The Visual Side of A Kreyol Folk Trip

Stevy Mahy

Okay so, when I started writing this I was doing it as “Video Drop #21.5”, in order to feature the latest video from Stevy Mahy, for the tune ‘San Vou’, but as usual with my posts, it began to take on a very different and grander idea and here we have a brief look at all of the singer’s videos - All of which I’ve covered in some regard, but all of which are still LOVELY to watch again.

‘San Vou’ by Stevy Mahy [Directed by Ivan Herrera]

Obviously on a mission to do a video for EVERY song on her outstanding release, ”The Beautiful Side of A Kreyol Folk Trip”, Achis Reggae favourite, Stevy Mahy, has returned with the fourth video from that great album (and, from my research, I can see that #5 is loaded and ready to go), ‘San Vou’. When I first heard this tune I thought that it was a big song but, I kind of thought that it was the type which would ultimately go unnoticed in the face of some of the bigger sounding and more ‘complexly’ vibed efforts on the album - But I thought that, from a purely sonic point of view, it ranked favourably to almost any of them and while I was sure surprised to see it come as one of the videos, I was well happy. And the video has now given me an even greater appreciation for this wonderful record.

As for the video, I think that the most immediately striking characteristic of it is Stevy Mahy’s hair. I wasn’t sure what was going on (certainly I’ve seen enough recent pictures of her which would make it impossible for her to have grown that much hair), but eventually it does play out and explain itself quite well as she begins to shed (literally) and let go of the past. You’ll also pay a special attention to the paintings, which is part of the story, and I don’t know if Mahy paints (I do know that another Achis Reggae favourite, Lady Sweety, does paint), but I thought the entire story around that - From going to the shop and buying brushes from the old man (who seems like a very nice person) and then the one shot of her sitting on the floor just kind of brainstorming with paint - It was all just awesome and it reasons out near the end.

And I simply must comment about her sitting on the stairs . . . I mean . . . Yeah I’d . . . climb those stairs and do what must be done in the name of all things even remotely natural!

And finally, I just like the feel of the video, in general. Her first video for the album, ‘Beautiful’, had such a nice and organic vibes to it and while this one predominately takes place not only indoors, but is almost completely an indoors project, I still get that feel here - It’s very natural and relatable. Also, while Mahy typically is either smiling or has this coolest look of ‘curious indifference’ on her face (it’s almost like she seems to be saying ‘I wonder what’s going on over there . . . But not really’) I think this is one of her more emotional videos and by its end, it is GORGEOUS.

'Fame Is Gone' [Directed by Pasquale Pagano]


'Something About You' [Directed by Ivan Herrera]

'Beautiful' [Directed by Pasquale Pagano]

In looking through all of Stevy Mahy’s videos, definitely the one descriptor which seems to be prevailingly applicable and present is by calling them ORGANIC, which is also a great way to describe her music. One can say that her entire genre of Traditional Kreyol music or Zouk or whatever you’d like to call it, is naturally occurring and just kind of ‘free’ sounding and you could make that point very strongly, however, I’d say that it’s even more the case with her. She makes this brand of music which seems almost inherently visual to some degree to the point where, when you look at the clip of ‘Fame Is Gone’ and it has certain visual effects applied to it, you STILL see Mahy doing things like sitting on the steps of her building and going to a barber to get her hair cut and going to a strip club and just doing kind of these very basic and very everyday type of things, under the scope of being a music video. And that piece, in particular, is that way despite the fact that she spends the entire show traveling from place to place.

"The Beautiful Side of A Kreyol Folk Trip"

And because I must go there (and you know it because you’ve also gone there in your collective heads), Stevy Mahy, seriously, is . . . positively breath taking. She isn’t what you might call “BEAUTIFUL” in the more traditional sense (not what YOU might call it, I WOULD, on the other hand), but her very interesting look and POWERFUL sex-appeal comes blaring through at points in all of her videos. I’ve already mentioned the stair scene in ‘San Vou’, but can also look at her laying around with the blind guitar player in ‘Something About You’ (CLEARLY he must’ve been blind because had he not been visually impaired, he would’ve put down that fucking guitar and played with she, who was curled up right next to him at the time) In ‘Fame Is Gone’ there’s this shot with her on the stairs and she looks great there also, but what sticks out is this shot of her leaning against in rail in New York (I THINK) with this very inorganic white dress and it is obviously meant to be sexy and it is - It’s very sexy.

And then there’s ‘Beautiful’. I cannot think of a more aptly titled song/video, at all, in recent memory. The entire thing is beautiful and it goes from waking up next to a probably completely naked Stevy Mahy to just relaxing and spending the day with her. It’s one of the best videos you’ll ever see and this song, a year later, is still very healthy on my players an I’m not the only one.

In closing, undoubtedly Mahy and Joel Jaccoulet and company who has handles for this album and this project have directly and intentionally taken this very active visual course to promote the album and, in keeping with theme (and the title) of this ‘trip’, it just works so well! And it’s because of that, and the fact that the album, itself, was such a wonderful piece of work, that I’m saying, in terms of overall arrangement and production, you may not find, anywhere, a better presented project than ”The Beautiful Side of A Kreyol Folk Trip” by the angelic and enchanting Ms. Stevy Mahy.

