An Encore from Machel Montano

"They say you're only as good as yuh last performance

Road long but wi have endurance

Stamina mek wi last for weeks

NOW WI TURNING MAS TO A MASTERPIECE"

The Best Reggae Albums Of 2025

Let's do it! 

{Note: No compilations, no Soca}

#10. "Dub Of Serenity" by Marcus Gad & The Zion I Kings [Lustre Kings Productions]

I was debating on whether or not I would slap a review on this album prior to placing it on this list and I ultimately decided against it (although I did start to write it, so you may get it at some point in the first few months of this year) because I thought that it would speak more to the overall quality of it were (like one more entry here) the VERY first time I ever said a word about it declaring it one of the best albums of 2025. "Dub Of Serenity" is a dubbed out version of a five year old album ["Rhythm Of Serenity"] that, to be completely honest, I wasn't thrilled with. It was OKAY but absolutely nothing that I would call special or anywhere near special. HOWEVER, "Dub Of Serenity" STUNNED. Some of the music on this album was flooring and it's gotten to the point for me that "Dub Of Serenity", on the rare occasions when I'm not really listening to anything, is WHAT I'M LISTENING TO. If I need noise - this is it. It shouldn't come as a surprise, given the fact that the music comes via the lock-reliable Zion I Kings (who you'll see again here at a very high position), but what they were able to do here, with Marcus Gad's old album has to be considered some of their finest Dub work to date. You won't see this album on any other such list (and, normally, I exclude dubs and instrumentals from my list as well but I HAD to include this one), of that I'm sure, but I don't give a damn. This thing was gorgeous. 

#9. "Sibusiso [Blessings]" by Perfect Giddimani [GIddimani Records]

Much like the first entry on this list, the MUSIC on "Sibusiso" was fantastic and it, too, would spawn a Dub version (literally, like a couple of weeks later) and with good reason. The Sinky Beatz guided set spoke nearly as much to the power of its producer as it did to the most unusual gifts of its most peculiar star, Perfect Giddimani. The presences of top notch peers, Lutan Fyah (may or may not be hearing from him again, later) & Anthony B only added to the soaring vibes of "Sibusiso", as did Perfect reaching with tunes such as the fantastic opener, 'Another Marcus Garvey', 'Jah We Pray', 'Selassie White Horse', 'Him Presence' and the MAMMOTH, ALL-CONQUERING 'Africa Mother Land' ["Mi chop off di chain but mi nah cut di African link"].

#8. "Treasure Self Love" by Lila Iké [Ineffable Records]

Unless I'm really overlooking something here, Lila Iké's full debut release, "Treasure Self Love" would have been the most purely popular album featured here and that's no surprise. It's star has proven to be a compelling story both in and out of the studio and then there's the matter of the actual music... "Treasure Self Love" GLOWS. Iké's style, inherently is one that makes for a certain beautiful sound (I'm convinced she can probably make pretty much any type of genre and her results would be of high quality. Her singing in the shower is probably better than a few honourable mentions for this list). She did manage to incorporate a few different styles throughout the album but it never drifted too far away from Reggae. A FINE example of this would be 'All Over The World' which featured Protoje (who produces) and 'He Loves Us Both', with H.E.R. They were not alone on the high end. I don't know what the hell 'Sweet' was but it GOLDEN, so was 'Brighter Days' which is probably the best song on this album, 'Scatter' and the delightfully nostalgic 'Romantic' which brought in Masicka and Patra whose 'Romantic Call' was remade sorta/kinda to a towering effect. 

#7. "Star Of The East" by Yeza [Rorystonelove + Black Dub]

I semi-alluded to "Star Of The East" previously in talking about "Dub Of Serenity" because I THINK its appearance here will mark the very first time that I've ever mentioned it but the lyrical CLUBBING that Yeza gave to us all on "Star Of The East" was unignorable. Yeza channeled Jah9 (and did so, coincidentally, with Rorystonelove who also helped bring Jah9 to prominence) but turned up the aggression just a little. In doing so, she provided  2025 with its punch in the face. She kicked us all about a bit and we did not complain at all. The fairly straightforward project, basically, served as a platform for which Yeza to display her often devastating talents on and, in that, "Star Of The East" was almost perfect. Yeza SCALDED listeners with the title track, 'Road Runner', 'Ism Schism', 'Piss Up' ["Hotflashes like menopause"], 'Preacher Man' and 'Real Heavyweight' but she also cared for us a bit with 'Edge Control' and, in a strange way, 'Rude'. Yeza announced herself here to stay with "Star Of The East" and it's time we all got used to her being around. 

