Signatures Vol. IV: Chezidek

It's been a long time since we first made acquaintance with the unusually voiced singer from the sweetest place on the planet and it has been a VERY fun twenty-ish years or so. From his earlier days as, seemingly, the latest find of the mighty Xterminator Productions up to today, where he sits as a full veteran and proven hitmaker; Chezidek has had an incredibly STEADY and compelling career. Relatively recently, he's also become a 'certified' (as if such things are official) (they are not) favourite of mine and a CLEAR choice for a feature like this. So, here's a tiny collection of some of the greatest songs I've ever heard from someone who has consistently provided GEMS throughout the years. Signatures: Chezidek.

{Note: Next? Bunji Garlin}

1. 'Let I In'

Shall forever open. Though not the most obvious selection, I choose to begin this list with a tune called 'Let I In' because.... yeah, it fits, doesn't it?? This downright STUNNING track was carried on the singer's golden Xterminator guided debut set, "Harvest Time" (more on that later), way back in 2002 and while it came at a time while many were still trying to figure out what to actually make of the unusually voiced Chezidek, 'Let I In' SOARED. Aimed at oppression in various forms and seated atop a MAJESTIC track, 'Let I In' not only sought to remove societal barriers but it also, fittingly, helped to firmly place the singer on the radars of many. Myself included.

2.'Bun Di Ganja'

REAL HARD. I was thinking that maybe, just maybe, I was including too many songs on this list of a similar nature but then it occurred to me: It's my list and I can do whatever I wanted to with it. It's damn difficult to leave out this COOL tune from the Irie Ites (told you we might be hearing from them again), on their cut of the Strange Things Riddim, 'Bun Di Ganja'. The song, in total has a big vibes but, in particular, there are stretches of 'Bun Di Ganja' which SOAR! 

"Herb haffi bun

Chalice haffi light

Caan get no herb, wi no have no appetite

Babylon just ride pass, pon di bike

Nah dash weh mi weed from mi know seh dat nuh right

Dem caan lock wi up, it would cause a big fight

Mi nah go a jail, not even fi a night"

3. 'Walk With Jah'

King & Saviour. JSR also worked magic alongside the singer (they should really think about doing another album together at some point) to the tune of what I still regard as the brightest highlight on a set brimming with them, "Judgement Time", 'Walk With Jah'. 'Walk With Jah' was a praise. It's a simple as that. You've heard thousands such tracks and it added nothing at all new to the category, BUT IT WAS STUNNING! There is something so devastatingly and powerfully SIMPLE to 'Walk With Jah' that it, literally, freezes you. It demands your attention and does so today just as much as it did when I first laid ears on it. 

4. 'Inna Dem Eye'

KING MAN COME. As it stands, RIGHT NOW, the biggest tune in my opinion that Chezidek has ever done is the EPIC 'Inna Dem Eye'. The song featured the artist putting on a historical display -- one of the greatest such tunes that I can EVER recall hearing -- in celebration of all things Rastafari. The basics of such a piece were not surprising at all but this tune was of an entirely unusual quality. Chezidek ASCENDED with 'Inna Dem Eye' and he's still going up.

"21st of April, 1966

King Selassie I make that visit

RASTA MEK DI BABYLON DEM LOOK LIKE RUBBISH"

5. 'Kill Dem' featuring Queen Omega

Hot like the equator. NO! I did not forget about this tune (I did forget that it was Irie Ites' though, so my apologies). Never one for doing too much in the way of combination -- at least in my opinion -- Chezidek and Irie Ites did all the world a favour on his most recent full release, "Never Stop" from a couple of years ago, when they pulled in the incomparable Queen Omega to link for 'Kill Dem'. I will continue this series and I will eventually get around to doing one of these features on the Queen and if you have read my work to any degree, you know precisely in just how high esteem I hold her and 'Kill Dem' did not disappoint. She does threaten to steal the show, but Chezi also more than holds his own as the two unite and send one straight to the hearts of oppressors WHEREVER THEY MAY BE.