Stevy Mahy @ Twitter
Stevy Mahy @ Facebook
Album Review

'A Little Closer': A Review of The Step By Step Riddim

Reggae music really does bring us closer together. Besides working in obvious terms - You reading this right now - and while continuously trying to fight the worldwide usage of truly awful clichés such as the one I just used in opening, we’re beginning to see more and more tangible pieces of evidence which suggests that this is completely true. First of all and most obvious would be the actual ‘circulation’ of our artists who, despite managing to spend their entire careers out of the most powerful of spotlights that music has to offer for the most part, still tend to appeal to fans across the globe and do so passionately. I’m always surprised when I hear that certain acts have large followings in some remote corner of the planet or have sold out a concert in some area of the world not known as being the most Reggae-centric. More still is someone like Hi-Kee, who we dealt with recently and who . . . Basically traveled the entire world in recording material for his debut album, ”Self Reliance” and actually found a new homebase of operations in the process, in Sicily of all places. And, of course, the Internet also helps the music bring the people together, serving as a most immediate highway of exchange, something which may not be as glaring in other genres where you can go to almost any store, anywhere in the world and be sure that they’ll have what you want. Most recently, I’ve also begun to notice another trend which has not only been providing us with a great deal of enjoyment over the past couple of years or so, but is one which has such potential that, should it continue, I can see it really overhauling the way Reggae, Dancehall and maybe even Soca music (when the rest of you people wake up!) is made. What we have are not only new labels sprouting up on an almost weekly basis, but they don’t just emerge and stay stagnant, they come in with horns blaring and drums beating - Showing the class of labels years and even decades older. And not only that but, some of these labels, it’s like they have some type of magic transportation device because the VERY first time you hear about them they’re recording such a vast variety of artists that, again, you’d think they were much older. In recent times we’ve seen a couple of US based imprints added to this group which is full of European members such as Itation Records and the boys at Philadub who are still relatively young labels with seemingly never ending and unlimited connections. And I guess that now we have to make room for another entrant in that lot as the way Rumble Rock Recordz has chosen to say ‘Hello’ simply cannot be overlooked.

Surely it’s by some grand coincidence that, at least partially, Rumble Rock Recordz shares a homebase with their neighbour Philadub as far as the American state of Pennsylvania and they also have a big root in Hawaii as well. Like Philadub and Itation and the Lustre Kings and a whole heap of American labels, they also share a view of Reggae as a global project and DAMN - is that reflected in the lineup which one will find on their brand new composition, the Step By Step Riddim. Typically what you’ll see, and especially with new(er) labels is that they’ll come through and maybe their initial projects will feature a great deal of local acts and maybe one or two heavy hitters but, as I said, we’ve seen this trend. Now, you’ll either see a label which seems to go COMPLETELY out of their way to voice such a wide group of big named artistes or (as is the case here and especially in the earlier material from Itation, and I’m going to actually put Necessary Mayhem from out of the UK in this mix as well) what they’ll do is to provide a healthy mix of locals and big names. I actually do prefer the latter to the former because, as you’ll see in just a moment, what it does is to begin to introduce new names on projects which will naturally grab attention because of the big names they do contain - So the masses will come looking for the x-amount of big names, but will leave with a few others to look forward to in the future. In this specific case, as I said, that’s what RRR has favoured to do in the case of the Step By Step Riddim. The last time I recall seeing ANYTHING remotely like what happens here, in terms of the roster of artists is back when the aforementioned Itation Records released the BIG Show Love Riddim. However, just scanning through it now, that release was even more decorated with bigger names as it featured people like Pressure, Lutan Fyah and Norris Man on its higher end and even Gyptian, which is an increasingly bigger name these days and those fans who came looking for their music may even have come looking, initially, for NiyoRah, Natty King, Ras Attitude and others, also on the riddim. The Step By Step??? No. There is REALLY only a single big name on this riddim and while people like you and me are familiar with more, I can confidently say that I have NEVER heard of quite a few of the vocalists here, but now that I do, going forward, some of them have made the type of impression on me, for the better, that I won’t be soon forget.

And the names that do appear on the riddim didn’t come for rubbish. The Step By Step Riddim is OUTSTANDING. It is BEAUTIFUL! You may not enjoy every tune on the riddim (and you probably won’t, there are nineteen of them), but if you are even the most casual of Roots Reggae fans of the modern era, I’m going to have a difficult time believing you don’t like this composition. It’s fairly straight forward with the highlight definitely being a wonderfully peppered in horn and while it doesn’t deviate much from center, the riddim proves to be a very ‘comfortable’ setting for nineteen different vocalists to offer up some of their very best vibes.

Riddim Mix pts. 1 & 2

As far as I can tell, this riddim has origins which date back a couple of years or so as I found an album of one of the artists containing one of the songs on this riddim and that album (more on that in a minute) was dated back to 2008. So apparently what happened here, was that the producer (a gentleman by the name of Jimmy Cui, I believe) (cool name) decided to take his riddim and build it out more and more and that’s exactly what he did - eighteen more times.

Because of the way the Step By Step Riddim’s album is situated, I thought that I’d go in reverse, for a change, in looking at the tunes as the second half features the lion’s share of names which are largely unfamiliar to me, although it does begin with a bang. Said “bang” is ‘Keep On Believing’ from one of the biggest names on the SbS Riddim, Zema. I don’t know a great deal about Zema, but she’s the type of ever-present figure in Reggae that, even if you don’t follow her, if you pass through enough, you kind of . . . Follow her anyway. Her inspirational tune is well impressive and probably one of the riddim’s finest and that’s to be expected from her. Next in we have the very interesting Zacheous Jackson (who I believe linked us when I was sick) with ‘Israelites Arise’. Before even dealing with his music, Jackson is fascinating because his album, ”The Truth Shall Be Told”, was also released via RRR late last year (it’s still relatively new) and while eventually I’ll have to go and check that out, his tune here isn’t on that album so this becomes my semi-official introduction to the artist (and it’s just like I said, you’d come here looking for someone else and be impressed by someone like Jackson and then discover that he has an album already). His tune is excellent. Jackson has a very curious style, somewhat reminiscent of someone like Horace Andy, and the spiritual tune speaks, building on Zema’s vibes indirectly, of perseverance and the Afrikan Diaspora and, as I’ve said in the past, I love tunes like that which are just INTELLIGENT and should we grab it up, you may here more about Jackson here in the coming weeks.

