Not too long ago at all, we told you about the new EP release from Statian star, Ziggi Recado, "Elevation" from Oneness Records; a couple of months on, and he's already back at work with a brand new tune for his own label, Nayamari Music, 'Head Up'. Let me just say, first of all, that the riddim on this tune is ABSOLUTELY SUBLIME! THIS THING IS GOLD! A quick glance through the credits reveals a pair of familiar names which would well explain the quality of the musicianship here as both Jah David [Zion High Productions] & Tippy I [I Grade Records] are amongst the players of instruments behind 'Head Up' - giving it at least a baseline of expectations (and results). To his credit, Ziggi doesn't waste the moment and continues his winning run of form with another impressive track. This one speaking to keeping focused (and HAPPY) in the face of outside factors trying to steer your decision away.
"Caan mess wid mi mind, dem nuh able
Walk mi own road, mi nuh follow dem fable
Mi destiny set, it written pon di cable
Dem chat plenty but di works nuh stable"
Can't imagine it's happening this year (though I'd take it if it is) but HOPEFULLY 2027 brings us a new full project from Ziggi Recado as it appears he's hitting his stride once again.
"Brightside" by Ziggy Marley [Tuff Gong - 2026]
I've never been the biggest fan of legit Reggae star, Ziggy Marley, and his latest set, "Brightside", most certainly isn't going to change that. I did give it an honest shot but, unfortunately, "Brightside"appears to embody what I don't like about his work. There's a certain... Folk-ishness or Country-ishness about his sound that just doesn't vibe with me for some reason or another and I hear it (whatever IT may be) all over this one. That being said, I'd be pretty damn surprised if "Brightside" isn't nominated for a Grammy next year and it will be amongst the favourites to take home the trophy once again for Ziggy Marley (he'll probably win).
"Love And Energy" by Ky-Mani Marley [Konfrontation Muzik + DubShot Records]
I've also never been the biggest fan of Ziggy's brother, Ky-Mani, though he has made music over the years that I have enjoyed (namely an album from a century or two ago, "Many More Roads") (also had a song called 'Royal Vibes' that I really liked; think it was on the "Radio" album) and he's also back with a brand new album of his own for 2026, "Love And Energy". Though I'm not really a fan and SURELY because of its length, there're things that I've enjoyed on "Love And Energy" as opposed to "Brightside". Standouts include both the openers, the title track and 'New Creature', as well as 'One Family' and 'War Inna Babylon'. Ky-Mani calls in the heavy artillery as "L&A" features a helping hand by the likes of Anthony B, Gyptian, Sizzla Kalonji, Agent Sasco, Lutan Fyah and others. I'm not going to blow it up and say IT'S FANTASTIC [it's not] (I would've reviewed if it were) but I have had a little fun with "Love And Energy" and you'll probably like this one (another damn near lock of a Grammy nominee) more than I do.
Bomboclxxt Now Riddim [Misik Muzik - 2026]
I most certainly AM a fan of Suku from Ward 21 and his latest creation, the Bomboclxxt Now Riddim has not done a damn thing to dampen that... at least not as far as a creation. Strictly in terms of the actual riddim, itself - the Bomboclxxt Now is a winner. It is the aggressive, legit, hardcore Dancehall that you've come to expect from Suku after all of these years. What happens on it when turned over to even some very talented vocalists, however, is largely a different story. Most... MOST of the tunes on this riddim just don't work for me and, again, that isn't just from some random up and comer struggling in the moment (although there're a number of those as well). The likes of Spragga Benz, Delly Ranks, Lexxus, Kiprich, Craigy T, Bling Dawg and others all turn up with relatively flat performances across something that you would think would be right up their proverbial alleys.... but not everyone misses the mark.
Reigning supreme is Sean Paul with the sickening 'Steal Machine', also scoring well are both Wayne Wonder and Wayne Wonder's alter ego, Supriz (Supriz actually does a little better, in my opinion) as well as Jah Izrehl who absolutely scorches with the very clever 'Seh No'. The Bomboclxxt Now also has a version 2.0, featuring some (many... like 20 of them) of the lesser known artists on the riddim, as well as Digital Riley. Actually, though you may not know most (or any at all) of their names, 2.0 is better between the two. Here, Uncle Finch, Andre Blackx, Crazy G, I-Jah Yout, Cute Axe (who!), Kwanele and others still turn up with solid offerings.
"Higher Meditation" by Anthony B [Greensleeves Records - 2007]
Obviously I've found my way back to the [hard-to-believe] now NINTEEN YEARS OLD "Higher Meditation" via Anthony B's latest creation, the lovely "World Of Love". Regardless of the reason that brought me here... I'm here and "Higher Meditation" IS an excellent album, especially when you haven't heard it in awhile. The set was another product of a very powerful union between Anthony B and Frenchie & all of the fine people at Maximum Sound and was the direct descendant of the even stronger "Black History" album from a couple of years prior (before that was the SOLID "Powers Of Creation" project as well) ["Stand guard, nuh let dem hurt you!"]. These albums, in my opinion, are highlighted by HEAVY but INFECTIOUS Roots Reggae music (with a little Dancehall mixed in). It's the genuine article but it is very catchy and that's the signature Maximum Sound (if there exists such a thing) for me. That is exactly what "Higher Meditation" was. These days, a tune called 'Hold On', that I didn't remember AT ALL, is absolutely killing me ["Dutty babylon, mi nah need yuh ointment!"] along with the typical highlights, 'Just Can't Live That Way', the title track, 'One Chalice' ["ALL WHEN MI OLD AND GREY, MI STILL AH SMOKE THE HERBS EVERYDAY!"], 'Jahx5' (that song is literally called 'Jah, Jah, Jah, Jah, Jah') and of course its pair of combinations, 'Real Wariors' and 'Honour To Marcus', with Turbulence and Natty King, respectively. I'm presuming that ship has sailed but, DAMN wouldn't it be nice if Anthony B & Maximum Sound linked up again for another set!