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

Certified and verifiable VETERAN Mr. Glen Washington essentially did what he always does with "Just Giving Thanks".... he just gave thanks, made some love songs, slapped a cover on it and called it an album and WE LOVED IT! His next album will be exactly the same and so will the one after that. If it ain't broke... "Just Giving Thanks", for as basic and expected as it may have [it was] been did a wonderful job of putting on a full, vibrant display of precisely what Washington does best. You won't find smoke and mirrors on winner such as the title track, 'Heart Attack', 'Dreadlocks Conqueror', 'Square One', 'Seeking Jah Love' and, of course, 'Oh, To Be Like H.I.M.' What you will find instead are quintessential and vintage vibes from one of the greatest to ever do it and someone who has earned their own stripes and, obviously, enough for more than one generation. One of Glen Washington's best albums EVER. 

#5. "Worthy 2 B" by Jah Myhrakle [Gold Den Arkc Records]

If Belizean chanter, Jah Myhrakle piqued my interests with his contributions to what  turned out to be the second best compilation that I heard last year, "Heart Of One", he full-on made a fan out of me with his album, the weighty "Worthy 2 B". This album, in retrospect, has two very large things in its favour. The first of them is also its most identifiable quality (for me) and that's the fact that it is, EASILY, one of the finest WRITTEN songs of 2025. Myhrakle has a very clever and colourful way of making his points. He takes the proverbial "scenic route" in his writing and absolutely EVERYTHING is available for the sake of analogies so we, as listeners, are best off having some form of knowledge before going in (and he clearly expects that of you, otherwise much of Jah Myhrakle's work probably won't make much sense to you). The other thing that you notice on "Worthy 2 B" that really sets it apart is that there is something SUBTLY and CAREFULLY important sounding about this music. The best of it sounds like exactly what you would think it is: Music for a King. 

#4. "Andromeda: Sign Of The Times" by Sydney Salmon & The Imperial Majestic Band [Irie Sounds International + Imperial Majestic Productions]

I'm going to reference #7 on this list in regards to how an album can have such an open and inviting sound to listeners. In that particular case, Lila Iké did combine a few different genres beneath the umbrella of Reggae music. Sydney Salmon & The Imperial Majestic Band, on the other hand, accomplished the same results without stepping a foot 'outside'. On "Andromeda: Sign Of The Times", Salmon & Co. charted a sound which was entirely Roots Reggae of a modern and old school variety - no question about it; but I'd make the case that, as a result, they also made one of the most OPEN and APPEALING albums of the year. Maybe I'm biased (I am, there is no "maybe") but I have a very difficult time imagining how someone is incapable of appreciating something on this album. This is what I would think most people set out to make when they embark on making a Roots album these days: For it to end up sounding like "Andromeda" and being able to find an audience amongst fans of the genre, new and old, and if someone who isn't at all a fan just happened to come into contact with a clip of it in some way, they'd also want to hear more. 'Africans Alive', 'Blessed', 'My Banner', the TWO eponymous tracks... I could go on and on. The entire album is brimming me with BEAUTIFUL 'best case scenario' Roots Reggae music.

#3. "Stay Up" by Spectacular [Carabeo Records]

When everything is finished and all of the scores have been tabulated, I'm not expecting to see Spectacular's "Stay Up" on too many lists such as this one, despite that I'm ranking it so highly. This album has a large and glaring issue and to ignore it would be irresponsible, AT BEST. "Stay Up" is too damn short. It just is. It's nine track and not even forty minutes long. So by the time you REALLY fall into it... that's about it. You've already heard the entire thing. What it manages to achieve in its brevity, however, is... yeah. It's spectacular. Spectacular's style can be one that's somewhat difficult to adjust to. He can be aggressive to an almost overdone degree at times (I'd reference UT Ras but there is no way in hell you're familiar with UT if you don't know who Spectacular is) (Jah Thunder would be another one). He can be HARSH but when you find a vibe that suits him, like the Forward Ever Band does throughout "Stay Up", you can mine gold! Try the brilliant opener, 'Jump Ina Fyah' or the downright exhausting 'Justice' ["I play Nyabinghi inna di middle of the street. Play Nyabinghi because it sound so sweet!"] (or both of them) as FLAMING examples of this. Want more? 'The System' might do it for you and so might the SMOOTH 'Hardcore'. More still, Lutan Fyah (who dat???) and Lymie Murray show with contributions and I haven't even mentioned 'Bag A Weed', which is the album's single finest tune altogether.... ALL OF THAT IN JUST NINE SONGS. Were it just a bit longer, no position on this list would be outside of the reach of "Stay Up" but that's just my opinion. 