Okay! Now, with that being said, of the remaining seven vocal tracks on the second half of the SbS Riddim, I’ve absolutely never heard of six of the eight vocalists behind them and one of the familiar names, the eclectic and very RANDOM Faïanatur from out of France, is probably the most unusual on the entire set. His tune, ’A New Life’; while not one of my favourites here, is still a pretty decent tune and I think it’s probably still growing on me. And do keep an eye on his works as well because Faïanatur is always doing interesting works (like a new album these days, apparently, by the name of ”Touch“ which released just a few days ago). The colourful Faïanatur is joined by someone named Ryan Mystik who chimes in on ‘Guidance’. I don’t know who he is, but the Mystik’s tune is very good. The singer has an unusual voice but it’s one which doesn’t require any adjustment and while listening to it for the first time I can remember being inattentive, doing something else (probably writing something for you greedy people) (you know I love you!), and just kind of noticing that he was doing big things, so now I have an impetus to look for more from the singer. Ras Mikey? The name sounds familiar, but I don’t know who he is. His tune, ‘Keep The Faith’ is decent. It’s kind of cliché-ish , but Mikey has a very soulful delivery and, at least aesthetically and sonically, makes it a very appealing experience. ‘Love, Live & Forgive’ is a combination featuring the other name on the second half of the SbS Riddim that I know of, the globetrotting Mr. Mention and one which is new to me, Herbalist. I’m not going to say that I simply do not like Herbalist’s vibes, but I’d have to hear more of him to pass judgment. On this tune, he’s simply too harsh vocally (and maybe for the riddim in general) and it makes a bad pairing with Mention who, as usual, is impressive. Speaking of HARSH, it would also apply, in parts, to Rastar (who, obviously, isn't the label of the same name) and his tune 'Love Ova War', which isn't very bad despite the fact that it's more Rappy that I usually enjoy but, Rastar is pretty talented. Lil Ras gets the honour of having the title track of this riddim and although his track isn’t a highlight for me (Lil Ras is also a bit more on the Hip-Hop side, which just isn’t for me) I’d imagine that I’m in the minority there. The riddim’s final vocal track is from Ras Gabriel and he actually does get a mix of the riddim and when you hear what he does with the BIG ‘Zion Way’, you’ll know why.

“Going home
Zion Way
Zion Way
Going Home
Zion Way
Zion Way”

The tune features easily one of the strongest choruses on the riddim and it’s just an attention grabbing piece and thankfully it’s full of genuine substance as well and you then see exactly what can be done with this riddim in terms of changing it up and getting very electric in the process (and I think I hear a slightly more pronounced drumming as well).

The first half of Rumble Rock Recordz’ Step By Step Riddim features more of the bigger names and, still, it manages to mix in a few names which are new to me as well. Also, as you’ll read about in just a moment and as I alluded to previously, the level of “big” in regards to this project isn’t the same level of “big” in the entire genre (with one exception), which gives this a real ‘grassroots’ type of an appeal and, although it’s clearly incorrect, a less kind of planned out and more free-flowing type of scene and that’s also interesting when the big tunes roll in as well.

'What Will It Take' by Messenjah Selah

Getting us started on the first half is my favourite artist (currently) to be found on the riddim, who also has my favourite tune on the riddim. It’s the king of tags (look over there -> no single artist has more tags on this blog), Messenjah Selah, with the HUGE ‘What Will It Take’.

“What will it take
FOR YOU
To turn your life around
Tell me what you’re going to do
When you hear the trumpet sound
Everything that YOU DO
It ah build you up or pull you down
Only in The Most High, Jah
You can be safe and sound

Sleepers, it’s time for you to wake up
Do you need another 9/11 or an earthquake fi shake up
Bigga judgment
What if you go to sleep tonight and tomorrow you don’t wake up
What a tragedy!
Then your soul would be lost
There would be no time to make up”

I’m tempted to roll out the entire first verse because it’s very powerful (do I dare reserve a single post for MORE lyrics from Selah??? I might) as the Messenjah forcefully declares that it’s now time for all evildoers to change their ways before it is too late (“you better choose JAH, before you lose JAH”).

The second tune is also probably my second favourite as the WICKED Arkaingelle turns up on the SbS Riddim with a most coincidentally titled tune. The Guyana born chanter had an album from a few years back, ”O’Pen”, which contained a song by the name of ‘Manifess Joy’ - One of the best songs I’ve ever heard. EVER. And now he brings to this riddim, ‘Time Manifest’ which, it goes without saying doesn’t reach those ridiculous levels, but is a mighty song on its own merits. It’s a real shame that we don’t hear more from Arkaingelle, but hopefully he’ll be looking at doing another album soon and it’ll contain more fine work like this track. ‘Wonderful World’ is a tune by easily the most recognizable artist on the SbS Riddim, Reggae star Anthony B. It isn’t his finest moment, it is pretty average and it almost kind of seems as if he’s going through the proverbial motions with not much passion at all which is a real shame. But, as the cover (which is excellent, by the way) might suggest, the heaviest stones DO sink to the bottom in this case.