Specifics. After a particular artist has been around long enough and established themselves at a certain level, we, as fans, begin to do certain things with their music outside of just enjoying it. It is the source of both discussions and arguments alike where the topic goes to things such as biggest hits and prime years and such. It can be interesting as hell and it's been fun analyzing in certain reviews and articles I've written through the years as well. Today, I'm going to not do either but, instead, jump somewhere in between because when I first laid ears on the album for today, I began hearing certain things that reminded me of certain others and I got a REALLY good feeling heading into it. When you talk about Anthony B, he most certainly has reached a place in his career where that conversation has long begun; to the point where I did consider doing a feature on him about my favourite tunes (and I may still someday) but ultimately talked myself out of it because I thought that the idea of 'Anthony B's Greatest Hits' has kind of been worn a little. Such things are not hard to find. What I want to look at today, in particular, however, are albums. Like his equally legendary peer, Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B has been incredibly prodigious in putting out albums during his career. Though things have slowed in recent years (for everyone), once upon a time not long ago, he could be counted on deliver multiple sets every year for multiple producers and multiple labels and a brief look back into his catalogue can reveal certain things about Anthony B when he's in form. One of my personal favourite releases that he had which probably didn't get the respect that it deserved was a BEAUTIFUL album from over twenty years ago by the name of "My Hope". I bring that set up not just because I absolutely love it and I'm still trying to get the word out that it was excellent but, again, it went through my mind when I really began to take in Anthony B's latest creation that we're going to talk about today and it got me to thinking about exactly what works for Anthony B during the best of his album releases. He most certainly is not perfect (neither am I) (neither are You) and a trip through his vault will reveal an album or two that aren't the greatest (like "Untouchable") (and "Rasta Love") but when that man is ON, there is a certain, infectious BOUNCE to his music. It is an exciting, freeing brand of Roots music which manages to deliver the more 'standard' and cursory elements of the genre at the same time. "World Of Love" is that type of an album.
What type, exactly??? What I really want to say about Anthony B at his best is that HE SOUNDS LIKE HE'S HAVING A REALLY GOOD TIME. Even if you go into tunes like 'the classics' in 'Fire Pon Rome', 'Raid Di Barn', 'Waan Back' and others, that's a quality that's present there as well. The man is having fun while slaying oppressors and chanting for The Almighty and that isn't a trait that is always present in everyone (I wouldn't necessarily say that is AT ALL the case for Sizzla at his best, for example) so it stands out to me when I do hear it. It also seems as if he, purposely, makes the type of music in the studio that he would enjoy performing in a live capacity. I hesitate to say it because he does touch some very serious topics but Anthony B almost has a 'playfulness' to his sound at its best ["What dat dem ah do? What dat dem ah does? Nowhere dem come from, no know where dem was"] and, obviously, I mean that as a compliment (and "playfulness" probably isn't the best word (but I'm sticking to it) easiness or effortlessness are likely more fitting). Fortunately, it seems as if the actual process of making music and not just singing songs (although that too) is a grind that Anthony B enjoys because a number of his albums and MOST of the good ones feature a version of the Trelawny native who is not only in a good form but seemingly a good mood as well. "My Hope" was a great demonstration of this, as were the likes of "Black Star", "Higher Meditation" and "Life Over Death" to not go too far back.
2023
Another snapshot of a fun-having Anthony B would come on his most recent release, 2023's stellar "Bread & Butter". For me, that album stands as a culmination of a string of excellent work for the chanter. The time just prior to its release (and including the actual material that would appear on it, if I recall correctly) featured some really excellent output and it put Anthony B's name near the head of a list of someone who I was REALLY looking forward to making a new full release. What resulted most certainly did not disappoint as "B&B" stood up as one of his finest bodies of work in yea... probably a decade at that point if you really think about it (looking at a it... it might be his best album from the aforementioned "Higher Meditation" from way back in 2007) ("Life Over Death" hasn't aged very well in my opinion but even at a depleted level, it'd still be good enough to be in that conversation as well). I want to say that it was maybe late last yearish... October or so, that I first heard that Anthony B would possibly have an album forthcoming. The roll that he was on just ahead of "B&B" has continued for the most part and I'd been well paying attention to the fact that, virtually every single time, he had something new, it was excellent. Because of that, he would be featured (literally first) on our "Most Wanted 2026" list and I was all in. If Anthony B were to have an album this year, I though it'd be a legit contender for Album Of The Year and look what we have here! "World Of Love" arises from the same background as its immediate predecessor - via union of his label with Ineffable Records and features a whole heap of interesting names in front of and behind the scenes. In production, of particular note are the likes of Jazzwad and J-Vibe; while I'll get into it more in just a second but on the vocal end, Anthony B and co. CLEARLY spared no expense as far as whom they brought in. Unsurprisingly, I can also liken the end sound of "World Of Love" to "B&B". As you would suspect, they definitely share more in common than just a strong version of their star (I should say that some of the tunes he was doing back then had me questioning whether or not a then damn-near fifty year old Anthony B (just hit half a century earlier this year) was still in his ascendancy) and, just like its elder sibling, "World Of Love" proves to be a delightful and SOLID set that most certainly will appear on a few 'best of' lists at year's end. Let's talk about it.
There is a proverbial elephant in the room of this album that I absolutely have to address and you'll agree with me: The title of the album is horrible. It's cliched and... just lame. It's a bad title and you know what else is bad? The cover! Neither one are any good but FORTUNATELY, this is about music and you cannot listen to an album title or a cover and that is the worst thing I have to say about this one, by far. While you cannot listen to an album title, you can listen to a song with the same name as the album and that song, 'World Of Love' gets the album named after it off to a very strong start. As I mentioned, Anthony B really brings in the talent to work alongside him and, arguably, the biggest star he does pull in is German star, Gentleman for the title track. This song is as BEAUTIFUL as it is entirely SIMPLE. Ultra-straightforward in just about every way on Anthony B's side; Gentleman does 'complicate' things a bit (not really) with his outstanding verse. The two have previously worked together, years ago, on an excellent tune called 'Face Off' ["Like a siren, you just ah waaah waaah waaah"], which would appear on an album... by the name of "My Hope". 'World Of Love' isn't far behind those levels at all and biggup Gentleman who has his own new album out, "Gratitude" (review coming soon). 'Rude Bwoy' was an all kinds of fun single from late last year or so that I loved from the first time I heard it and still love, nearly a year on. Anthony B absolutely TORCHES this song. He puts it to the sword!
"Rudeboy protect wi health as young, youths and baby
PROTECT WI COMMUNITY, NO ABUSE WI LADY
No violence pon di corner, yuh crazy?