#2. "Guardian" by Dezarie [Dezarie]

Dezarie brought her spellbinding and dazzling form of Roots music to 2025 in the form of her brand new album, "Guardian", and accordingly, awakened her legions of most passionate and loyal fans and certainly made some new ones as well. "Guardian" was as THICK and HEAVY as you knew it would be but, despite also being a relatively brisk (and for the sake of comparison, "Guardian" is one song and one minute longer than "Stay Up" and it is rated ONE spot ahead of it), this album has the feel of a much longer release. In my opinion, even scratching the surface of the gifts "Guardian" has to offer requires at least three or four listens, on the lowest of ends. If you want to receive EVERYTHING?... I'm still working on that and I'll let you know if I ever feel like I've accomplished it (I will not). Tunes like 'Back To The Future', 'Criminal', the EPIC 'Immortal Combat', 'Lion Is Lion', the title song and several others (I say "several others" after naming five songs on an album with only ten) (....so pretty much the entire album) develop more and more as you tune in what Dezarie is actually saying. In 2025, Dezarie demanded that we all step up our game and if you did, you realized the absolute GEM that she left for us in "Guardian". 

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

It's the Zion I Kings who are bookending this list with Marcus Gad at #10 and crowning it with the second album they've done with the great Lutan Fyah, "Strength & Resilience". CLEARLY something is happening here as the first time artist and producers collaborated for an album, on 2017's "Music Is Life", the results were also special (and likely would have been the best album that year from us, were we not on hiatus at the time) but I'd argue that they even outdid themselves there as "Strength & Resilience" reached and IMMEDIATELY headed for the stars. I'm partial and biased in both cases. I've been a fan of Lutan Fyah's from, basically, the first time I heard his music and I've also enjoyed the work of the ZIK, collectively and individually for maybe even longer (coincidentally, the first time I heard the "K", Lustre Kings Productions, was probably on a compilation album by the name of "Culture Dem" and WHO HAD THE VERY FIRST SONG ON "CULTURE DEM"????) ["All man on earth should know, who is King Selassie I!"] (BOOM!) and I don't want to overly-dramatize the matter but years and years of chemistry was crystal clear throughout "Strength & Resilience".

Two guesting artists being two of the greatest of all time for me certainly didn't hurt things either, Queen Omega lent her monstrous talents to 'Days After Summer', while the immortal Vaughn Benjamin added to the infectious BOUNCE of 'Just The Time' ["BUT I CAN FEEL IT NOW!"]. Also present was a gentleman, in a very good form, by the name of Chronixx who delighted on 'Freedom Sound'. The album also featured extremely high caliber instrumentation (DUH!), which goes without saying on a ZIK release but (I have a point I'm making so give me a second. It'll all make sense) I don't know that I can recall a single album where the music was as.... all-encompassing as it is on "Strength & Resilience". There is a genre here. This is truly modern Roots Reggae music; but there isn't a centering sound, necessarily. It covers EVERYTHING. It's moody & brooding ['Pieces of Broken Soul', 'Strength & Resilience', 'Tomorrow From Today'], it's vibrant and lively ['Protect Your Energy', 'African Children'] and it's also everywhere in between ['Drain The Swamp', 'Leader Before Me']. In terms of an actual artist's album and not a Dub album, which they're very fond of making (as we've already established today), "Strength & Resilience", MUSICALLY, may be the single greatest piece of work that I have EVER heard from the ZIK, in retrospect. 

For his part, Lutan Fyah meets and matches the might of his maestros with a magnificent lyrical display (DUH AGAIN!) and, again, you have to qualify that because he's ALWAYS in a fine form, lyrically, for me (the standing critique of Lutan Fyah is that he doesn't have the greatest command of melody -- and he does not and he never will -- but his craft with words has long been beyond question for me) (not REALLY, if he started speaking nonsense, I'd say so). What he manages to do on this album, however, as a complete body of work has a seat at the table in the conversation of being his greatest performance as well. "Strength & Resilience" was also THE greatest performance from anyone last year and THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM OF 2025.... and all negativity banish from within. 

