' has gone on to such a distinguished level of reverence amongst the masses (myself included) -- and for good reason -- that it simply had to make this list.
7. 'As Much As Mi Get'
High grade plant. 'As Much As Mi Get' is as much of a "viral" tune as you will find here as I don't actually know where I first heard it. It popped up online one day and... about fifteen years later, here we are. You'll find at least one or two other ganja tunes in my compilation but 'As Much As Mi Get' earns its spot by combining EXTREME cleverness and lyrical adroitness ["Man ah smoke before Billy The Kid"] with this DOMINANT infectious riddim (which is probably called the Royal Crown). A head-knocking tune which does not care whether or not you enjoy it. Once it has you, you are not going anywhere.
{Note: 'As Much As Mi Get' has just recently been re-released (if it was ever actually released in the first place, that is) as 'High Grade Plant' on Datsmusic Productions}
8. 'Gideon Start'
Like a thought. I've spent the last twenty-two years telling any and everyone who would bother to listen to me just how confident I am in the FACT that Jah Mason's single finest album to date is the well underappreciated and overlooked "Never Give Up". It just is and I am not sorry to be the (only) one saying that to you. The album is one of THE best I have ever heard in my entire life (already declared a modern classic, from longtime ago!) and I when I think of it, generally the first tune that comes to mind is the SMOOTH album-opening 'Gideon Start'. The song was a all to a revolution but it wasn't at the fevered pitch as some of the other selections that you'll find here, at least not for the most part. Still, in an almost prophetic move, the Mason would provide the song, whole of "Never Give Up" and maybe ALL of the music you'll find here with a very fitting punchline when he said:
'Rastafari still ahgo show dem love from my heart
Keep this inna yuh head, like a thought"
It's been a thought of mine for over twenty years now and should I live another twenty, it WILL still be a thought.
9. 'Couple Chalice A Day'
Nah stray. The signature tune from one of Jah Mason's most popular albums, 2006's "Wheat And Tears", the BEAUTIFUL 'Couple A Chalice A Day', could not possibly be left out. Immediately when you listen to this one, what's going (at least partially) is clear: THIS SONG SOUNDS REALLY, REALLY GOOD! It just does. It's melodic, infectious and it just makes you feel good listening to it. Furthermore, and again, lyrically... this thing is in the stars somewhere. It is EXQUISITELY penned ["If a no high grade, throw dat inna di dustbin"].
10. 'Si Dem Move'
Jason & Chucky. I can pretty safely guarantee you that were you to find another collection of songs like this from Jah Mason (and, unfortunately, you probably won't) that the song 'Si Dem Move' would PROBABLY be the one here that would be least likely to appear on anyone else's though, from the second I heard it, it became an instant favourite of mine and, clearly, it still is. Why exactly??
"Mi dun si dem move
Mi dun si dem flex
Mi get fi overstand seh nuff ah flex like Rex
Mi dun si dem move
Mi dun si dem flex
What kinda move dem ahgo mek next?
MI TELL DEM LIVE CLEAN DEM GWAN LIVE DUTTY!
SELASSIE I COMMANDMENT? DEM RUN GO BRUK IT!
DEM HEART - IT NO CLEAN!
DEM MIND - IT SMUTTY!
WATCH HOW DEM AH MOVE LIKE A DOGS AND PUPPY!
CAAN ESCAPE, NO CARE HOW DEM LUCKY!
WATCH HOW DEM AH FLEX LIKE JASON AND CHUCKY!
WELL YOU NO SI SEH DEM A WALKING DUPPY!
DUTTY LIVITY? MI AH BEH UNUH FI LEF IT!"
Highlighting Reggae Vibes hilariously underrated "Unlimited" album, 'Si Dem Move' featured a well pissed off Mason at his absolute SCATHING best.
11. 'Team Up'
Together we will be. Were it not for the penultimate song on this list, I'd be pretty confident in proclaiming 'Team Up' the single best song that Jah Mason has ever done. When I first heard this song, now more than twenty years ago, I LOVED it IMMEDIATELY. That was partially to the credit of Loyal Soldiers and their HEAVY Black Shade Riddim (I Wayne probably gave the riddim its most popular tune with 'Bleacher') and it sounds even better in 2025 with a Jah Mason who is as FOCUSED and ON-POINT lyrically as, arguably, he's ever been. Probably THE best written song of his entire career.