'Jah Will Make A Way' by The Lambsbread

I made an earlier indirect reference to The Lambsbread who had an album a few years back, ”Rise”, which contained a tune by the name of ‘Jah Will Make A Way’, which has turned out to be their cut of the SbS Riddim. The Hawaiian based duo (a man and a woman) are pretty high on ‘things to do’ list and I always think to REALLY dig into their vibes, as they kind of just float outside of a stream of artists (which includes both Selah and Arkaingelle) who I do listen do and they are obviously solid and have a pretty strong and loyal fan base. Hopefully I can join it pretty soon because I’ve always been impressed by their output and this tune is no exception. Oshen is a similar case, although I’ve heard considerably less from the popular and most remote artist (he’s from Papua New Guinea). His tune, ’Freedom Fighter’ is another solid addition to this set and one which is gaining steam on my players - It’s very good. And also pay a nice bit of attention to the decent ‘Children Need Love’ which comes from Firestar (yes that Firestar) from I Wayne’s camp. It’s not anything special at all, but it’s an okay piece from another name who we wish would be far more active (and the song, lyrically, is quite nice, particularly later on). ‘Who Feels It Knows’ comes from an unknown to me, Ras Arcane who, although clearly talented, has such a . . . basic delivery that it’s almost strange. He literally appears to just talk on the riddim (what he’s saying, mind you, is pretty impressive) at times and while that sacrifices something in the way of melody, I do think that there’s real talent on his end and I hope to run into (ORGANICALLY (!), don’t start sending me Ras Arcane tunes tomorrow and asking me what I think, I have more than enough stuff to do!).

'Life' by Jus Goodie

While expect big names to do big work (and that is what happens here), it’s always nice to get nicely surprised by lesser known artists and, to my opinion, that happens three times on the first half of the SbS Riddim album. The first is on the song ‘Life’ by someone named Jus Goodie who is completely new to me. The curious voiced singer offers a superbly intoxicating track which speaks on the matter of antiviolence and does so in a big and sweeping manner, showing Jus Goodie (. . . Interesting name) to be a very accomplished lyricist as well and - Yeah, I’m a new fan. There’s also the explosive Lion Fiyah (who I have heard of) from out of Hawaii who brings forth the LARGE praising tune ‘Divinity Within’.

“King Selassie I divinity within
And nothing can compare to the joy Jah Jah bring
King Selassie I divinity within
Them always kill di prophet, but dem caan kill di King of Kings

Oh Jah please
Hear I plea
Although I know you must hear many
See dem belly fun, yet dem gwan like dem hungry
Jah fill I up, with your grace and mercy
Cause who Jah bless, no man can curse wi
I cup runneth over from Selassie I blessing
No power on earth can run come try test HIM
Jah live inna flesh
Rastafari ever-living”

Fiyah does a damage not to be missed on the tune (and my little Daughter, the quietest child in the world, seems to find it hilarious, the way he says “divinity”, so you know I love it as well). (and apparently the tune was also released as a digital single by RRR) And lastly is Black Prophet from out Ghana who taps a bit of Bob Marley on his strong effort, ‘Wicked Soul Driver’. You’ll forgive me because I’ve been listening to more than a small amount of Rebellion The Recaller and the two do sound alike to some extent and that’s saying something BIG if you know the Recaller’s music. Here we have just a forceful big tune and I really like how the riddim changes up and begins to POUND itself - Matching the Prophet when he pushes the intensity up on this SNARLING social commentary (“they buy my book without reading my contents!”). And you’ll also find a most useful and GORGEOUS clean version of the riddim - Here you’ll notice just how beautiful this thing is (it‘s good to write to) (take my word for it).

'Wicked Soul Driver' by Black Prophet

Overall, I will definitely say this with the condition that the Step By Step Riddim album (like almost every riddim album ever made) is ONLY going to appeal to hardcore fans of the genre - newer fans need not apply (and need not read reviews which are 3400+ words long) - and I don’t think you will, anyway. Rumble Rock Recordz really does a fine job in just assembling such a varied ‘cast’ for this one that you end up getting not only so many different sounds on the riddim, but so many different ideas from so many different walks of life and, with just a few exceptions, most of the tunes tend to escape this tired Reggae-formulaic method of building songs and it sounds pretty fresh which is what the riddim deserves. And if I haven’t stressed it enough (and I haven’t) the riddim is outstanding on its own and it is deserving of the biggest names the genre has to offer, but we’re kind of glad they didn’t take it in that route. So add Rumble Rock Recordz to your queue of labels worth listening to as they’ve now done their part in making the world just a little smaller and more comfortable through the power of excellent vibes. Well done.

Rated: 4.25/5
Rumble Rock Recordz
2011
Digital
Rumble Rock Recordz

Coming Soon Vol. 33

The Mighty Sparrow - “Soca Anthology: Doctor Bird” [17 N. Parade/VP Records]


'Congo Man'

Certainly taking center stage this week is the latest offering from VP Records’ wonderful reissue/classic label, 17 N. Parade, which continues to impress each and every time they roll out a new release and this time, perhaps, they’ve outdone their own lofty standards. The legendary calypsonian, The Mighty Sparrow, is simply one of the greatest legends in all of Caribbean music and while, until now, the label has focused primarily on Reggae acts, they did make an exception for Byron Lee & The Dragonaires’ ”The Man and His Music” a year ago, which was largely predictable as VP had release just about all of Lee’s later albums, but in the case of ”Doctor Bird”, they’ve taken it a step further as they haven’t typically done a great deal of work with the Sparrow. This two disc set features a HEALTHY thirty classic tracks and, more importantly maybe, it also reportedly contains a potentially PRICELESS DVD which I simply must get my hands on. So if you keep telling yourself that it’s time to get to know the incomparable Mighty Sparrow and his brilliant way of story telling, on May 17, you’ll get what is probably the greatest opportunity there is to do just that.