Nobody can out Rasta fyah when wi blaze it
Wi no preach hate, wi preach love and duality
Bun babylon cah dem nuh show partiality
Memba - Rasta teach principality
Bun out illusion, let's face reality
Unity is strength, so wi need equality
Stop fight each other, dat a dutty mentality
Remember - everything ruled by gravity
So stop promote hypocrisy"
BOOM! You listen to certain tunes and get the feeling that the artist just sort of vibed it. They had a feeling and it, rather quickly, turned into a finished product on their side. That is not the case with 'Rude Bwoy'. This thing is immaculate! It is absolutely exquisitely modern Roots Reggae done by one of its greatest champions and if I had any common sense -- any at all -- I'd be declaring it the best moment from "World Of Love".... but I don't (more on that later). If you were familiar with 'Rube Bwoy', chances may be decent that your listening travels also took you in the vicinity of 'Good Music' which was another single from around that same timeframe. It is highly unlikely but maybe something from one of the first two songs didn't quite work for you. Maybe you aren't a Gentleman fan (shame on you) or maybe 'Rube Bwoy' was a little abrasive for you and that's fine. We all have different tastes. With that being said, however, I'm gonna have a very difficult time in listening to any complaint of 'Good Music' AT ALL. Along with being what its title says it is, it's just so damn joyful and wholesome (besides that "sex, weed and money" part, of course) and EASY that it'll take a Herculean effort to dislike, in my opinion. I didn't feel like putting in that type of work and, instead, I loved it. Sandwiched in there is a younger single from just earlier this year, 'Big City' which features Anthony B alongside talented Hawaiian, Fia, whose name was unknown to me prior to it. I do not know what type of music Fia typically makes (and I don't feel like looking it up) but if it's something other than Reggae, he may want to think about a career shift because what he does here is very impressive. The song is kind of a loose social commentary/observation and it is another fairly straightforward one but, again, it works so well and is so pleasing to listen to along with the substance it surely offers.
I had a lot of [GOOD] problems on my hands when I SAW that Anthony B had a new tune with a favourite of mine, the incomparable Queen Omega, 'Made From Love'. Many, MANY years ago (almost twenty-five of 'em) Anthony B appeared on 'I Realize' which was the closer on Queen Omega's self-titled debut album, so she's come to return the favour (she's also on Gentleman's album "Gratitude") (did I already say review coming soon??) and the Trini Queen does not disappoint. She never does. She's incapable. Anthony B and the Queen are on a mission to spread love everywhere it is needed. You get love! Love for her and love for him too! Done at a nearly CRAWLING pace, it may take a few spins to really attach itself to you, I would tell you not to pass an early judgment and pay especially close attention on Queen Omega's offering. Taken as a whole, 'Made From Love' is SWEET stuff addition to "World Of Love". Later on, Anthony B taps overlooked well armed and unusually gifted Frenchie (biggup Frenchie), Mo' Kalamity for 'Little Cottage'. Let me say something about Kalamity because I don't think I've ever mentioned her around here but I've definitely spent a bit of time listening to her work (she had a song a long ass time ago called 'Me Say' that used to ANNIHILATE ME) (I love that tune). She has such an interesting voice and approach. When she starts singing, it sounds like her voice kind of limps out of her mouth.... and then it IMMEDIATELY starts sprinting. That gives her sound, whether you like the music or not, an inherent point of interest. On 'Little Cottage' she and Anthony B both lament the struggles of living in hardship and embrace the simplicity of a more natural lifestyle. One of these days I should probably get around to reviewing one of Mo'Kalamity's album but until then, join me in taking a visit to her and Anthony B's 'Little Cottage'... "somewhere by the sea". Anthony B is a veteran in this, he know that when you make a Reggae album, you have to give respect to The Queen so, along with bringing in a pair of them, he also gives you the obligatory Mamma song, fittingly called 'Mamma'. 'Mamma' exists to cover the basics (literally) (she covers the basics and sends you out to bump your head in the world) and that's exactly what it does. Nothing here will change your life or give you a new perspective but 'Mamma' is delightful and biggup my Mamma, Anthony B's and yours too! I couldn't fairly or accurately call 'The Best' a "love song" because it would be giving you an incorrect outlook on the tune: It isn't.... 'oh baby baby I love you'; it's more of an APPRECIATION song. 'The Best' has a riddim that, when it gets going, oddly reminds me (and maybe ONLY me) of the one that backs Sizzla's classic, 'Taking Over'. Where Kalonji used it to inspire each and every one who laid ears on it, Anthony B uses it to give a massive credit to the woman in his life ["This lion is a king and a strong one. Still you give I a shoulder to lean on. You help me to release the tension. Everyday with you is like a vacation"] in a very nice way.
The track behind 'Lonely' which features a helping hand from big voiced Shuga (who I should probably be calling a veteran by now; she's been around a few minutes) sounds a lot like that thing behind Shaggy's giant hit, 'Angel' from a hundred years ago. This isn't a favourite of mine from "World Of Love" but it does have a nice sound to it, especially as it progresses and it also gives me an opportunity to talk about something else in regards to Anthony B being in this current stage and form in his career. He is SO GOOD at the moment that he can save just about any thing! There's nothing that he's going to be doing that I'm going to say is just trash and suggest that when you get to it, you skip on by. EVERY SINGLE THING that he's doing these days has a certain quality level to it 'Lonely' is organized very interestingly (I actually think I hear an even older song, from the 60s, in there as well, called 'Mr. Lonely'), it has nice vibes to it and the more I keep talking about it... I think I'm really starting to like it. Let's move on! Another example of what his talents can do when they aren't necessarily in the best situation would be both 'Bubbling' and 'Bring Me Joy'. The former is my least favourite tune on the entire album and comes dangerously close to falling into being just too damn sappy due to the chorus but it is ultimately saved with the verses which don't lay too heavy on the LOVE/MUSHY stuff and, instead, casts a much wider net. It comes off less of such a track and almost seems like Anthony B is relaying a day: Like he had a hard day and he's going home and wants to hang out with his woman and just relax but... like I said, this is a close one. 'Bring Me Joy, on the other hand, is probably me stretching it because it, while certainly not the best here by any means, is pretty good, actually. Beginning with that riddim which can lay claim to being amongst the album's finest, Anthony B charts a course not too dissimilar from that on 'Bubbling' where he present his love as a shelter from the hardships of everyday life ["There is so much things to bother me: The government , the war, the economy. But your love come and set me free, so I'm so happy that you honour me"]. Again, I'm probably being too harsh on 'Bring Me Joy' by placing it in this context with 'Bubbling' (but I thought that the similarities between the two warranted it) but, regardless, it is a track where Anthony B's talents get the absolute most out of it as possible. I mentioned that were I to have more common sense that I would named 'Rude Bwoy' as the best song on "World Of Love" but, FORTUNATELY, you'll find very little of that 'round these parts because the song that reigns supreme for me on this album is, WITHOUT QUESTION, 'Jet Ski'.
"Mi mek gal change colour just like iguana
Gal ah rush wi from Jamdown to Ghana
Every man want a hot gal pon di cornah
Uptown, downtown gal - or foreignah
Any boy nah love woman, dem ah get lava"
Do you hear this song?? Here! I'll give it to you again. Pay attention this time.
Atop the absolutely absurdly delicious Hill & Gully Riddim, Anthony B puts forth a silly effort that will probably require a massive concussion or two to get out of your head and it's not worth it! JUST ENJOY! WHAT A TUNE!