6. 'Leave The Trees'

And let them be. Chezidek' distinct GREEN TUNE, 'Leave The Trees' was very close to not making the cut until I did a  very basic search to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything... I was. 'Leave The Trees' was this very 'well-ventilated' and OPEN tune touching Chezidek's favourite topic (it's also likely Marlon Asher's favourite Chezidek tune as well). The vocalist would look at things from a variety of different perspectives apart from the typical route; the most interesting of the lot being the harm on the environment committed in the name of the insistence of certain individuals on FIGHTING A PLANT... A PLANT.

7. 'Inna Di Road'

Blood dem ah shed. Despite the undeniable heft of its direction (probably be the biggest social commentary Chezidek has ever done, 'Inna Di Road' probably, most immediately, sticks into your mind (about fifteen years later) for just how DAMN COOL it was. I won't overlook it at all: You could very well make the case that it is the best written tune here, as it comprehensively takes a look at several social topics, namely violence and general crime and does so BRILLIANTLY... but there is a certain confidence and succinctness that came through 'Inna Di Road'. It had the vibes that he had rehearsed (and rehearsed and rehearsed) it a few dozen times before actually recording it. Whatever was done in preparation for arguably the biggest hit of Chezi's career - IT WORKED. 

8. 'All My Life'

All my days. Three years following the release of the twice aforementioned "Judgement Time", Chezidek reached back with JahSolidRock to deliver its mighty followup, "The Order Of Melchezedik" which would have MASSIVE shoes to fill and it definitely did not disappoint. A dozen years on, THE signature of "The Order Of Melchezedik" is the intoxicating praise that was 'All My Life'.

"All my life, in all my days

THE JOY OF MY HEART IS TO GIVE RASTAFARI PRAISE"

'All My Life' presented the actual ACT of giving praise as euphoric. It and it, alone, is capable of bringing good vibes and feelings to people and he wrapped it up in this BEAUTIFUL package which has stuck with me and likely always will. 

9. Ganja Tree

Don't burn down no more!  The sweet, SWEET 'Ganja Tree' appeared on 2010's IMMACULATE "Judgement Time", courtesy of our friends from the highest region, JahSolidRock... 

Let me tell you something: I KNEW I was going to have 'Ganja Tree' somewhere on this list, so when I started gathering song titles, it was in the very first batch, but it had been a while from the last time I heard it. I'm writing it RIGHT NOW (DUH!) and it HIT ME! It broke me down! 'Ganja Tree' is a classic which has set the deepest of roots all over my mind. I was completely and thoroughly pleased with myself for being able to sing the entire thing from memory despite the time it had been.

"CHALICE HAFFI LIGHT BEFORE THE NEWS READ!"

10. 'Call Pon Dem'

Big conference. A massive credit goes to Massive B, whose glorious (and under-voided , in my opinion) Kingdom Riddim played the perfect backdrop for a tune that still sits as one of the largest and most popular of Chezidek's entire career to date, 'Call Pon Dem'. in order to fully appreciate this one, you have to pay it its respect on two levels. Of course, you want to listen to it and respect it, lyrically and the ideology behind it (which is what we do around here), but 'Call Pon Dem' also JUST SOUNDS REALLY GOOD! It's very pleasing to listen to and damn difficult [impossible] to ignore. It's very infectious and, listening to it all of these years later, there can be no surprise at the heights the tune would reach or the damage that it did in its day.... and still is.  

11. 'Harvest Time'

Dinner time. I actually feel quite proud to say that, over a couple of decades later, the title track from Chezidek's aforementioned freshman release is one of a few laying a large and legitimate claim to being THE single best that I have ever heard from him. 'Harvest Time' literally perfect. BIG and DIRECT, but not overstated, the tune had a point to make and it did precisely that in its time with this downright INTOXICATING delivery for the most part. Ranging somewhere between a chant and full-on deejaying, Chezidek delivered a vibe for the ages, saying it was time for things to become more inclusive in the world.