Potential Rating: 100/5
Releases on May 17
CD + Digital

“Chino” [VP Records]


'Seal The Link'

So maybe I was wrong. Chino definitely hasn’t been amongst my favourites lights from the Dancehall. I kind of found him average and just didn’t generally get what all the fuss was about because, of course, average Dancehall music is the single worst thing in the entire world. And you know it. But, I’ve kind of settled with that as it’s been years ago and he’s just steadily been going along in his career without me paying attention. So I see that he signed a deal with VP Records to deliver his debut self titled album (outside of Japan, where he apparently has become a huge star) and I go and have a listen to some of the album and I had absolutely no idea that I had actually set through about seven or eight songs of the fifteen track set before I skipped anything. And even some of the tunes which I didn’t REALLY like were made decent for some reason or another . . . So either he’s improved by leaps and bounds, or I’ve just generally underestimated him (probably a combination of the both). As it stands otherwise, however, Chino’s album is probably one of the most anticipated of the first half of 2011 and if you’re one of the many who are counting down the days until its arrival, I can rather comfortably say that you will not be disappointed.

Potential Rating: 4.25/5
Releases on May 24
CD + Digital

“Sons of Jamaica: Sizzla” [Jet Star Records]

Under any other set of circumstances I surely wouldn’t have mentioned this . . . Thing, but it should be said that, ALREADY, I’ve received more than a couple of messages from readers about it. ”Sons of Jamaica” is apparently some type of ‘series’ from the once mighty Jet Star (now under new management and ownership, I believe) and having covered the likes of Freddie McGregor, John Holt, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and others, now turn their attentions to the greatest of all time, Sizzla Kalonji. Although not, at least not in my opinion, of the level of Penitentiary’s subterfuge, this one just doesn’t offer anything new and despite the fact that I’m entirely too lazy to reach into a box which is no more than a foot away from me to confirm or deny to absolute certainty, I’m pretty sure that all of this album’s tunes are efforts culled together from ”Black History”, ”Blaze Up The Chalwa” and other Jet Star releases, making it a pretty useless 'greatest hits' styled compilation . . . Oh and Sizzla - Anytime with the next album. Whenever you’re ready.

Releases on May 9
Digital

The Arrogant Riddim Vol. 2 [City Lock Studio]

While I do remember the first volume of the Arrogant Riddim from City Lock Studio existing, I don’t recall whether I actually liked it or not and because I’m too lazy to go and check, I’m just going to act as if that part - “Vol. 2” isn’t even there. I don’t particularly like this riddim, but I did feel compelled to mention it for two reasons. The first is that, if I didn’t include it, I would have only had three releases actually coming soon on a post called “coming soon” and that’s just dumb. The second reason you see it here is because it features a potential special combination, ‘Make It In Life’ (biggup Pashon Minott), which happens to feature South Afrikan star, Black Dillinger alongside Bugle.

Potential Rating: 3/5
Releases on April 22
Digital

In Stores Now

Colonel Reyel - “Au Rapport” [Step Out Productions]


'Celui'

If you were waiting on my permission to (you are a damn fool), feel free to go ahead and pick up the brand new (and debut, I think) album from the extremely talented singjay (I hate that word) from out of Guadeloupe, Colonel Reyel, ”Au Rapport”. Reyel has been riding high as of late with two sizable hits, ‘Celui’ and Toutes Les Nuits’ and both of the tunes appear on this album (as the first two tracks, actually) and are somewhat emblematic of what you can expect on the balance of this some glossy and polished set. The album also features a high energy dance track, ‘Dis-moi Oui’ which happens to link the Colonel with Gwada star Krys as well. I have heard through just about all of this and I would definitely recommend it for the crowd that went wild over Gyptian for the past couple of years (the track ‘Celui’ sounds a lot like ‘Hold Yuh’ to my ears) or so as it comes in similar to that vibes, with just a bit more edge. Also just speaking openly, Colonel Reyel is very very talented.

CD + Digital

Roundhead - “16 Rounds of Big Roundz” [Signature Records/VP Records]

You can disagree all you like and argue and do whatever you want but, to my opinion, in terms of actual SKILL in delivery and lyrics, Roundhead is . . . Probably top fifteen or twenty in relatively recent Dancehall history. I’ve always been impressed with the DJ at his best and while such days have been few and far between, that hasn’t stopped him from delivering what I think is his first full length set, the ridiculously titled ”16 Rounds of Big Rounds”. Like I said, I’m a fan, so when I saw this had reached (biggup John B), I was quick to jump on it, so we’ve heard quite a bit of this album actually. It’s not stellar and it’s far to . . . ‘agitated’ for my tastes (there’s just too much going on in terms of activity with most of these songs for me), you can still hear how clearly talented Roundhead can be when motivated. It also doesn’t hurt things that the album features, ‘Hemp-motional’, a combination with Achis Reggae favourite, Lutan Fyah.

Digital

Lutan Fyah - “The Fyah EP” [Tad’s Records]

Speaking of the Fyah. Lutan Fyah becomes the latest star of the slightly-too-long-for-an-EP series of releases from Tad’s Records with the eight tracks of ”The Fyah EP”. This set, as they all do, features just a few EXTREMELY random songs from a variety of sources, which seemingly have NOTHING in common save for the artist. The exception is the final piece, ‘Violence’, which I can’t honestly say that I’m too familiar with, however, it does sound quite familiar.

