'Rebel Time' by Sean Paul & Beres Hammond [Dutty Rock Productions]
"Rub-a-dub, it never feel like that"
First up this week is DEFINITELY a pair of legends linking up for one sweet piece of tune as Dancehall burner, Sean Paul, and the coolest man on the planet, Beres Hammond come together for 'Rebel Time'. Call this one unexpected but welcomed as these two deliver precisely what you'd expect from such a big union. 'Rebel Time' is just a vibe! There isn't a lot going on in terms of direction (although it does exist should you care about such a thing here (and you probably shouldn't)), but it is such a NICE piece and you knew it would be.
"In The Mood" by Shaggy [VP Records - 2023]
Speaking of legends, I'm also taking quite a few happy spins through "In The Mood", the latest EP set from international star, Shaggy and VP Records. Apparently (like everyone else with functioning ears), Shaggy caught the Soca bug in 2023 and he's done a project in observation of the moment. I have to say that the very first time I saw "In The Mood", just the fact that it existed made me smile. THIS IS A GOOD IDEA! It also helps that, in putting things together, Shaggy also taps reigning Soca royalty as the likes of Kes, Bunji Garlin, Patrice Roberts and even Skinny Fabulous (grrr!) all make appearances alongside the 'It Wasn't Me' singer. Still, a case could be made that the single finest moment on 'In The Mood" comes with Shaggy all alone as he mines GOLD with the syrupy sweet Groovy effort, 'I Love Her'. What a lovely song that is! If you too have personally charted a bit more Soca music this year (shit, even if you haven't), you may want to check out "In The Mood".
'High Grade' by Sizzla Kalonji [Pandemic Records & Entertainment - 2023]
Okay so, not too long ago we told you about some music from the great Sizzla Kalonji that was.... something other than stellar (new album, "Run Tingz", out now) (You don't want to hear that), so of course I've been attempting to rinse it from my mind and I've settled on this recent big tune from the artist and Pandemic Records, 'High Grade'. This one isn't rigid at all, it's very flowing and dynamic and just a very nice vibes and it shows that, although I may typically favour a version of Kalonji which is more 'traditional', that the man can touch in almost any style and make an impact with me. 'High Grade' is a boom!
"Bring it Anu" by Tamera [Ron Benjamin Music]
Something which has probably been on my radar for.... the better part of a couple of months or so that I'm just now telling you about (been busy, sorry!) is this wonderful EP courtesy of one Tamera (who used to go by Hempress Divine) and the great Ronnie Benjamin from Midnite fame, "Bring It Anu". Let me tell you something: THERE IS SOME GORGEOUS MUSIC ON THIS RELEASE. Tunes like the title track, personal favourite 'Free Your Mind Soul Body', the thumping 'Rememba' and 'Atm' absolutely soar on a set which you'll do yourself a mighty disservice if you choose to ignore it. This one I can definitely recommend to fans who have grown accustomed to.... that beautiful HEALTHY VI Reggae sound which is present throughout (and I hardly ever mention it in that way, but it stands out here so vividly).
The Jah Rise Riddim [Machete Records - 2023]
Also on deck these days is a big new riddim courtesy of Machete Records (every time I see the word 'machete' in any relation to Reggae music I immediately think about the WICKED Steve Machete), the GORGEOUS Jah Rise Riddim. With the first half of the year nearing about six weeks from its end, I have to say that the Jah Rise ranks fairly high in terms of the best compositions that I've come across in 2023 thus far. For such a beautiful creation, the vocal talent is top notch as well with several big names taking their turns on Machete's gem. Yaadcore is the least known of the lot, but he turns in a stellar set with 'Concrete Jungle' and is joined by the likes of Sizzla Kalonji, Ginjah, Lutan Fyah, Richie Spice and the reclusive Warrior King who probably provides the Jah Rise with its single finest moment, 'I-Niversal Light', which is damn near STUNNING! BOOM! Not that there are a lot, there aren't; but literally every tune on this riddim is at least very, very good, without exception.
"Standing Ground" by Akae Beka [Fifth Son Records - 2008]
Lastly (not really because I have to go back and write up Tamera's piece), I've also been listening to quite a bit of Akae Beka (as usual) and these days I'm well focused on the GEM that was the double disced set, "Standing Ground" from Fifth Son Records back in 2008 (I've also been on quite a bit of "Momentum" as well ["DON'T ACT LIKE THE DIAMETER IF YOU'S THE RADIUS"]. The double attraction to this release has always been the same and, all of these years later it remains the same though even further buttressed with HUGE tunes such as the intoxicating title track, 'Chant Out', 'King of Kings', 'King Ting', 'Medi', 'Spruce' ["He's the holder of the principle to do right"], 'Adon-I', 'Splendence' and so many others. What got your (or at least mine) attention initially, however, was certainly the fact that "Standing Ground" was a double set (and I think it remains alone in that fact at least as far a studio album from the Akae Beka/Midnite catalogue) and packed with so much wonderful work (over an hour and half of it) and there was also the little matter of it carrying.... simply one of the greatst songs I have ever heard from anyone, the INCOMPARABLE 'Ever Was So'. Like much of the output of the legendary Vaughn Benjamin, "Standing Ground" has recently seen a re-release, this time reflecting and respecting Benjamin's shift to "Akae Beka". Absolutely not to be missed.
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