CLEARLY Anthony B, Jazzwad & co. knew what they had on their hands with 'Jet Ski' because they offer up the similarly vibed (not really) 'Move U Body' a song that, TRUST ME, is a better than its dreadful title (and its opening) would indicate. I'm not saying that it's a great song -- it most certainly is not -- but, again, you get into the middle of it and 'Move U Body' (...ugh!) does have its moments. 'Wake Up' has even more of those moments and it finds Anthony B giving thanks for pretty much everything that he can. While decent on the lyrical side, the biggest appeal of 'Wake Up' is the entire song, as a whole. With its big and vibrant sound that never threatens to overwhelm, 'Wake Up' is a song that you can leave on repeat endlessly. It almost comes off as a vibe. I wouldn't be surprised if Anthony B heard the riddim and came up with something, fairly quickly, because he enjoyed it so much. Regardless of its origins, however, 'Wake Up' is a winner. You know what else is a winner? 'Winner'! I used the word "playfulness" to describe a certain quality to Anthony B's music and it was for tunes such as 'Winner'. While the subject matter of it isn't super-serious, he has a way of saying things that maybe aren't done jokingly but definitely are light and very clever.
"Got no time fi pose like statue
Is a good friend, alone, got you
Mi bredda, Fabian, seh him dream last night and get di winning number fi di lotto
I'm a winner!
I'm a winner, born as a winner
Mi no inna losing thing
I was born to win"
Also, much like was the case with 'Wake Up', 'Winner' is positively LOVELY. It's just such a nice and pleasing vibes to listen to and a mightily attractive tune! Closing things out on "World Of Love" is another of its biggest highlights, the prayerful 'Oh Jah'. A VERY solid praiser, 'Oh Jah' serves as an excellent way to end matters on the album and, in the process, Anthony B provides us with a very proper punchline:
"Oh Jah, you give I strength and always walk before me"
And he also says a bunch of other cool stuff like:
"Rasta got one thing they can never take away-
It's the fire and wi keep it burning everyday
To how you live, to how you work - that's how you'll get yuh pay
Bun di wicked, bun di evil, Rastafari seh
You haffi have a clean heart to go a Zion!
NO GOAT CAN BE KING OVER THE LION!
No put yuh trust in politics and religion
A NATION PERISH WITHOUT VISION"
BOOM!
Overall, throw another log on the fire that's been 2026 and that's been Anthony B's career as of late. I really wanted to drive home the point that the bottom of "World Of Love" really isn't THAT bad, which is a great sign of someone in good form. No. Not every single tune here is stellar but I don't have a problem with any of it, really. On the complete opposite end would be the fact that we also are treated to some truly impressive work and, in full, this one stands well with what we've been eating as of late as Reggae fans. If you stick around long enough, you'll get to a point in your life where age will start to take many things from you. WONDERFULLY and APPARENTLY, whenever that time is for Anthony B, musically, still seems to be quite far off. "World Of Love" is a more than solid set from someone who seems to be absolutely enjoying himself and his work these days.
Okay so, I was working on a few ideas for what would be next on the Signature series (it is EASILY one of the most enjoyable things that I write as it, primarily, involves me going through a lot of old music that I really, REALLY love) and I had some good ones. While I'll tell you about a couple of the others in the notes for this (right down there ↓ in small print) the one I'm going on today is probably the most fun and less stressful to write. Today we get random: HERE ARE FIFTEEN RANDOM SONGS THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Signatures: Reggae Random
{Note: The only rule is that no one artist would be repeated}
{Note 2: If it works out right, there'll also be Dancehall & Soca versions}
{Coming soon: Bushman, Vybz Kartel & Destra}
[BOOM!}
1. 'King Selassie H.I.M.' by Tarrus Riley
Never before. I spend a great deal of time talking about people like Norris Man, Chezidek and others: UNCONVENTIONAL TALENTS. These are individuals who offer a very different style but one which is largely effective and downright stunning when at its best. However, with that being said, there is definitely room for.... refinement. "Refinement" would be someone like Tarrus Riley. If someone had a sound signifying that they had no greater purpose on this planet than to sing this music, it would be Riley and, arguably, the single greatest demonstration of this EN skill would be in one of the best songs I have ever heard, 'King Selassie H.I.M.'. TEAR! You're likely to find similarly organized songs throughout this list (I know at least one because I've already written it) but you'll have a damn near impossible task in locating one -- on or off this list -- which was as PRISTINE & FLAWLESS as this diamond of a praise.
2. 'I Have My Goals' by Anthem
Wicked ahgo fall. You remember this song??? Chances may be fairly high that, if you ever were familiar with a band (which may or may not still exist) by the name of Anthem from out of who knows where, you probably do remember 'I Have My Goals' over everything else they've done. I don't know if they still exist and, if they do, under what form. I don't recall where they were from (I want to say Connecticut, US for some reason) but full credit goes to the band for blessing us all with this SWEET uplifting and inspirational piece from many years ago now. Take a listen.
3. 'Health & Strength' by Warrior King
My Father's work. My Father's work. TEARS! I can safely say at this point that I missed on Warrior King. He's made some fine music but, to be honest, I expected him to enter a level of the music that he has not and, almost surely at this point, never will. A lot of those very high expectations were built upon the work that would go into his 2002 debut album, "Virtuous Woman" (I have a signed copy of that album around here somewhere and the second one too). While the title track there remains his biggest hit to date (unless I'm REALLY forgetting about something) what his actual BEST SONG has been is of even less question (and, in retrospect, that album had some SERIOUS songs on it alongside 'Virtuous Woman'. 'Never Go Where Pagans Go', 'Breath Of Fresh Air' ["ANYWHERE THERE'S LIFE, YOU KNOW MY PEOPLE WILL BE THERE!"], 'Love Jah and Live', 'Empress So Divine', 'JAH IS ALWAYS THERE'.... and I could go on and on) ('Rough Road', 'It's Been Awhile'). Song #14 on "Virtuous Woman" is the mighty 'Health & Strength' and that song, for me at least, puts "virtually" everything that Warrior King does well at its optimum. It is melodic and beautiful to hear and it also carries a high level of substance to it as well; this time combining the enjoyment of the lovely things the world has to offer with a sense of hard work and accomplishment. I don't find myself looking up much of WK's output these days which is too bad and that's too bad because of the skyscraper of talent this man has as is crystal clear by a song like 'Health & Strength'.