The Africa Movement Riddim

The Africa Movement Riddim [Conquering Lion Records - 2026]

1. 'Faith' by Quan Nelson
2. 'Hail Adonai' by Jelliss
3. 'Guidance' by T'Jean
4. 'Wisdom Over Hype' by Dahvid Slur
5. 'Amharic Verse' by Daweh Congo
6. Africa Movement Ridim

Okay so, I had mentioned this one (sorta/kinda) in a review that I did a week or two ago because I'd had my eyes and ears on it already for a few minutes ahead of its release but the Africa Movement Riddim from Jallanzo The Dubwizard and Conquering Lion Records has now been released and it is thriving mightily at least on one front (but more like a couple, actually). While all of the tunes are at least solid, there're a couple of standouts that I think you should REALLY be paying attention to.

"Propaganda dem ah spread but it can't change di facts-

That the first man and women dem was one wid locks

A di same bloodline run deep in us

Melanin inna mi skin like a burning pot

Wid hair like wool and foot like burning brass

Everybody haffi hail The Negus Negast"

The first of them is definitely the mighty 'Hail Adonai' by Jelliss. Jelliss has been coming on over the past couple of years or so (downright EPIC love/ganja tune he had, 'Medication') but he also had a few big tunes that I've run into throughout the years, particularly one called 'Back To Reality' (which sounded like something from out of the ZIK catalogue) that well caught my attention, so I am aware that he possesses a certain level of ability. Were I not aware, however, 'Hail Adonai' would have certainly remedied that. 

"WICKED SHALL BLOW AWAY, JUST LIKE A TRASH"

The other song here that you'll be doing yourself a favour by donating a whole heap of time to is the ABSOLUTELY MAMMOTH 'Amharic Verse' by Daweh Congo, the single best tune on the Africa Movement Riddim and... probably one of the best songs that I've heard in a minute (I seriously have difficulty NOT playing this record).

Also appearing on the riddim are Quan Nelson & Dahvid Slur, with tunes that are at least decent, like I said, with the latter, with 'Wisdom Over Hype', being quite strong, actually (Slur sounds a bit like Chronixx at times). The talented T'Jean also checks in with 'Guidance', which is also good but is a delightful listen. As I song, I wouldn't place it ahead of 'Wisdom Over Hype' but for pure sonic appeal, 'Guidance' is lovely. And you also get a LOVELY clean version of the riddim itself with a bit of effects added in, making for an almost Dub-like experience. Golden.

Be sure to check out the brand new and GORGEOUS Africa Movement Riddim because it isn't like you have anything better to do.

What I'm Listening To: HAPP-EE NEW YEAR!

"Success" by Eesah [Evidence Music - 2005]

First up this week is something that comes as a bit of a disappointment as Eesah recently dropped his brand new (and well anticipated by me) album, "Success", for Evidence Music. Though I'd heard some of the clips of the music and had an idea of what to expect, I guess it didn't hit me, fully, as to what I was listening to until I had the entire thing in my hands. "Success" isn't at all BAD necessarily and it does showcase the ample talents of its star but it's about half Reggae/half R&Bish and, again, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised but... damn I was hoping for a big Reggae album to close 2025 out on. There is still material here worth listening to, even on the non-Reggae end ('Rise My People' is actually pretty decent) but it isn't the album I was looking forward to hearing - at least half of it isn't.

'Pull D Pin' by Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous and Lil Natty & Thunda [Monk Music - 2025]

Of course, we're nearing the most magical time of the year and music from some of the biggest stars of Soca has already began to steadily come out of Trinidad (and other places) and amongst the very best tunes that I've heard thus far has been this MASSIVE combination shot featuring frequent collaborator Skinny Fabulous with Lil Natty & Thunda alongside the great Machel Montano. When I got what was going on here, I was actually a little surprised that no one (that I know of) had taken this angle on a Soca song before because it works to perfection as, once again, Montano links with Skinny Fabulous; this time bringing in big-voiced Lil Natty (hardly ever talk about Lil Natty & Thunda (a duo) but Natty's voice is fantastic for what he does with it) and Thunda from Grenada to drop a grenade all over Carnival.