"Don't contradict yourself or you will end up inna mystery
...living like some unsolved mystery"
12. 'Black King' featuring Lutan Fyah
Haffi hail HIM. It bothers me to some degree that, after all of these years, though the song is respected (in as far as it is remembered), the true extraordinary quality in 'Black King' hasn't been celebrated nearly enough. The tune would be carried on an album by the name of "Dem No Know Demself", which is best recalled as being the debut album of Lutan Fyah and came via the once mighty Minor 7 Flat 5 imprint (with Al.Ta.Fa.An on production) and, twenty-one years on, still stands a very good, though not GREAT release. HOWEVER, are we just going to ignore the elephant in the room of 'Black King' FOREVER?? Is the ENTIRE WORLD just going to pretend as if we didn't notice that, about a minute and a half into it, Jah Mason ABSOLUTELY DESTROYS AND VANQUISHES EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ON THIS SONG? ALL OF IT:
"I'm delighted to do thy work, Oh Jah
Well, dem caan stop mi
No time, no sah
Salvation mi need, mi no waan no sponsah
Tell dem, love is di way, also di ansah
Gimme di old time tradition, mi no waan no sponsah
Bangarang dem ah pick and ah powda and pampah
YOW, IT'S TOO LATE!
DEM GWAN GET ANCHORED
WELL A UNCONQUERABLE WEH DEM CAAN CONQUER!"
13. 'Saga Bed'
Govern and dominion! Were there a question of their potency together following 'My Princess Gone' & 'Stay In My Heart' (and there weren't), perhaps you should take a listen to 'Saga Bed' as a testament of the power and chemistry of Jah Mason & Roland McDermott. 'Saga Bed' is my favourite Jah Mason song ever. Period! Why? You take, again, an almost EXPLOSIVE level of (monitored) intensity (and not just being crazy because you want to attract attention) and combine with brilliant lyrics and you have a tune for the ages. 'Saga Bed' left no stone unturned and challenged the listener while, simultaneously, BLASTING them.
"CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?!
CHANGE YUH DUTTY WAYS FI A BETTA LAND!
DIVINENESS ALONE DEH PON DI MOTHER LAND!
HAILE SELASSIE I SET DI ORDER, NOT ANOTHER MAN!
GIVE PRAISES, NO THINK SEH THAT YOU BIGGA THAN!
HAILE SELASSIE I: HIM A THE HIGHER ONE!
SO VICTORIOUS!
ONE OUT OF A MILLION!
RASTAFARI GOVERN & DOMINION!"
And I cannot pass through this tune without mentioning just the brilliant arrangement. You listen to what happens as 'Saga Bed' develops. The backing singer/s (who deserve SO much respect that I am going to dig up this physical album just to see the liners to see who she/they are) ignite more and more ["HAIL THE KING! HAIL THE KING!"], while the music gets more and more intense as, of course, Mason destroys any and everything that can hear him. What we end is a downright exhausting, sweat dripping EXPERIENCE of a song and... probably one of the best thirty or so that I have ever heard: FROM ANYONE.
{Note: There are no backup singers credited for this song}
{Note 2: Full credit to her/them, whoever and wherever she/they may be}
14. 'As The Wind Blows'
Do not wonder. Lastly, I know a couple of versions of this song. The one you hear here is the better of the two (and I think it's the more recent recording) but I would have initially heard the older one first. Regardless, 'As The Wind Blows' (also called 'Even When the Wind Blows') is HUGE! If you REALLY tune this one in -- I mean really -- you'll find something that ranks very highly on even this list. It comes through as such a powerfully organic and FLUID praising song. I get the impression that the chanter had a chorus written that he was quite happy with and began to work around it and what he came up with was genius level. You look at a song like this and you listen to it and enjoy it or feel however you feel about it and that's fine; but it is such a.... SURPRISING selection when you can vibe it that everything changes and that doesn't even get into mentioning the music which also levels up as you progress through it. Jah is EVERYWHERE! I can feel HIM even in a breeze!