12. 'Who I Am'

Accept me. Given just how productive artist & label have been with one another, such a list would be incomplete (and just WRONG) without at least one contribution from Irie Ites and here it is (I'm actually still putting it together and wouldn't be surprised if I put another one from Chezidek & II in here somewhere) (have one, in particular, in mind). I hate to say it but had I worked on this list as recently as... maybe three or four years ago, 'Who I Am' would not have made it and it would not have even come close. Despite nearing twenty years of age and despite me well being aware of it, 'Who I Am' never really hit me until fairly recently and when it did I heard a certain... quaintness? There's something very COMFORTING about this tune but in a slightly unusual way (it's like finding out someone who you've known for a really long time has twin or something like that). Whatever the case, what was once just a random tune in Chezidek's back catalogue is now a significant favourite of mine and, EASILY, one of the best he's done to my opinion. Certain things that always standout do so here as well but I also LOVE the themes of RESPECT and SELF-RESPECT in a very basic and non-labourious way. It is easy a hell to treat someone decently. It literally requires no effort at all!

"ACCEPT ME FOR WHO I AM!"

13. 'Herbalist'

High grade campaign. Chezidek was one of several big names taking advantage of the SWEET Jam Down riddim from Danger Zone ["I'm waiiitinggggg"], with 'Herbalist', the riddim's obligatory ganja tune. 'Herbalist', sonically, was GOLD. Underratedly (melodically speaking), the song probably features one of the finest vocal performances of Chezi's entire career and he well took advantage of that most 'promotional' of tracks (it wasn't terribly difficult to be good on the Jam Down. It was very well done). The tune also did damage and was a sizable hit and has gone down as one of his most popular releases to the surprise of NO ONE AT ALL. 

14. 'Dem A Dweet'

Inna di open? Finally is this WOEFULLY underappreciated GEM of a tune which appeared on the Bassie Campbell produced "Freedom Fighters" album in 2013, 'Dem A Dweet'. The track took aimed at the more two-faced members of society who spend their time chanting down actions which they, themselves, partake in. Along with being lyrically damn scathing, something that has always attracted me to 'Dem A Dweet' has been its delivery. Originally, Chezidek came up as a deejay and while this one isn't straight-forward in that respect, it is a nearly perfect blend of what Chezidek is known for these days and where his origins lie. 

TEARS! GIANT ONES!

Okay so, I heard this tune and I had kinda/sorta made up my mind what it was going to be about but THANKFULLY, it didn't go in the direction I was thinking it might... well it did, but it didn't STAY there. Soca stars Machel Montano & Skinny Fabulous pay a MAMMOTH [!!!] tribute to those who we've lost along the way with their big new tune, 'Fallen Fetters'. I was expecting something on the somber side and, though it does start there, an entirely appropriate amount of pandemonium does subsequently take over. THIS IS GORGEOUS MUSIC in an artform which celebrates.... pretty much every damn thing. So we will jump and wave for those who can no longer do it themselves (and then someone will jump for us when we're gone). Also HAVE to mention the prevailing lyrical statement here:

"CELEBRATE YOUR FRIENDS BEFORE THEY'RE GONE"

You don't actually have to wait! Tell someone you love them when you realize that you do! Say thank you! Call someone you haven't talked to in a bit and check up on them; see how they're doing. The season is VERY young, still, but two Machel and Skinny have already delivered one of its certain highlights. BOOOM! DAMN! 

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.

Sara Lugo. WHAT! Oneness Records. WHAT!

You can ALWAYS go back home! Coming up on FIFTEEN YEARS since we made our very first post  on her, the incomparable Sara Lugo is not only back at work, but she's back at work with a very familiar source, the wonderful people at Oneness Records, as artist and label link up for the big new tune, 'Hidden Treasure', an expectedly GORGEOUS track that Lugo wrote while in Jamaica. 