Digital

Inner Visions - “Stay Alive” [Inner Visions Music/Zojak Worldwide]


'Solitude'

I don’t know exactly (or even relatively) HOW LONG I’ve been waiting to see a full and proper release for this one, but that wait is now over as the venerable Inner Visions band from out of St. John has pushed their latest album, ”Stay Alive” to the maximum in its releasing (and I think I might be a little late on this one anyway) (biggup Reggae media for that). If you’re not familiar with their work, what you can expect from IV is the typical HEAVY Virgin Islands Reggae vibes with just an ever so slight amount of edge to it and although I haven’t checked this one out in full just yet, listening through the clips, that’s exactly what’s going on here and, in flashes, it sounds damn good. I’d also recommend it to fans who may have a bit of a preference to that crisp old school sound as well.

CD + Digital

Ras Myrdahk - “All Nations” [Wild Geese Records Production]

And lastly for albums this week is a piece which caught my eyes, but didn’t catch my ears, unfortunately. The always very interesting, Ras Myrdahk (from Brown’s Town!!!) has very quietly released his sophomore album for Wild Geese Productions, ”All Nations”. Now, if you aren’t familiar with Myrdahk (the placement of that H in his name tends to travel) the chanter, at his best, is a fiery explosive and impressive artist who can be devastating. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like much of that material made it to ”All Nations”, however, as, after listening through a bit of it, I can only say without qualification that I REALLY like one of the album’s twelve songs (the very impressive ‘No One Knows’). Still, I will continue to work on this one just a bit (it’s so varied, it sounds like someone told Myrdahk that his name was Perfect) before passing a final judgment on the album from the chanter from the greatest place on earth.

Digital

The 11th Dimension Riddim [Diwali Records]


11th Dimension Riddim Mix

The first riddim this week (of five, if I do this correctly) is, arguably, the biggest deal, despite its release only having three vocal tracks. The 11th Dimension Riddim is the FUN latest release from veteran super producer Stephen ‘Lenky’ Marsden who is best known for having constructed one of the greatest riddims of all time, the Diwali. Lenky doesn’t go all out for the 11th Dimension, but apparently the riddim’s release coincides with his new label, Diwali Records (biggup 40/40) and website DiwaliRecords.com. As for the riddim itself, like I said, Lenky doesn’t attempt to outdo himself - Voicing the riddim are only Revlo, Kambio (I think there’re two artists with that name) and, of course, Lenky favourite and battle-tested, Zumjay. The riddim itself is just . . . Strange, but a very good time as always from the producer and hopefully he does run it out a bit and voice it more because I can think of quite a few names I’d like to hear on this one (like Wayne Wonder) (and a girl).

Digital

The Grace & Gratitude Riddim [Romeich Records]


'When Mama Prays' by Alaine

The Grace & Gratitude Riddim is the latest STERLING creation from Romeich Records (I think it maybe their first of the year also) and a strong case could be made that it’s also the label’s best to date as well. While not doing too much in the way of breaking ground or anything like such, this one is just lovely - Sounding like something of the Guardian Angel/Drop Leaf/Seasons variety (I’m not putting it on those levels (yet), but that’s the sound you should be thinking of or you can just play one of the songs which we were sure to put in here). Alaine gives the riddim its finest effort in the form of ‘When Mama Prays’, but she’s joined by an impressive ‘supporting cast’ featuring Chris Martin, Junior X, Bugle, Teflon and others.

Digital

The Gorilla Riddim [Necessary Mayhem/Zojak Worldwide]


Gorilla Riddim Mix

I don’t know if the Gorilla Riddim, the new set from Curtis Lynch, Jr. and friends at Necessary Mayhem, is an original riddim or another remake (it does sound familiar, but not that familiar), but regardless of its origins, I’m predicting a big future for this piece which Lynch, reportedly, calls the label’s finest to date. This HEAVY old school composition features just a DAMAGING roster of vocalists. Jamaican star, Tarrus Riley, heads an extremely varied and colourful group of which Ziggi Recado (alongside Tippa Irie & Omar Perry), Chukki Starr, Cali P, the great Macka B and Mr. Williamz are a part. More still, also appearing is more than interesting Tobago native, Franz Job who joins in on ‘Viva Marijuana’ alongside Mr. Williamz and takes the Gorilla on his own ride with ‘What’s It Gone Be’. Yet another impressive set from one of the world’s greatest labels in Necessary Mayhem.

Digital

The Love Riddim [Sajay Productions/Zojak Worldwide]


'Work' by Lutan Fyah

Chances are pretty good that you don’t even remember the decent 2010 album from Reggae enigma, Turbulence, and Sajay Productions, "The Journey", and if that is the case for you then it makes it far more likely that you’ve never even encountered the label’s Love Riddim (although apparently it has a history dating back to 2009. As it reaches its own release, Turbulence is back as is Natural Black, Lutan Fyah, Perfect, Lenn Hammond, an impressive Rox Wayne, (bona fide cutie) Christina Stars and others. To my ears (and to the ears of whoever named it) the piece is a pretty nice lover’s set, but different artists take it in different directions and now having listened through it in full - They all do pretty good actually.

Digital

The Royalty Riddim [Xterminator Records]


Royalty Riddim Mix

And for the final riddim, I thought that I’d throw this in. The Royalty Riddim is the ‘new’ release from my favourite label of all time, Xterminator, and it features nearly vintage material from Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell and company . . . Because that is what it is. The riddim is actually several years old so the presence of Sizzla Kalonji and Turbulence is to no grand deal (although Turbulence’s song, ‘Jah Is Love’, is excellent). Jesse Royal joins the venerable pair with another big tune and, again, just as in the case of the 11th Dimension Riddim - You do wish there was more of it.