4. 'Before I Lose My Strength' by Akae Beka
All for The Most High, Jah. Here's an interesting one. On the very first edition of this series, we featured Akae Beka and there were several REALLY difficult choices in tunes that I cut off from the final list (to the point where I may, someday, make a vol. 2 for Akae Beka, specifically, and it wouldn't be difficult filling with another 12-15 songs). One selection was DEFINITELY 'Before I Lose My Strength' from the "Jah Grid" album. I can distinctly recall hearing this song (and most of that album) at a stage in my life where the music of Akae Beka (then Midnite) was almost entirely lost on me and the contrast of what I hear these days is absolutely ridiculous. "Jah Grid" is a borderline Modern Classic in my opinion and its finest offering, 'Enter' was on the aforementioned Signatures: Akae Beka post. Its second best?? That honour is up for debate but it settles at the glorious 'Before I Lose My Strength'. Something that I think is unintentionally beautiful about this song has stuck with me: It is delivered in a way (that may, actually, make it one of the best SANG songs that Vaughn Benjamin has ever done. That was never a specialty of his) that directly coincides with its direction. Benjamin sounds... kind of tired, doesn't it? He sounds like a man who has given almost every last drop of effort that he has in his body and before that final spill has been exhausted -- before he is at THE end of his line -- he has something to say.
"Before I lose my strength-
All of my breath, OH JAH
A joyful song, I sing
Today & tomorrow"
5. 'On My Way To Zion' by Turbulence
Seeking The Conquering Lion. I definitely considered doing a full Signatures feature on Turbulence but the slightest bit if you want to know the signatures of Turbulence's career, just dig up the "Rising" album and you'll probably be about 80-85% of the way there. One of the exceptions is, arguably, the single greatest tune he's ever done in my opinion, the absolutely STUNNING 'On My Way To Zion'. If ever you've had the fortune of seeing him perform this tune live (and I have) you'll know just how much you can actually FEEL this song but even the studio version of it does a fine job in capturing its presence. I've definitely had my issues with Turbulence's output over the.... best of the last decade and a half or so (and probably longer than that) but, here, he put on a downright ROYAL performance; one befitting The King.
6. 'Black Coffee' by Anthony B
No sugar. No cream. The perhaps surprising standout from the self-prouduced 2001 VP released "That's Life" set, 'Black Coffee' was an absolutely GORGEOUS and SMOOTH tune giving praise and honour to the beautiful Black women of the planet ["Here's my token of appreciation"] from the great Anthony B. For as popular as he is (for good reason), coming across compilations of Anthony B's work isn't the most difficult thing but you probably won't find this true gem of a tune that has largely gone forgotten. That is most unfortunate because it easily ranks amongst the finest love songs of his storied career.
"BLACK COFFEE, NO SUGAR, NO CREAM!
BLACK WOMAN MI A DI KING, YOU A DI QUEEN!"
7. 'Ganja Farmer' by Marlon Asher
Stinkin rocket launcher. Undeniably one of the finest ganja tunes in the history of the music, Marlon Asher left an impact on Reggae music over twenty years ago when he dropped 'Ganja Farmer' which can still be felt to this very day (typically I say it doesn't seem THAT long ago, 'Ganja Farmer' does seem twenty years old at this point). A strong case could also be made that it is the single biggest tune Trinidad Reggae has ever produced (and there're a few strong candidates but it is definitely in the conversation) and that has an even greater reach; it probably helped a number of Asher's peers get their foot in the proverbial door and who knows who we're listening to TODAY that we may not have been exposed to were it not for this tune. And as for this tune... 'Ganja Farmer', as effortlessly as possible, burned a giant hole in the minds of anyone lucky enough to get a taste of it, courtesy of a rocket launcher.
8. 'Rub-A-Dub Market' by Luciano
Living legend. You come to expect certain things from certain people and when they kind of break that level of expectation and confidence, the results typically aren't very good... but that isn't always the case. When 'Jah Messenjah', the great Luciano, broke the norm with the title track from his remarkable 2011 album for Irievibrations it was wholly unexpected but NOT AT ALL unwarranted. The man has (and had even fifteen years ago) attained a level of respect and accomplishment in Reggae music that is beyond reproach. We all knew that at the time but he'd never really expressed that, musically, until 'Rub-A-Dub Market'.
"THEM KNOW THAT PAPA LUCI IS A LIVING LEGEND"
His place already secured, Luciano would even take a next step and criticize some of his less storied peers who are not willing to work but full want to reign.
"DEM AH GWAN LIKE DEM A DI ROOT BUT DEM A DI BRANCH AND STEM"
The tune was spicy, out of the norm and a gorgeous highlight within Luciano's LOADED catalogue.
9. 'Upper Room' featuring Empress Cherisse by Anchants
No need to wonder. I don't remember much these days about Empress Cherisse and the band Anchants. I THINK she was from Trinidad but I don't remember where they were based out of by the time they sent out their 2003 project, "Merkaba". I may've lost the stories of their origins but I do know that, barring some type of dementia, I'm not going to forget their actual work because one of the songs carried by "Merkaba", 'Upper Room', has been a personal favourite of mine from the very second that I laid ears on it. 'Upper Room' is... hypnotic. It is a.... CAREFUL EUPHORIA almost reminiscent of something you get from an ultra-tuned in Dezarie and I have gleefully lost myself in it. The biblically armed track is one with at least one foot on terra firma as, in a very relatable way, Cherisse tells us that there're many things that are questionable -- literally an endless line of them -- but there is something or SOMEONE who is above it and there is no need AT ALL to wonder about HIM.
10. 'God Bless' by Junior Kelly
Anointed & Appointed. Buried on a long forgotten (but SPICY) album from nearly a quarter-century ago by the name of "Conscious Voice" is simply one of the single greatest songs I have ever heard from anyone, Junior Kelly's DAZZLING 'God Bless'. For anyone who has this kind of rigid archetype of what Roots music is, I'd point you in the direction of this most malleable giant. 'God Bless' had its purpose and it served it. Before we get lost in the stars, the track also deserves a giant lyrical credit as well:
"Yeah, though I walk through the Valley of Death, I man will never fret
Cause Jah is by my side and HIM ah guide mi footstep
Stood firm inna mi faith
Cause Jah is very great
So why you choose to fight man and don't appreciate?-
The vibes a weh mi fling, uplift mi race and thing
BADMINDED PEOPLE DEM DON'T WORTH A THING CUZ-
They would like to see you wear a frown everyday
They would like you throw your dreams all away!
But I'm anointed and appointed by Jah
Dem ahgo fi si mi face on ya!"
With that covered... LISTEN TO THIS THING! 'God Bless' sounds GORGEOUS. It's never failed to put a smile on my face in the last twenty-three years and, apparently, Kelly knew precisely what he had on his hands because he literally observes the moment:
"CAUSE A WI GOT THE GIFT FI MAKE HEADS ROCK AND SHIFT"
Yes, sir. Yes, you do.