"WHEN YOU LOOK INTO THE FACES OF YOUR SISTERS

YOU WILL SEE THE SUN SHINE RIGHT THROUGH THEM" 

The tune has an obvious direction of not immediately 'judging the book by its cover' and the way it is presented... I already used the gorgeous, but that's what it is! Just a beautiful tune and, all these years later, that woman's voice STILL does everything for me. You already know what I'm thinking ("Flowaz" is three and a half years old....), but I'll keep that to myself and just enjoy Sara Lugo & Oneness Records once again working their magic in late 2024. If you don't like this tune, leave this blog and never come back. Your kind is not welcomed here. BOOM! 

Signatures Vol. III: Lutan Fyah

Unlike the first two subjects of our Signatures series [Akae Beka & Norris Man], I didn't experience much of a 'build-up' or gestation process in regards to our third featured artist. I didn't have to do a great deal of studying (although it did help) or work hard at all to get to a point where I could appreciate this specific vibe: I've been a fan of Lutan Fyah from pretty much the very first time I heard him. What I heard initially is the same thing I hear now, over twenty years later: A great command of what he is saying and a serious commitment to his craft. I listen to prime Sizzla Kalonji and Vaughn Benjamin and come away thinking that these men are scholars who just so happened to have a talent for music. I don't hear that in Lutan Fyah. I hear someone CLEARLY very well-read and well-traveled but what stays with me is the idea of this artist who simply looks around at what he is seeing and then goes about tirelessly determining how to express himself and his opinions. When at his best, the man provides one of the most THOROUGH listens that I have ever heard. Here are some my favourite of his "at his bests". Signatures: Lutan Fyah 

1. 'Ridiculous'

That's ridiculous! Instead of going with the more obvious route, I chose to start off with this complete and utter GEM of a tune was carried by an unfortunately largely forgotten album by the name of "Never Surrender My Faith" from back in 2013, produced by the venerable Jah Warrior from out of the UK. From the very first time that I laid ears on it, I knew 'Ridiculous' was something special as Lutan Fyah painted a picture that was as bleak as it was COMICAL. There're elements of an all-encompassing level of disbelief over the actions of others and the way it plays out is SO interesting. You could, fairly, critique Lutan Fyah (unlike several of his peers. Capleton being a major example) for being somewhat 'rigid' in his straight-forward delivery, but that was not the case on the passion latent 'Ridiculous' (and it isn't necessarily PASSION where he tends to lack, it was more in terms of commanding melody). An upped level of pacing combined with an nearly brilliant course of action made for a single that has stuck with me through the years and will undoubtedly continue to.

2. 'Genesis'

Big from the beginning. TEARS! How many Roots Reggae songs giving praise to His Imperial Majesty have you heard? If you've been an even remotely consistent fan of the genre, chances are fairly high that you'd think that is a ridiculous question because you'd have great difficulties even estimating. They are constant and, arguably (not really though) THE central core of ideology of the music. I say all of that to say that 'praising songs' don't sound like 'Genesis'. They just don't. Black Bootz Muzik armed the Fyah with their fitting Hart 2 Hart Riddim and he returned to them a song befitting The King. 'Genesis' was ROYALTY and now, over a decade and a half later, it still is.

3. 'Put A Fyah In Deh'

No compromise. This feature is called "Signatures" and 'Put A Fyah In Deh' qualifies as as a signature in more ways than one. Along with being one of my favourite Lutan Fyah songs ever, it was also THE tune from the SWEET Lifetime Riddim from the Zion I Kings.

