UNDERSTOOD!: A review of Upliftment by Derrick Sound

Convinced. Back in da day such an occurrence was all the more frequent. You'd have a very Reggae-centric situation where you'd have twenty artists jump on one riddim and some of them would get lost in the proverbial cracks IMMEDIATELY and then you'd do some sifting of your own, whether you realized it or not. My delightfully nostalgic point of reference takes me through names such as Hollow Point, Jagwa, Zumjay, Calico, Desperado.... Alley Cat... Icecold [!] and a number of others who'd have songs on tracks which would go consistently overlooked. They weren't amongst the biggest names in the genre and, barring the occasional hit, you might not pay much attention to their work. Still, they were popular to a certain degree (and most of them are probably still at it) and, obviously, favourited by producers of a certain era of Dancehall. There was also some serious talents in there as well. Desperado had a very interesting LOUD quality to him and, at his best, Hollow Point was literally off the charts with what he was capable of (and he still is). So, who knows what we may've missed out on (some of those people should have been much bigger stars than they were... but that's a different discussion that I'm sure I'll have one day) through not paying as much attention as we probably should have been. The point here is that, regardless of how good something (or someone) may be, even if you are attentive and are proactive to go out outside of your usual patterns, you can't keep up with EVERYONE. It may take some impetus to help you get started in giving someone a chance and for everyone that I named, I could name others who you did give a shot. The vouching of someone by someone who you respect can go a long way. Baby Cham, for example, had the backing of an actual GENIUS in Dave Kelly driving his career and was able to develop on some of the finest production the genre has ever seen. Vybz Kartel had a similar run across Don Corleon's riddims and maybe Spragga Benz lifting up Assassin gave him a solid basis to start out on (and I bring up those instances, specifically, to stick with the times that I had previously started into with my initial examples). Were those not the cases, who know! Maybe we'd be looking at Baby Cham or Sasco as talented underachievers (I don't think so, but it's possible). There are any number of things that can get you to open that door for the first time and MAYBE never closing it.

Maybe even an album would do it.... but then again, maybe not (it might take two of them). Today we're going to take a look at someone who just, all of a sudden, one day seemed to pop up and whose music I've written about, fairly consistently, without truly digging into what they were actually up to. Perhaps (no way), we may even get into addressing WHO THE HELL IS DERRICK SOUND? Again, I can search these pages and find myself writing about them, directly, as far back as a couple of years ago now in regards to working with longtime favourite of ours, Cali P. HOWEVER, a bit of research reveals that the players at work behind Derrick Sound, Mr. Nico & Inspecta Derrick are the same ones behind the ULTRA familiar Evidence Music from out of Geneva, Switzerland, whose releases I've been writing about for about a dozen years (dating all the way back to the Dancing Machine Riddim) and that shine you see coming from this page is the lightbulb going off over my head (... and don't even get me started on Little Lion.... who knew!).

2024

"THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!". "MIND BLOWN!". Evidence Music has pretty much worked with everyone. Along with a few of the wonderful people we're going to talk about shortly, they've also done work with the likes of the incomparable Queen Omega, Tiwony, Micah Shemaiah, Addis Pablo, Skarra Mucci and a mightily impressive line of others. They've had their hands in many pots over the years and continue to these days. Why I'd never known the specifics is probably because I was content to enjoy the music of Derrick Sound in the fairly frequent times that it popped up on my radars and I had yet to actually review one of their projects. This was due to POOR planning as, in early 2024, they gave me a RIPE opportunity to do so via what stood as one of the year's strongest compilations by its end, The Fight Again Riddim. As I said, I'm going reserve the heaviest of my ammo for this new project but the Fight Again was CRUCIAL and carried contributions from Cali P, Shemaiah, Tiwony, LMK [BOOM!], even Hollow Point (remember him??) alongside Chico and it was just a GORGEOUS composition with a very light sound but strong core to it. The Fight Again got up everyday and did its crunches! Derrick Sound made it nice and easy for me and I should have reviewed the Fight Again Riddim album (and its beautiful cover) but I didn't... because I'm old as hell and tired but they're giving me another shot! 2025 now brings us another compilation which I cannot keep my eyes off of, "Upliftment". When I saw the tracklist for this one and saw what else they had forthcoming (more on that in a second), Evidence suddenly got my WHOLE, ENTIRE attention for the last part of the year. ON PAPER, we had what amounted to a potential compilation of the year contender and just a DAMN RIDICULOUS collection of vocal talent aboard "Upliftment". The compilation appears to be built with tracks from, primarily, 2025, although I did find one or two which date back to last year or year before (which is just fine) and it stands a powerful display and catcher-upper to exactly what Derrick Sound has been up to. Let's take a look! 