Digital

‘Régine’ by Mighty Ki La (single) [STK Multimedia]

'Régine' Caribbean Edit

And winding down we have trio of new singles including two which I told you about yesterday (and another which is probably older than I am). The first is the digital release for Mighty Ki La’s new single, the electric ‘Régine’. You can have a listen to the track and I just mentioned it yesterday, so I won’t go too far here, but what I will say is that the official release features a version of the tune, the Caribbean Edit by DJ Scientifik, which is slightly different and more ‘rigid’ to my ears. I definitely do prefer the original, but this version isn’t horrible and DEFINITELY still looking forward to MKL’s forthcoming ”K-rakter” set.

Digital

‘Come Go With Me’ by Taddy P & Evin Lake (single) [Bass Inna Yu Face]


sample

Next we have a song which was probably emailed to us on 2,000 different occasions. It’s master guitarist, Taddy P, alongside the soulful up and comer, Evin Lake, on a remake of a classic from Teddy Pendergras, ‘Come Go With Me‘. This tune is apparently gained a pretty large following and I FINALLY took note when, during a conversation with my Father, he mentioned that my Wife’s Brother (biggup Bredz) had actually sent it to him and he REALLY liked it. So there you go, if my Father overwhelmingly approves, you will probably also, check it out today.

Digital

‘Call Me’ featuring Ce’Cile by Yann Sélo (single) [S’Time]

And FINALLY (it’s probably taken me several years to complete this post) (currently at 2604 words) we have the official release of another tune I told you about yesterday, ‘Call Me’, from Yann Sélo, featuring the incomparable Ce’Cile. Really like this tune, despite the fact that it is a man singing Zouk music and did I mention how nicely the guest looks in the video???

Digital

Video Drop #21

This week we have a pretty nice selection of videos from the likes of Queen Ifrica, I-Octane, Mr. Vegas and a Medley featuring a big bag of heavy hitters. ALSO, we there was a very healthy set of videos from French Caribbean acts so we did a double dosage this week. Enjoy.

Queen Ifrica

‘Times Like These’ by Queen Ifrica [Directed by 13th Tribe Productions]

First up this week is the latest video from Reggae star, Queen Ifrica, for ‘Times Like These’, her cut of the big City Life Riddim of 2010 from Jeremy Harding and 2 Hard Music. I’d actually told myself to go back and have a next listen to this riddim in general because I didn’t pay it as great of an attention as I ‘should’ have and here comes the video to provide the final bit of impetus. First of all, the song is EXCELLENT. Ifrica always shows her best at the time and this tune may be some of her best in quite some time. And the rather adventurous video is also pretty stunning. Despite some of the depressing imagery, the video has a very CLEAN look to it to my eyes and while it follows a ‘traveling’ Ifrica (not really), by showing her in several different settings, what it really does, at least to my opinion, is to show her, and thus people in general, in various different walks of life - Affected by the state of the times. I Also love them actually bringing in the images of the greats that she mentions, as well as some of the other visual specials they bring in. And finally, certainly something should be said about the fact that Queen Ifrica . . . Looks pretty good! Probably the best I’ve seen her look in one of her videos and that’s definitely a part of the appreciation here as well.

Video Rated: 4.5/5
Video - Song Link: 4.5/5

'Black & Proud [Nah Bleach]’ by Mr. Vegas [Directed by Jay Will]

I’m going to try as hard as I possibly can to go around the obvious here (preferring, instead, to let Admiral T do that for me) which is behind Vegas unfortunately feeling compelled to weigh in on the even more unfortunately recent issue of BLEACHING in the ‘Dancehall’ (or whatever you want to call that place these days) (the ’HELLHALL’) (biggup Mario), with 'Black & Proud'. The tune? I like the song - The smallest reason why surely isn’t the fact that utilizes a retooled version of the Zombie-like (resistance) Bam Bam Riddim (you could probably set that riddim behind someone coughing for four minutes and it would still be nice). But lyrically the song is impressive as well (“Mi get a Black baby, from a Black lady. So mi proud of mi colour and mi nah change it”). The video, as expected, is pretty funny (the most hilarious part being when the guy sales the woman a tube of cream which CLEARLY has been previously used), but it’s also somewhat poignant as the woman, in the process of losing her damn mind, is snapped back into reality by seeing her daughter applying that . . . Shit after seeing her mentally ill mother do the same. Biggup Vegas for not only this set but having a STRONG last couple of years or so - Hopefully a big album is not too far off (and I’m pretty sure this video features full blown nudity).

Video Rated: 4.5/5 Video - Song Link: 5/5

‘Nuh Ramp Wid Wi’ by I-Octane [Directed by Asha Michail]

Surely it was only a matter of time before someone took the exploding I-Octane and put him in a more ‘club-like’ video and (I’m pretty sure that this must’ve happen before at some point, but I don’t pay very good attention) here it is. In his latest clip, for ‘Nuh Ramp Wid Mi’, Octane reaches the club amongst other places. Looking through this one initially I thought it pretty harmless (and it still is), but I didn’t like it too much and while I’m not as blown away by the video itself (the tune, however, is very strong) I do like it more now (somewhat it resembles the video for ‘Click Mi Fingers’ by Erup, which the song also resembles slightly in my opinion) as just about anytime you have a club song which takes the show on the road - That’s a good idea (and so is adding a few really attractive women).