"Put a fyah in deh

Mek wi put a fyah in deh"

Going further... let's take a look at the name of the song: 'PUT A FYAH IN DEH'. The direction of the tune is about sparking change and not sticking with the set course of action (if you want to make change what do you do? You burn everything to the ground and just start over) and PERHAPS another part of that is the literal part of putting the [Lutan] Fyah in there. Listening to songs like this definitely put you in that mindset and they KEEP you there as well.

4. 'Rasta Still Deh Bout' featuring Josie Mel

Can't believe. Veteran chanter/singer Josie Mel joined the Fyah on what is definitely one of the most recognizable tunes either has ever done (it is, FAR & AWAY, the case for Mel) (biggup Josie Mel) and for good reason. 'Rasta Still Deh Bout' was another instance where 'message music' united with a lovely sound (the riddim is literally called the Sweet.com) (biggup Minor 7 Flat 5). The direction was one where the two reminded all that, no matter where you go, what you may think or how bleak things may get, Rastafari (and, by extension, righteousness, in general) is still there. This one had a serious impact on me and, again, did so almost effortlessly.

5. 'Bag A Herbs'

Mr. Officer? Do you know how much Lutan Fyah loves ganja? Even moreso than many of his perhaps (and perhaps not) overly indulging peers, it seems to be amongst a few centralizing themes at the CORE of his music with as often as he not only has touched on the topic over the years, but has touched on it with a big tune. It seems like something he always makes a conscience attempt to put his proverbial best foot forward on (similar to Ras Batch) (biggup Batch). So I think that declaring any song to be THE best ganja tune of Lutan Fyah's entire career would carry a significant amount of weight and that is precisely what I'm doing in the case of 'Bag A Herbs'. Coming from our great friends at Oneness Records, 'Bag A Herbs' was kinda DELIGHTFUL - and that isn't normally the type of word that you would use to describe a song.... talking about being stopped by the police and potentially arrested, but it just was! Surely some of that goes to the nature of the Redeemer Riddim underpinning it but, for his part, presented his argument over the troubles faced by individuals OVER A DAMN PLANT, in a very attractive way. It's a tune that I have gravitated to from the very first time that I heard it and, again, it is the best of a very large lot from this artist. 

6. 'Peace In Spanish Town'

The old capital. I don't know if it's still the case -- it is definitely still in the conversation -- but there was once a point where Lutan Fyah's single biggest hit was this track which caught flames in Jamaica twenty years ago (how on earth is this thing TWENTY YEARS OLD??). 'Peace In Spanish Town' was exactly what its title says. It was a call for a ceasefire in Lutan Fyah's native Spanish Town and while respect goes to Mac-D Records for supplying the vibes, I would tell anyone seeking a statement of Lutan Fyah's efficacy as a writer to maybe start here. There are points during 'Peace In Spanish Town' where it seems as if the artist is fully INCAPABLE of stopping the words (check most of that second verse, for example). Like he isn't saying these words as much as he is GIVING HIMSELF to them. 'Peace In Spanish Town' may've been an unlikely hit in its day (then again, maybe not so unlikely), but a couple of decades on, it has more than earned its position on any such list like this and not only through its popularity but even more so because of its QUALITY.

7. 'No More War'

Swim deep. Unless I'm REALLY forgetting about something, 'No More War' was the very first tune from Lutan Fyah that I actually LOVED! The tune was another appearing on the "Culture Dem" compilation that I've previously mentioned (and will mention again at some point) where it was a genuine highlight. It would also be featured on what was (I THINK) the Fyah's sophomore release, "Time & Place" (which was brilliant and is probably a modern classic on these pages), from Lustre Kings Productions. What made it so special? I don't know if I made the connection then that I do now, although it was apparent (the years and years of  consistency would have been lacking at that point), 'No More War' was different, lyrically. It wasn't your typical straight-forward Roots Reggae social commentary.

"We the people know not war and crime

We the people just know how to be kind

We the people - up the ladder of righteousness we will climb -

To seek The Divine"

The song, along with a few others, would go to lay the foundation for someone who (as I hope I said in the intro.... haven't written it just yet), at least for me, stands as one of the Most gifted lyricists in the scope of modern Roots Reggae music.