I have to say something about that cover (I am contractually obligated to do so). When I first saw it, I thought it VERY cool in a lovely, nostalgic, old school kinda way and I was delighted to see in the press notes that it read: 

"With Upliftment, Derrick Sound delivers a true homage to the reggae of the late 1990s and early 2000s, a pivotal period that also marked their beginnings as DJs. The project recreates the energy and atmosphere of those years, drawing inspiration from legendary producers such as Fatis Burrell and Bobby Digital"

They absolutely NAILED it with that cover and its early 90's feel. It goes on to talk about paying homage to the golden age of Reggae music and, when you get into it, they're doing SWEET on the musical end as well. Perhaps none are sweeter than the opener and title track which brings together a favourite of Evidence's, Bugle, and the brilliant aforementioned Agent Sasco. 

"Nuttin no negative, so wi no deal wid minus

Wi blessed and multiply, so they cannot divide us

Oh yes, wi give thanks to di blessings dem weh Jah provide us

Whoi! Dem cannot stop wi cause a Jah ah guide us

AND YOU CAAN DRAIN WI ENERGY, GO DRAIN YUH SINUS

You no si - badmind ah get dem, yes, dem catch di virus

Di crab dem inna di barrell, dem no waan you climb up

MI POSITIVE OF DI FACT NEGATIVITY TIME UP"

I can recall when "Assassin" was coming up and it was him and Vybz Kartel being compared to one another, they were 'classmates', in terms of time. Kartel was a martian. He had lyrics from outer space and he had so much HYPE based on his skill that it was reminiscent of very few people the Dancehall had ever seen prior to him (thinking of someone like Papa San) (Papa San can probably still just rhyme ALL DAY LONG if he wanted to). Assassin was different. He was far more straight-forward and there was more of a... development to him. He didn't start from so far along but what this man has become lyrically is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING and he puts nary a damn syllable out of place on 'Upliftment'; destroying his initial verse, only to return later and say some shit like:

"Yeah di massive, ah si positive

POSITIVE INNA WI NOUNS, WI VERBS AND WI ADJECTIVES

REAL & GENUINE SO NO PRESERVATIVES, NO ADDITIVES"

HUH?! WHAT?! Not to overlook Bugle's contributions to the finest tune you'll hear on the album named after it but Agent Sasco absolutely burns the place to ash in the name of positive with a simply PERFECT performance. Given the most unenviable task of following the opener is someone who is up for and capable of the task, as the highly skilled Lutan Fyah makes the first of his two HUGE appearances on "Upliftment" with 'Blessings'. If you want to  hear a song that does absolutely NOTHING in the way of breaking new ground and is pure and simple, straightforward Roots music but is EXCITING and thrilling to listen to, hear 'Blessings'! The Fyah is joyous for what he's received in his life and for the opportunity he has to praise His Majesty and I won't write them out because I just did it on the previous song but he drops some BEAUTIFUL lyrical gems here, as is his norm... like this one.

"Late at night, before I rest, Jah is my company 

SELASSIE I. NOT PERHAPS OR PROBABLY!"

BOOM! That being said, perhaps you could make the case that Lutan Fyah goes even harder on his second track on the album, 'Bla Bla Bla', his cut of the previoulsy mentioned Fight Again Riddim. It was one of the best songs on that riddim and it's one of the best songs on "Upliftment" as well. Lutan Fyah is tired of hearing the bullshit and 'the company line' over and over again and he's found a SWEET way of making that known. As one of two artists to appear here twice, Lutan makes the most of both opportunities with powerful displays of his considerable skills. Speaking of "considerable skills", if everyone on this album were at their absolute best, I think the CONSIDERABLEST is the star of 'Jah Is Always Near', Sizzla Kalonji. He hasn't been in a fine form over the past few years, however, which makes it all the more interesting and noteworthy when I do hear something good from him and his offering here, though not on even the same planet as his best, is decent. The song is done in that kind of odd wailing that Sizzla used to get dual criticism and praise for. I've never felt much for it either way but it works on this song which is, obviously, a praise. There're other points where he changes things up (like a really nice one at around 2:20 in) and moments like that helped this song grow on me. Also of note is the beautiful riddim underpinning 'Jah Is Always Near', which is allowed to shine on its own at times as well, making for a very well done complete musical display (and I just finished writing that at the exact same time the tune ends!). Have some more! Chezidek is also here with a tune I know quite well from earlier this year, the GORGEOUS 'Jah Is In Charge', which finds the singer relying on the Highest strength in existence ["All mi troubles and mi fears, Jah Jah cancel. Obstacles inna mi way ah get  trampled"] when he needs a helping hand. There is something SO appealing about the way 'Jah Is In Charge' is sung. Chezidek has an unusal voice and that's often the focus when you listen to him but have you ever notice how VERSATILE his delivery can be?? He can pull it back slightly or tone it down more and when he does you get GEMS like this one, delightfully registering somewhere between singing and chanting - and excellent on both fronts. A huge tune. Let's have a quick conversation about a guy named Turbulence. Many years ago, Turbulence seemed to make shift where he found joy and some success making love songs and since then (literally, like the last TWENTY years!) he's been far too focused on them.... and they aren't very good for the most part, in my opinion; and it's kinda pissed me off to be honest. Turbulence's combination of legit TOP FLIGHT singing voice with several different styles of impressive chanting can make for outstanding Roots (and even Dancehall, at times) and who knows what we've missed out on over the years with him pursuing his obsession with love songs (check a recent piece of Roots, from a few weeks ago, called 'Who Are We'. It's outstanding). HOWEVER, given the fact that I've been critical (heavily sometimes) of him for making love songs, then I should be the first one to give him credit when the planets align just perfectly and..... Turbulence makes a love song that is actually good!