11. 'Volume Of The Book' by Ras Shiloh
The whole earth shook. Veteran vocalist Ras Shiloh is probably best known for two things: The first is his massive hit, 'Are You Satisfied', while the second is the similarity of his voice to the legendary Garnet Silk and that's just fine. I would argue that the single best song that he's ever made (even over 'Are You Satisfied'), is the literally inch-perfect 'Volume Of The Book', which appeared on his 2007 Bobby Digital produced set, "Coming Home", for VP Records. I'll put it to you like this: Shiloh is known, as I said, for being very similar, vocally, to Garnet Silk - if 'Volume Of The Book' were placed somewhere in the catalogue of Silk, it would still rank very highly in my opinion. There're songs that I like more than 'Volume Of The Book' in which I will acknowledge the existence of certain flaws which may even add to their appeal but that isn't the case here. If such a thing is possible: 'Volume Of The Book' was PERFECT. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it.
12. 'I Wanna Go Home' by Alborosie
Island in the sun. I am not a fan of Alborosie's. I never have been and I almost certainly will never be. For some reason, his brand of music has just never appealed to me and though, once upon a time, I definitely did give it a shot I can honestly say that I haven't listened to much of his work, period. Something new coming from Alborosie will likely not get much of my attention. HOWEVER, with that being said there is one exception to all of this within Albo's catalogue, the complete and utter JEWEL that was 'I Wanna Go Home'. The song was just so easy and it was one of those magical times when the vibes of the tune so perfectly match the actual nature and focus of what is going on, lyrically. I wouldn't be surprised if I never found another Alborosie tune that I even kind of like but a big for 'I Wanna Go Home', he has earned and will always have my respect.
13. '50 Push Up' by Spectacular
Hundred skip. I'm probably more open on the heels of his wicked latest release, "Stay Up", from last year but that album didn't represent the first stroke of genius made by the scathing Spectacular. Way back in 2005, the Kingston native served up his debut set, "Find Yourself" and the lasting track from it maintains its STRENGTH to this very day. '50 Push Up' was a song stressing HEALTH & FITNESS of the highest caliber. You're well familiar with Roots music singing about the importance of keeping one's soul and mind in-shape by focusing on the proper things and, of course, praising His Majesty. You'll also hear the occasional offering talking about things such as living a more natural life and putting healthy things into your body. All the more rare is what '50 Push Up' does (as its title DIRECTLY suggests).... it's still necessary for you to break a sweat sometimes to keep your body in shape and to build muscle. There's a certain simplicity to this one, beneath everything, that really helps it along and made it a favourite of mine. Time to get off your ass and do some work!
14. 'From The Beginning' by Lyricson
The powers to sing. Though I may've (I did) beat up on Lyricson's most recent album, "African Dream", I actually did so because I've been witness to the mountain of talent on which he rests his head when at his best (and he's had an EP since then called "Zodiak Vol. 2", I didn't love that one either). Demonstrated amongst his earlier work on albums such as "Keep The Faith", "Born 2 Go High" and "Messages", the incredibly gifted Guinea born vocalist's talent can be amongst some of the very best in the entire genre when steered properly and WITHOUT A DOUBT the best example of this would come on that "Messages" set from 2012, 'From The Beginning'. WITHOUT QUESTION, 'From The Beginning' is the single best piece of music that I have EVER heard from Lyricson (there exists a chance that he's made something that I haven't heard that I would rank higher but I HIGHLY doubt it) and you could drop it into the catalogue of a handful of others with more storied careers and that would still be the case. 'From The Beginning' was FLAWLESS.
15. 'Manifess Joy' by Arkaingelle
JOOOOOOOOOY! I may have bad news for you, if this song does not bring a smile to your face. I regret to inform you that your ability to smile is GONE! It's found something else to do with its time and it's spending most of its time at someone else's house. For the rest of us, however, the Arkaingelle THRILLED! I've spent nearly twenty years singing the praises of the SWEET 'Manifess Joy' and with good reason: It's simply one of the best songs that I have ever heard... with no qualification at all (not one of the best from Arkaingelle, from Guyana or during a certain time period. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD!). I should also do something that I'm not sure that I've ever done and give credit to a beautiful background singer who almost serves as a duet partner as much as a backing vocalist (...and may just be Malika Madremana).
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!
We go months (and sometimes full YEARS) without hearing much from the extremely talented Revalation [Da Royal] from out of St. Thomas and here he is, just popping up with a big new tune, 'Militant' for Sipo Records, alongside none other than the great Anthony B. Who knows WHY or HOW such a tune came to be.... and who cares! Enjoy one of the biggest songs that I've heard over the second half of 2025 and, hopefully, it's a sign of what's coming from Revalation in the new year. FLAME ON!
Roses. I'm not talking about the very first time that you hear a song from someone that you think is talented and has something about them that you want to hear and learn more of; but maybe after a few songs, a hit or even a full album from someone new to you, I tend to start projecting -- entirely incorrectly -- on just who they might turn out to be, musically. Almost immediately I'm thinking about them working with this artiste or that producer and going on some riddim from back in da' day. You can liken it to sports, where someone comes up and you start thinking of what they may do and, specifically, where they may end up or what they could do if paired with a certain team or coach. All of that stuff is going on in my mind, somewhere. Musicians are like the rest of us and many won't reach their full potential for one reason or another, some will and others still, will even "overachieve". While I don't think that I can make the case, fully, that today we're dealing with an overachiever (because he did show so much promise around his nascence but we're definitely going to look at someone who, as we examine it these days (or at any point over the past decade or so), has seemingly gotten every OUNCE out of his potential and capabilities. Keeping bona fide super stars out of the equation (because that's just too damn easy, isn't it?), I think of individuals who've charted similar courses with regards to their talents. The name, oddly enough, that immediately came to mind was Tiwony. Whether or not you've paid him much attention at all, at this point TIwony has had a FANTASTIC career. He's made some exceptional music and, at least in my opinion, has well established himself as one of the greats in all of modern Reggae music but on the French and FWI scene, specifically (and he's continuing. Check his new album, "Reggae Frequency"). Tiwony's was a name that came to mind especially because there hasn't been a point in his career since I've been following his work (twenty years now) where he has NOT demonstrated a high level of ability and though there may be levels of popularity that he will not touch, there is no one in Reggae today who enjoys a noticeable gap over him in terms of what they are capable of. Others such as Bugle and, of course, Lutan Fyah have CLEARLY made the most out of what they've been given, though each and every thing that they do may not have the widest reach (and the result of that is that you can HAPPILY find yourself going through their catalogues and finding EXCEPTIONAL work that you missed at released).