Video Rated: 3.75/5
Video - Song Link: 3/5

The Captain Riddim Medley featuring Wayne Marshall, Tarrus Riley, Sizzla Kalonji, Jah Cure & Pressure Busspipe [Directed by Winston ‘Tyson’ Mayhew]

I’m actually not much of a fan of medley styled videos (or videos in general for that matter), but I think the video for Yard Vybz’ Dubby Captain Riddim is pretty good without trying to be anything too spectacular. It links up Wayne Marshall with an update is his ooooooold tune ‘Captain’, Tarrus Riley, Sizzla, Jah Cure and a surprising Pressure who I don’t know for sure that I recall hearing on this set, but who does his usual excellence. Again, perhaps this video will get me to go back and take a next listen to this riddim again and as it points out, it is currently digitally available (although you won’t get the Pressure tune when you pick it).

Video Rated: 4/5
Video - Song Link: N/A [because it is five different damn songs]

'Allez' by Nesly [digital single]


‘Réd Son’ by Paille

First from the Frenchies we have, to the surprise of no one I’m sure, the frenetic and just always entertaining Paille with a video for the biggest tune from his big new album, ”Inflammable”, ‘Réd Son’. Although pretty ridiculous, you don’t expect anything different from Paille do you? The man is just always energized and always HILARIOUS on the video. Here we have Paille mashing up school and doing so at the benefit of an outcast and bullied youth. Paille plays teacher, nerdy student, mentor, court jester and even dons his signature straw hat in this visual piece of frenzy and I LOVE it. Not to be lost in the midst of this mess is Paille’s skill level. Don’t let the clowning fool you - The man is a master at this when he wants to be (“I play music, but I don’t play!).

Video Rated: 4.75/5
Video - Song Link: 5/5

‘Allez’ by Nesly [Directed by Alexandre Roux]

Okay so, I probably could have mentioned this one almost six months ago because that’s how long it’s been around (and in relatively decent rotation around here from at least the beginning of the year I’d say), but as usual, I’ve been a bit behind in regard to the video. Nesly is an up and coming Zouk singer (I think she’s from France, but her family is from Martinique and Guyane) who snagged a big hit for herself when she dropped ‘Allez’ last year and here is the video in support of it. The tune itself is GOLD, it’s a very strong and sexy tune and the video well takes advantage of that. As someone with a healthy fear of the dentist, I don’t think I’d have as much of a problem going in for a cleaning if my Dentist or her assistant looked like Nesly (and not like Gargamel) (biggup Buju) and you know you have something special when you can make such a thing SEXY (oh and Nesly, when you knock me out if you wanna . . . Yeah. You have my permission).

Video Rated: 4.25/5
Video - Song Link: 4.5/5

‘Régine’ by Mighty Ki La [Directed by Seven Art Studio]

The normally extremely agitated Mighty Ki La from out of Mada is back to tell the truly ridiculous but infectious story of ‘Régine’. I-Octane also had a dance/party song in this post, but that song had absolutely NOTHING on this one, ‘Régine’ is MADNESS and . . . Now that I think about it, not too far from the insanity that we’re used to MKL bringing just about every time out. This is a big tune and hopefully we’ll find more on his next album, which is apparently called ”K-rakter” and which we’ll hopefully get before the end of the year. Biggup Régine, every time.

Video Rated: 3.75/5
Video - Song Link: 4.5/5

‘Call Me’ featuring Ce’Cile by Yann Sélo [Directed Arthur Valverde]

Zouk sang by men is pretty much confirmed evil, but I’ll mention this one and you know why I am. With the exception of the NOTE which I hopefully included here I don’t know a great deal about Yann Sélo, but I believe he’s from Guyane (or his family is) and he obviously looks like a mixture of American R&B/Pop singer, Tyrese and Tricky and, strangely enough, I don’t feel inclined to look up anymore after this, but big him up still because he apparently wrote this tune, ‘Call Me’, and he has an album forthcoming which you should look out for.

Unsurprisingly my focus is FIRMLY planted on his co-star for the video, Achis Reggae and Earth favourite, Bad Gyal Ce’Cile. She looks quietly SPECTACULAR. She looks really really good and I even appreciate how the tune basically ‘colours’ itself for her spot - Obviously the highlight of the tune for me and Ce’Cile has a nice history of vibing with French and French Caribbean acts and she continues it to the fortune of Yann Sélo and everyone else who gets to listen to this tune which is growing on me.

As for the video, it’s pretty much what you might expect and very simple. Women, apparently, like to look at men who are wet up and sweaty looking so it magically begins to rain indoors on Sélo. Unfortunately, our heroine doesn’t stick around when the water show begins, but have I mentioned that she looks REALLY good when she does cross the screen?

Video Rated: 3.5/5
Video - Song Link: 3.5/5

{Note: I used to have a mixtape featuring Dancehall from Guyane and there was a DJ on it who I believe called himself ‘Beo’ or something like such who had a STUPID song where he literally would say everything he was doing . . . “like Yann Sélo”. I think it was a freestle, it was completely funny and I haven’t heard it from then. So biggup Yann Sélo}

**Bonus** Making of ‘You & Me’ by Saïk **Bonus**

And finally I thought that I’d mention this even though the full video is set to drop later this week I believe. The MASSIVELY talented Saïk is set to drop his second album sometime in 2011 and to get the ball rolling here’s the very first single off the project, the unifying ‘You & Me’. Here, we go behind the scenes with Saïk in Gwada and later in Martinique to film the video (part of it also, reportedly, is filmed in Guyane to match the tune). I have actually heard the tune and it’s very nice - Slower, but you can still crystally hear a lyricist who is . . . Just better than almost everyone else and I CANNOT FUCKING WAIT to get my hands on that album.