'We Doh Play' by Destra [Krazi Music]

Also getting the season started on a good note is the incomparable Queen of Bacchanal, Destra, who tells all the absolute obvious with 'We Doh Play' (as if we haven't known that about her from looooooooooong time). Love the horns on this one and how it sort of bubbles below total chaos for the most part but, in a glimpse or two, it crosses that threshold and makes the dust raise. Hopefully we get an album this season from Destra; as she's already dropped a couple of nice tunes and it's looking like another stellar Carnival from the greatest to ever do it for me. 

'Pass Di Chalice' by Cali P [Cali P (song has three different labels on it)]

Seems a minute since last we heard from loooooooongtime favourite, Cali P (hasn't been too long at all. He had an album just last year) but he's back with a SWEET ganja tune, 'Pass di Chalice' for Mouthwatering Records (I THINK). Cali P's been trying a few different things in recent years in terms of his style but this one settles on ultra-familiar, downright sugary terrain. More of this from Cali P in the new year wouldn't be too bad a'tall.

"No gimmi nuttin else, a di chronic a fi wi choice

Tell mi what's di cost, cah mi ready fi pay di price"

The Volume Riddim [Greensleeves Records - 2000]

I'll wait until next week (probably) to tell you exactly how a random quarter-century old riddim has made its way back on my players but right now I'm just going to suggest that you join me and go diving in the vault of Greensleeves riddim albums because you too may stumble upon a GEM like I did in this Ward 21 produced piece, the Volume. As was the norm at the time, the Volume was absolutely LOADED with big names as, appearing alongside the Ward themselves (they had two tracks, one, 'One More Start A War', was a combination featuring Ele & Wayne Marshall. Ele also had another solo tune, 'Fake Man', while Marshall had two other combinations, with Harry Toddler and Baby G, respectively)) were the likes of Bounty Killer, Mad Cobra, TOK, Kiprich, the oft-brilliant Madd Anju, Mr. Vegas, Lexxus and Beenie Man who, arguably, reigned supreme as he absolutely SLAUGHTERED the Volume with the stellar 'Moses Cry'. 

 

Most Wanted: 2026

Okay so, that was 2025. I hope you liked it but if you didn't, there's nothing we can do about it now. It's over... on to the next! We had some very impressive releases from some expected and some unexpected stars to help make the year fun and, presumably (and hopefully), this time next year, we'll be saying the same for 2026. So we're already looking ahead to what the future might have to offer and to do that we're going to use a feature from back in da day. Today we assemble a group of ten individuals who we're hoping to hear from in the new year. Most Wanted 2026!

{Note: Names appear in no particular order}

{Note 2: I intentionally excluded people who I know have albums scheduled or are heavily rumoured to be releasing albums}

Anthony B

It was just 2023 when the great Anthony B released his most recent set, "Bread & Butter", so while the world isn't exactly starving for a new one from him just yet... it would be pretty nice considering the roll he's been on in recent times. I'm sure I'll say this in regards to someone else (if not everyone else) but, with the right producer, based on what he's been up t o lately, I think Anthony B's next album -- whenever we get it -- could be a contender for best of that year. Even at such an advanced and well grizzled stage in his career, the Original Fire Man appears to be well within reach of his prime. ANTHONY B! SHOW EVERYONE WHAT I MEAN AND DO AN ALBUM IN 2026! PLEASE.

Queen Omega

We're just coming up on the third anniversary of "Freedom Legacy", Queen Omega's most recent studio release but prior to that, a truly ridiculous FIFTEEN YEARS had elapsed in between records from her, which was entirely unacceptable. Three years is just fine in my opinion and the star of our Album of The Year for 2023 would look just fine making her return in 2026. In the summer or so I actually heard an interview (on a radio station in Toronto, I THINK) where the Queen said she was at work on her next album and I, of course, glued into that fact. She didn't say with whom she was working or give any type of timeframe for its potential release whatsoever but, if she does make an appearance next year, she could definitely do a lot for 2026. 

Damian Marley

"Stony Hill" will turn eight years old next summer and one of the legit, bona fide superstars of the genre, Damian Marley, figures to be DUE for a new set any one of these years now (and I can recall hearing a rumour that he was coming with something late 2024, I believe) and one would think that he is actively at work on the next project. I always enjoy stressing the fact that, despite the most obvious thing about him -- he's Bob's son ["Tell mi which CD do you think dem get? Di one closest to di Bob Marley boxset"] -- Jr. Gong is a wizard. Lyrically, the man is virtually peerless and what he is capable of is downright special. Hearing a brand new performance of his talents is always a gift. Hopefully he brings gifts next year and I think he will. 