Someone else who not only fits into that group and that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE writing about is the always compelling sitting King of the Chalice Palace, Perfect Giddimani. I've spent years describing Perfect as a kind of a volatile Roots Reggae chanter and I stand by that, still. What I mean by "volatile" is that he can be damn unpredictable in terms of what he's going to do with a song. You never really know what Perfect is going to do from verse to verse and he does have the aptitude to FLAME without notice and he is at least proficient with everything he tries. What results is an often thrilling brand of the genre and, even when he keeps thing toned down, still a very solid display of his skills. When you take that and put it with how I think most people probably initially came into contact with Perfect -- a little tune called 'Handcart Boy' from about two decades ago now -- I do not see how this gets much better on his end. Were you to have told me, back then, that I would be, in 2025, HAPPILY writing a review for album #whoknows (I really don't feel like counting). And while they haven't all been roses ("Karma" might just be THE worst album I have ever reviewed on this blog), Perfect has produced some BEAUTIFUL projects over the years and, apparently, the end of his reliability is not in sight.
Remember this one???
Most recently was the lovely "Ah Mi Yard" from 2023. That set, surprisingly, came via the also ultra-reliable I Grade Records & Zion I Kings, but if you take a minute and go through the type of work that Perfect has done.... you run into gems and just SOLID pieces such as "Journey Of 1000 Miles" ["DON'T WORRY NOR PANIIIIIIIIIIIC"], "Back For The First Time", "French Connection", the debut, "Giddimani".... "Better Off Dread"... I could go on... "Over The Top"! One of the biggest and most satisfying products of writing reviews like this is that I have to do gather 'ammunition' to write them. I have to do some research and remind myself of certain things and, in doing so, I go back and listen through some of an artist's previous work and IT HAS BEEN SO MUCH DAMN FUN doing that in this case - refamiliarizing myself with some of Perfect's, perhaps, overlooked output (you'll find some DIAMONDS, buried on some random album from a dozen years ago ["RIDE OUT! RIDE OUT! Natty Dread ride out! With a big, fat, high-grade spliff inna mouth"]. Now, at the end of the first quarter of 2025, Perfect adds to his more than respectable lot with the latest addition to the catalogue, "Sibusiso [Blessings]". Like almost all of Perfect's recent work (in one way or another), "Sibusiso" comes via Giddimani Records, though production is handled by Sinky Beatz, with whom the chanter has been working extensively in recent times. Like much of the world with good sense, Sinky Beatz caught a deadly case of Reggaemylitis ("it is incurable") (biggup Peter Tosh) and the Spanish born ace has made an outstanding contribution to the music, particularly finding a good level of chemistry with Perfect and, though I'm not sure about this at all, it would seem as if the plan was always to build towards releasing an album, given the amount of work they have done together over the last couple of years or so. Perfect has been afforded (and deservedly so) the opportunity to work with many of the finest in production in Reggae during his career but he has clearly struck a chord in working with Sinky Beatz. How do I know that? Let's talk about "Sibusiso".
Going through so many of those old albums in research for this review - and it occurred to me JUST HOW MUCH I've actually written about Perfect's music over the years. Off the top of my head, without reading some of those reviews, I don't even remember writing some of them (evidence of my senility??) but once I actually dive into the material, it gave me this BEAUTIFUL nostalgic experience, going through some of the classics. Perfect Giddimani now attempts (....he succeeds) in adding to that lot with his brand new release, "Sibusiso", which comes out swinging with a pair of its heaviest hitters. The first, 'Another Marcus Garvey', SOARS. I absolutely loved this tune because of the types of 'ground' it covers. It does things both specifically and broadly, using the umbrella-ing theme of Garvey to not only honour the man but also use his teachings and ideologies in ways which are applicable today. Perfect also places this in a GORGEOUS package (one which is forty-five seconds longer than any other on "Sibusiso"). The opener is just an all-around satisfying offering. It's probably been a minute since I've said this about an album, but the very next song, the second on the entire album, hits the highest mark altogether in my opinion as you will not find the equal of 'Africa Mother Land' on this album.
"Africa, bless Africa, mi Mother Land
A weh mi sister and mi brother from
Africa, bless Africa, mi Mother Land
Hail Emperor Selassie I, no other one
Africa, bless Africa, mi Mother Land
A weh mi great-great grandmother from
Africa, bless Africa, mi Mother Land
Never give away and continent
Babylon you invade Mama, with your English grammar
Trick many with cotton and silk
And then you took my ancestors on a ship named Jesus
And nuff a dem drowned or sink
And to make it through the middle passage, saltwater mi drink
Dem separate us, a eyewater mi blink
NO MATTA WHAT NO SLAVEMASTER THINK:
MI CHOP OFF DI CHAIN, BUT MI NAH CUT DI AFRICAN LINK
A mi yard
For those at home and those of us abroad
No matter if you have a yellow or green card
America- dem ah dream hard
Now dem turn inna nightmare, watch dem ah bawl
So right ya now, ya back against di wall
Look from how long Africa ah call
Mi tired of di prejudice war
Every black man a star
But if you don't know where you from, you don't know who you are
Remember dung a Ghana, Senegal and Dakar
I man deh yah inna di west but mi travel from far because of slavemaster boy Caesar
DEM DRAIN DI SWAMP AND LEAK OUT DI RESEVOIR
Police shoot mi bredda with an old slr
And di ghetto youths ah draw bad card"
Perfect does not put A TOE (forget about a foot, NOT A DAMN TOE!) wrong lyrically on this MAMMOTH track which if you are of African descent... of if there is even anything on the continent that you REMOTELY find enjoyable, is sure to give you a jolt of pride. 'Africa Mother Land' is one of the single finest songs that I have ever heard from Perfect. Period. 'Ethiopia Sunshine' is kinda/sorta what you might be expecting with such a title. Its presence helps to make an atmosphere on the album but it doesn't do much (it doesn't even try, really. I'd be surprised if there was much planning behind it. It sounds like a vibe for this beautiful riddim). It's just a nice way to spend a few minutes. We head back to the stars courtesy of previous single, the rocketing 'Selassie White Horse'. I'm going to say something further about this one a bit later but the riddim on 'Selassie White Horse' is BEAUTIFUL! It is otherworldly level material (it's literally perfect) and Perfect uses it to to deliver a message of imagery and perception of how we identify certain things IMMEDIATELY and more progressively ["Jah no dead... The Lion Of Judah is doing well"] on one of the finest moments "Sibusiso' has to offer. Again, the tune does something in its latter stages which we'll get into a bit later, but you will listen to this entire thing in the name of enjoying one of the most unforgettable recent selections from Perfect altogether. The wholly golden 'Worthy For Jah' might also be familiar to your ears as it released as a single a year ago or so. This one was just RIPE of discussion items but what I ultimately took from it was the idea of having standards (if not for yourself, then for The Almighty) and at least making the attempt to be a better person.