8. 'Still Deh Deh' featuring Mark Wonder

Circumstances. Like 'Rasta Still Deh Bout', 'Still Deh Deh' was featured on "Phantom War" (which remains Lutan Fyah's best album in my opinion and was the very first edition of our Modern Classics series) (I could have added two others from that album as well) (at least) and, also like that song, it was a combination (which I don't think it was officially credited at the time, I'm entirely too lazy to dig up the disc, so let's see if I can find the back somewhere online..... Yeah. It doesn't say anything about the guest). The Fyah, himself, announces his accompanying vocalist very early on and then listeners are TREATED to a wonderful song linking together a pair of my absolute favourites, Lutan Fyah & Mark Wonder! While I hadn't yet become the massive fan of Wonder's music that I am these days, 'Still Deh Deh' probably should have been signal as to what was to come in both cases. This track, not quite even three minutes in length, was SPECIAL. Looking back at it now, as far as myself, personally, it's probably one of the most impessive and SIGNIFICANT combinations that I've ever come across. There were others such as 'Babylon Ah Use Dem Brain' which brought in Sizzla & Capleton, but they were obvious - 'Still Deh Deh' took a bit of work. The two united for what was a social commentary, promoting change and did so in a way which well lived up to the 'star power' of its creators. 

9.'Bad Traffic'

Spinning wheel. The Legendary duo, Mafia & Fluxy would release a cut of the Down In The Jamaica Riddim (through Irie Ites) (biggup Irie Ites) back in 2007 and although the results of the project, as a whole, were mixed to some degree (it was OKAY), it would provide us with a clear and definitive champion, in the form of Lutan Fyah's MAMMOTH 'Bad Traffic'. This tune was an examination of people.... just LIVING DIRTY! It looked at everything from just generally bad actions and bad behaviour (and I do not mean that in a cool, Soca kinda way) all the way to poor health practices and hygiene. It was also stacked with 'fire' as Lutan Fyah, clearly feeling the subject, threw all of himself directly into the belly of this one.

10. 'Watch Over Me'

Strength. I can remember when I first ran into this one. Seated atop the very ambitious "Africa" album from our old friends at 2b1 Records, 'Watch Over Me' was somewhere in the clouds on an album FULL of such soaring moments (including two other bona fide hits, 'De La Vega' & Save The Juvenile', as well another tune that you will find on this list). The downright TRIUMPHANT offering was dazzling, it was hypnotic, it was infectious -- ALL OF THEM -- and one of the easiest tunes to listen that the Fyah has ever made in my opinion. It has aged beautifully and, despite the fact that I don't listen to it nearly as much as I should these days, 'Watch Over Me', even within this collection will ALWAYS hold a very special place for me. 

11. 'When Mi Rise It' 

Exercise it. 'When Mi Rise It' was an odd one. On one hand, you could make the case that the Rootdown licked track was actually somewhat obscure... but it was also kind of a hit in its day. In fact, it seemed to be a favourite, once upon a time, of Lutan Fyah's to perform and you'd see him on shows offering up bits and pieces of it, relatively constantly; but it was one of many on a random riddim for a European label. What was different about this one??? For me, that was something brilliantly and DEFENSIVELY authoritative to it. "It" would be risen only at the appropriate times and in the face of offensive opposition. A compilation like this one (or anyone else) needs a bit of a BITE to it and 'When Mi Rise It' definitely qualifies for that. One of the best more aggressive tunes Lutan Fyah has made.

12. 'Life Of A King'

Coronation, Rasta Coronation. 