Ras Batch

Without looking anything up, I would probably say that Ras Batch releasing an album in the next twelve months would be THE biggest surprise if everyone on this list were to do the same. The last time we heard from him would have been on "Rootz & Kulcha" from early 2017 and if you know anything about Batch, he pretty much likes to do his albums by himself. Of course there're exceptions (one in particular) but he generally keeps production in-house via his own Sound V.I.ZIon imprint. That's fine but I think if he could, somehow, get into that never endingly active mix of Trinity Farm Music (like other VI artists, Ancient King, Abja, Danny I and  even Akae Beka) it would see the rather reclusive Ras Batch to a greater level of frequency... and he can bring Ras Attitude with him! I don't think it happens but stranger things have. 

Sara Lugo

Finally (technically. I'm writing this one last but she won't be listed last), you knew she was coming. How about a new Sara Lugo album for the new year?! Recently returning to the familiar ground of Oneness Records, the now VETERAN singer (Sara Lugo's probably getting towards (if not already) forty years old (that is RIDICULOUS!)) (further research reveals that she just turned 38!) could definitely freshen up 2026 via dropping album #4. It's been a minute (and four and a half years) since "Flowaz" ["Bring me flowers!"], so she's also due (...for an album) any year now and 2026 seems as good as any. I'm actually going to predict that this one does happen in the new year. Maybe it comes from Oneness, maybe not, but I suspect Funky Comfort will reign in 2026!

Luciano

I could definitely be wrong and I probably am but, off the top of my head, I THINK that the most recent studio album that we got from the great Messenjah, Luciano, was 2020's Oneness produced GIANT, "The Answer". He's had re-releases, remasters, greatest hits and compilations since then but, as far as I can tell, not an actual new album since it (he had one called "Return Of The Chronicles" which was an odd R&Bish re-working of some of his biggest hits that was really hard to listen to). That's fucked up... it just is. Even if I'm forgetting one, hopefully one of the greatest voices this music has ever produced and one of its longest serving soldiers comes back to us in a characteristically BEAUTIFUL way in 2026. 

Mark Wonder

There was an EP back in '23 called "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" but I think that the last full album from the GOLDEN Mark Wonder remains 2020's "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" (the man has been slaying dragons for a really long time). That album came from a very familiar source, Oneness Records and, not too long ago, Wonder appeared on their High Peak Riddim. I'm thinking that 2026 could be a very good time to get the old band back together again and see what could happen. What could happen has history as, way back in 2012 Wonder & Oneness teamed up on the aptly named "Working Wonders" which is, EASILY, one of THE best albums I have heard in my entire life. I think that it's time for a sequel ["WHO ELSE COULD IT BE?!"]. Will it actually happen??? I wouldn't bet on it. 

Busy Signal

This one is very specific and I don't really think that it has a legit shot of happening but let me ask you something: How damn cool would it be if Busy Signal's next album came via the Zion I Kings?? Doesn't that sound pretty good?! Obviously, the thought arose as the well versatile Busy actually did cross paths with massive Reggae collective for a single, 'The Days', back in October. Now, if they could get together again.... this time for a full album, the results, just as the quality of the single would suggest, could be MASSIVE.

Jah Defender

Such a list from me these days HAS to include the currently flaming chanter from out of Trinidad, Jah Defender. Along with being quite active these days, he lays a giant claim to dropping THE single best tune that I heard in all of 2025 altogether 'Haile Selassie I', so of course I'm interesting in getting my hands on a full release in 2026. Magnifying matters is the fact that he's been doing a lot of work with one single outfit, House Of Riddim. I can DEFINITELY see HOR reaching with a full Jah Defender project in the new year and you know what? I think it WILL happen and if it does, at least on paper, this one will have Album of The Year potential in my opinion. 

Reemah

I know that I said that these were listed in no order in particular but I specifically saved Reemah for last because she's probably my #1 in terms of how much I want it to happen. It has been a downright heinous soon-to-be eight years since her last set, "Breaking News", and... frankly I'm getting tired of waiting. This is some bullshit! Had I done this list last year or the year before, my prospects would have probably been higher. Today? Nope. I have none. I don't think this is happening. I do hope that I'm wrong but I'm not seeing one of the true, bona fide GENIUSES that we have today doing a new album in the new year. I'm just not.... but DAMN, I HOPE I'M WRONG!