"Finally
Clean up the temple inside of me
Jah loving is primary
Never put your trust in vanity"
In general, however, 'Worthy For Jah' is IMMENSE music. It is of extremely high level and at the risk of sounding redundant (...and you know I don't give a damn), it also ranks amongst the album's finest offerings. The first half of "Sibusiso" wraps up with a pair of solid pieces in 'High Grade Mi Love' and 'Automatic Sibusiso [Blessings]'. The first is the album's ganja tune [DUH] and although it most certainly is not great (Perfect has done much better on the subject which is one of his favourite), at this point I think Perfect might, literally, have to try to make a bad tune on the topic for it to be something subpar. 'High Grade Mi Love' is not such a crack. 'Automatic Sibusiso' also doesn't hit the highest levels here but what it does have going for it is it sound. It may not do much and it isn't the best written piece that Perfect has done but there is a charming... almost 1980's style R&B appeal to this one --somewhere in there-- which my ears heard in its midst and stuck to. What results, very subtly, may actually stand as a changeup for the project and just a nice touch, in any case.
While perhaps not as glaring as its antecedent, the album's second half does have quite a bit going for it including a pair of BIG combinations, featuring a two BIG names as well as some otherwise STELLAR efforts. 'Zion House' would have taken a bit of time to grow on me but I was glad that I didn't just pass on it as average or such because it is stronger than that. The sound here, at least in my opinion, is a little odd. The tune is quite skeletal (a term I used to often use to describe Vaughn Benjamin's music, meaning that there is a lot of SPACE in it) and while it doesn't do a great deal, what it does manage to accomplish is provide a nice vibes. 'Zion House' is a nice listen and I will mention it again, shortly, in celebration of something even stronger. Perfect nearly returns to set form of "Sibusiso" with the following 'Him Presence'. The chorus on 'Him Presence' sits alongside some of the most infectious and well done on the album and the rest of the song benefits greatly from the course that it sets. Built on somewhat of a biblical structure, this one has an air about it that might give it a feel slightly exceeding its actual quality, but it won me over, ultimately. 'Him Presence' is lovely. The well traveled first of two aforementioned combinations is in, 'Champion in Action', tapping increasingly oft Perfect collaborator, the great Lutan Fyah. This one is just a good time [!] with the two linking up in vivid celebration and exaltation of the Dancehall and Dancehall culture. Part of the attraction here is the atypical nature of things. You have two GRIZZLED, turban-clad Roots chanters doing this type of piece, showing that, in there somewhere, is a little kid dreaming about being the baddest in the Dancehall when they grow up. Later joining is superstar, Anthony B, for the more predictable but absolutely delightful 'Rescue Me' [biggup Original Nine Fingers, Xkaliba] (Xkaliba's best tune ever is called 'Jah Rescue Me'). I do wish there was a bit more of Anthony B through 'Rescue Me' (after the beginning, he's only really heard on the chorus) but in judging this one on what it is, it is sublime, reaching across a theme that is, again, predictable but no less potent and well presented here. The legendary Nesta does NOT make an appearance on "Sibusiso", but Perfect brings him in via another way, via tribute (not really) 'Bob Marley Reggae'. In a kinda/sorta way, this is the Roots side to the Dancehall that was 'Champion in Action' and it scores, arguably, even heavier.
"Everybody move, everybody get ready
This a Jamaican music wi call it Reggae
Remember Bob Marley - mek a sacrifice fi dis
That's why Giddimani nah stop fight fi dis
Rumour dem ah spread
Who ah tell lie bout Reggae dead?
Shut up yuh little crazy baldhead
A REGGAE PUT DI BUTTER PON GHETTO YOUTH BREAD"
Check the cool closer, 'Joburg', a loose ode to Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a track which just displays a very nice sound and does so with more of an easy foundation but it well finds a home on a set such as "Sibusiso", both in terms of sound and direction. Finally (until that other thing), 'Jah We Pray' is golden in more ways than one, as high sonic appeal and heavy message link up on common ground in the name of reminding the masses that no matter what or who may stand against you, living a good life ensures that you will always have someone in your corner.
And then we have a [good] [VERY, VERY GOOD] problem. Two weeks following the release of "Sibusiso" (just two or three days ago by the time you read this), Giddimani Records sent out its dubbed out counterpart, "Sibusiso In Dub".... and you could make the case that "Sibusiso In Dub" is even stronger than "Sibusiso"! Featuring dubs for all fourteen tunes, it is an OUTSTANDING version of the album and if I didn't have an instrumental album on my plate to write a review for sometime in the next few weeks, I might've actually slapped a review on this one. Standouts are numerous but I'd tell you to pay a special attention, in particular, to the track that I alluded to, 'Selassie White Horse Dub'. EASILY it ranks as one of the finest of its kind that I've heard recently and, again, it is not alone here. Also riding high are the likes of 'Another Marcus Garvey Dub', the GHOSTLY 'Him Presence Dub' (THAT ONE is better than its vocal version. It isn't even up for debate in my opinion), 'Automatic Sibusiso Dub', 'Worthy For Jah Dub' and one that I was really looking forward to hearing that turned out even better than I thought it might, 'Joburg Dub'. However, with that being said, from beginning to end, "Sibusiso In Dub" is a significant winner and I would expect any fan of Dub music of any experience level to find ample material here worthy of their time. As I've said in the past (and recent cases includes albums from the likes of Norris Man, Akae Beka and Horace Andy), things like this REALLY show that the producers behind the music had a great deal of confidence in their work and wanted to put it in the spotlight. In this case, they were right to do so.
Overall, the fact that a dub version of "Sibusiso" does speak to a point that I didn't want to spend too much time on during the review because I could use that album's existence to express it more vividly: Sinky Beatz' work on this album is very high level. Musically, "Sibusiso" is one of the more impressive Roots album that I've heard over the past couple of years or so, without question. For his part, Perfect is in fine form, although he isn't as explosive as we've come to expect at times (which isn't a first). I do thoroughly enjoy the kind of 'freer' way that the album centers, directly, around Africa --and I know what you're thinking, they ALL kinda center around Africa-- but with tunes such as the title track and 'Joburg', the impression is definitely that Perfect had it in his mind to make Roots Reggae album about Africa: Mission accomplished. "Sibusiso" is another log on the burning fire that is Perfect Giddimani, one which has been scorching since it was ignited many years ago.