"All people shall come to meet and greet

And to loook upon di face of The King from the east

Gifts & presents unto theee

The light of the world and The Prince Of Peace

Story of my life increase

So love who you got so close, at least 

TAKE THIS MESSAGE TO ROME AND GREECE:

LET RIGHTEOUSNESS INCREASE"

'Life Of A King' is a bar of gold wrapped up in a song. It was absolutely STUNNING the first time I heard it and it has not lost an glimmer of its shine all of these years on. The song walked a double lyrical line for me where Lutan Fyah was speaking to the life of The King and then speaking also to living a life gratifying and pleasing to His Majesty as well. You take that, as LOVELY as it is, and put within this very simple sound (the track almost sounds R&Bish at times) that compliments it almost perfectly and you're living the life of a king and making music of a king as well.

13. 'Mightier Than Them'

Clock ticking. Danger Zone's damn near perfect Jamdown Riddim backed the entirely unforgettable 'Mightier Than Them All' which also makes my list. The Jamdown was fruitful. Along with this tune, it also bore hits from the likes of Ce'Cile, Chezidek, Morgan Heritage and Jah Cure and Lutan Fyah's track ranks alongside the best of them all. 'Mightier Than Them All' was a SYRUPY praising tune across an equally candied riddim (great background singing as well) as well as a lyrical standout. This song makes me SMILE and it always has which, I would think, was alt least part of the intent here as Lutan Fyah gracefully presents the ACT of praising His Imperial Majesty to be one that is EMPOWERING and a treat to the individual.

14. 'Never Stop Hail Rastafari'

Thy kingdom come! You might recall In The Streetz making an excellent run of album in the 2000's, pushing sets for the likes of Sizzla Kalonji, Norris Man and Jah Mason. In 2007, Lutan Fyah joined that fine lot with his own album for ITS, "You Bring Blessings". In retrospect, the album hasn't aged very well with a few exceptions (it isn't bad at all but these days, I find it quite average. Maybe a few too many love songs), the most glaring of which is the same tune which was the album's greatest in its day and still is, the MASSIVE praise, 'Never Stop Hail Rastafari'. This song was GLORIOUS in every single way -- from Lutan Fyah's strong performance, down to the all sorts of fascinating Street Swing beneath it (probably best known for either 'Never Stop Hail Rastafari' or Kalonji's undefeated 'Chant Dem Down') -- as the Fyah made his intentions known to all as to exactly how he plans to spend the rest of the days and WHOM he plans to spend them exalting.

15. Bossman

Gimme wah mi come fah. Being around ten years old or so would have certainly qualified it for such a thing but had I compiled a list such as this one as recently as.... just two or three years or so ago, chances are pretty high that 'Bossman' wouldn't even have been amongst the final cuts (along with the likes of 'Wipe Your Tears', the aforementioned 'Save The Juveniles' and 'Stop That Train' with Pressure Busspipe) and not made it at all. While I was well familiar the Fyah's cut of Riddim Wise's Downtown Riddim and thought it solid, I had nowhere near the admiration for it that I've developed over the past eighteen months-ish. What changed??

"So bossman!

Gimmi wah mi come fah!

Stop beat around di bush

You nuh si mi frustrated and di youths a dead fi hunger

And mi no stay like how it look

Seh mi nah stretch mi hands out fi no handout 

Mi nah come yah feet out 

Yuh nah si seh this a drout and di youth dem need foot to their mouth

Too much hungry-belly pickney deh bout

And mi tell yuh, this serious

I WANT THE RIGHT AMOUNT!

You  bossman, gimme mi mass man

Mind yuh get mi cross man

STOP TREAT DI YOUTHS LIKE ORPHAN

A who you waan show off pon

MAN A WHAT KINDA HOME YOU BORN FROM??!!"

If you've never REALLY listened to this song, be nice to yourself, do something good for YOU and dive into it. 'Bossman' is WONDERFUL lyrically. It is pinpointed and HIGHLY DETAILED for a cause that many people from many different walks of life are well familiar with. Probably one of the best written tunes of his entire career and that is saying TONS, given what this man has been up to.