What I'm Listening To: Rock This Place!

"Riddim Full Of Culture"[Green Lion Crew + Ineffable Records - 2022]

First up this week (or fourth, who's counting???) is a big release from a very big outfit as the latest from the Green Lion Crew, "Riddim Full Of Culture", has reached. This 'refresher' compilation is absolutely PACKED full of very impressive displays of skill from some of the genre's most gifted names, as well as some scalding up and comers who you're going  to want to keep an eye and ear on in the future. Names such as Capleton (who I was a bit surprised to see), Pressure Busspipe, Busy Signal, Addis Pablo, Kabaka Pyramid and others leap out at listeners and you walk away thinking that maybe you'd like to hear more of the likes of Roe Summerz, Koro Fyah, Iotosh and Tydal Kamau (who probably drops the single greatest moment with his MASSIVE 'Golden') ["What Jah give I is golden and it cannot be stolen"]. So, if you have not been keeping up on the dealings of the GLC, "Riddim Full Of Culture", which is probably one of the strongest compilations of the year, is a very good time to catch up. The set also includes strong work from the likes of Jesse Royal, Mr. Williamz and Chino.

Rasta Yaad Riddim [Donsome Records - 2022]

The Rasta Yaad Riddim, the latest creation of Adrian Donsome and his Donsome Records imprint, has been generating a very nice buzz in its early days and a very quick listen through some of the tunes here will IMMEDIATELY demonstrate why that has been the case. Along with Fantan Mojah who provides the riddim with its eponymous piece, several names here impress thoroughly. To my opinion, the biggest winner is definitely Anthony B, whose 'Most High' steals the show and is the single biggest winner on the riddim (including 'Rasta Yaad'), but big tracks also come in from the likes of Turbulence, Lutan Fyah (his song, 'Still a Love Jah', had to grow on me just a bit), Ginjah and even Junior Kelly (who we don't run into very often these days). Also included is a clean version of the Rasta Yaad Riddim, which is not to be missed (it is delightful!), with its awesome attention to detail. You REALLY tune it in and you hear some very nice subtle things at work in the full composition. 

Marcus Garvey Riddim 3.0 [Bryce Hill Productions - 2022]

I wanted to mention this one briefly because we brought it up awhile back before it had reached a full release. Biggup Bryce Hill Productions for their cut of the legendary Marcus Garvey Riddim, the Marcus Garvey 3.0, is now officially out. Big tunes come in from a variety of different directions with the likes of Anthony B, Chrisinti and Perfect Giddimani turning in stellar efforts and Sizzla taking top honours with 'Set the Black Man Free'.

"Rumba Dub" by Eghe Nimose [Miracle World Entertainment]

Next up is a release from a name entirely new to my eyes and ears as we head all the way to Nigeria to check the latest from one Eghe Nimose, a five-track EP by  the name of "Rumba Dub". This infectious and predictably very colourful release (whether you actually like it or not is up to your tastes, but I will all but guarantee you that whatever you feel about this one, you will not think it BORING) popped up on our radars via a message sent to us and, after listening to it for a few weeks now, I'm relatively impressed. It does feature actual Dancehall music in its brevity, such as on its opener, 'Let You Go' and 'No Play', the first of a pair of combinations featuring SOJ Da Legend, another name new to me (the other song he's on, 'Allergic', is probably the strongest of the two, actually); and although other elements are definitely featured, you will find DANCEHALL throughout this project, which is always a good thing around here. The most fun to be found on "Rumba Dub" that I've had has been on the all kinds of interesting 'Fiekun' which is a.... Dancehall tune with... chanting and angels singing behind it... you have to hear it (so it should be in here, I would imagine). Releases like this also serve quite well to maybe give listeners to go back and check what else they've missed from the artist and I have done that as well, finding a very nice pair of tunes Nimose did a few years ago by the name of 'She's Bad' and 'Ghe Kpa', respectively. So, if for you, like me, 'Rumba Dub' would serve as an introduction to the music of Eghe Nimose, then perhaps it is time to become acquainted. 

'Jah Did' by Sizzla Kalonji [Addis Records - 2022]

Check 'Jah Did' courtesy of towering Swiss imprint, Addis Records, who links with the greatest to ever do it in my opinion, Sizzla Kalonji, for a big new tune, 'Jah Did'. Whether you've realized it or not, Addis has made some of the finest Roots Reggae on the planet in recent times. The artist I most closely tend to associate them with is the Dragon Slayer, Mark Wonder but, as you can see, they've voiced a variety of accomplished vocalists. Their latest creation, though I don't know the name of it is voiced by the likes of Levi Myaz, Jahmali, Vysionaer (whose 'Call the Ganjaman' is very good) and Sizzla who reigns supreme with 'Jah Did', but they're all worthy of a proper listen in my opinion. In particular, 'Jah Did' has this very simple and straight-forward appeal.

"Answer my prayers, oh The Most High

You're my shield, my defense and I won't lie

Protect me from the chains and the snares and the evilous people around I

Optimistic about my culture

Much better than their guns and their sulfure

Hey, no better way than giving praises

More blessings, more love"

Soul Chase Riddim [Captain John + Monk Music - 2019]

And lastly (I'm writing this first, it should be "and firstly" (is "firstly" an actual word???) in our oldies category for this week is a SWEET Groovy Soca riddim from a few years back, the Soul Chase Riddim from Captain John. This thing was just delightful particularly as it was placed in the hands of some very capable vocal talents. DEFINITELY the biggest winner here was Skinny Fabulous who, along with giving us the more than solid 'Doh Beg' alongside Dancehall star, Konshens, also delivered the riddim's single finest moment in the MAMMOTH 'Rock This Place'. Voice also made a strong contribution with 'Honest Dollar' as did the Monk himself, Machel Montano, with 'I Love You' (which I had not heard in years until just recently and is probably better than a lot of us gave it credit for being. The Soul Chase Riddim, strictly as a track was probably one of the most beautiful and wholly captivating Groovy Soca riddims of the last five years or so - EASILY.