'Knock Knock' caught me with my hands down, chin in the air and off-balance. I'm used to these things. I've been here probably hundreds of times at his point (and will probably be there a hundred more) but it rarely (if ever) sounds like this. It doesn't SOUND like it at all but in terms of how its written, 'Knock Knock' is somewhat similar to Junior Kelly's classic 'Love So Nice' where Turbulence is addressing an ungrateful former flame. The chorus is lovely and infectious and will glue itself to some part of your memory, it's beautifully sung and it has a point to it. You can't ask for more than that and I have no problem at all calling it amongst the greatest of its kind that Turbulence has EVER done. 

coming soon

Okay and now let's talk about another guy, named Eesah, who is the other artist featured on "Upliftment", along with Lutan Fyah, to have more than one tune.... and he also has something else going on with Evidence Music in a few weeks. His first is the poignant social commentary 'Change We Want', going exactly where you think it is. Take a deep listen to 'Change We Want' and you'll notice how well it goes as it reaches a point, at its second verse, where it levels up. It becomes even stronger (after a start that isn't bad either) and blooms into something kind of explosive at times.

"You haffi give up the good fi the great

A wise man will change his mind

And a fool will never si di sign

Look like seh di government blind

So wi, seek knowledge and break dem chains

Until yeah, wi start si change

Eternally fyah gwan blaze

Try fi open yuh ears

Let's si Reggae music free di mind of di people 

Evidence nah go deliver dem evil

Have a voice so wi speak to di people

Step forward: In the ground

Or take ten steps back, into safety

Every four year wid di same plan and trick politician dem come to play wi"

Grrrr. Eesah's second tune is also the album's second and final combination. 'Badda We Badda' features UK stalwart, Brother Culture in a very open and just COOL style. With that being said, however, the main attraction here is the sickening chorus. It is "sickening" in the same way that eating too much candy is sickening... meaning it will make you feel bad for enjoying it so damn much. For example: I was writing this review and had 'Badda We Badda' on repeat. I took a break to wash some dishes and what was going on in my head the entire time I was doing the dishes? Yep! The chorus for this song. 'Badda We Badda' is catchy as hell and it will plant a flag in your brain that you will not be able to remove, no matter how far you dig in there. In other news, Eesah and Evidence Music have other works in the pipeline as his sophomore album, "Success" is set to release in just a few weeks from writing this review. Both 'Badda We /Badda' and 'Change We Want' are included on an the album that MIGHT prove to be the final big Reggae album of 2025.

The remaining list of names present on "Upliftment" represent a tremendous run of names and top talents. The album's oldest tune (I THINK), comes from the late Peetah Morgan as his cut of the Indian Casino Riddim, 'Can't Break Our Souls' is here. We lost Morgan in early 2024 to a rare disease but he, along with the rest of the members of the famed Morgan Heritage, left a powerful legacy. 'Can't Break Our Souls' is a beautiful track from 2014 where Peetah speaks to the indomitability of the children of His Majesty. This song, probably even if you don't care much for it, is going to make you smile and feel good! It brought a smile to my face and it also has points where it sounds like Peetah Morgan is smiling while he's singing (if that makes any sense. Sometimes you can actually hear a smile) which is always a fascinating sound on a tune. Biggup Peetah Morgan and biggup Derrick Sound for including him here. Given the description from the press materials that I quoted for "Upliftment", I'm going to presume that Derrick Sound got ALL they wanted and more from the legendary Luciano when he blessed them (and the rest of us too) with 'Old School Rule'. The Messenjah pays homage to those who came before on the tune and teaches all to follow course in not only honouring those individuals but the ideas and methodology of the times as well. This version of the tune is billed as the 'Extended Mix' which comes with an ending where the clean riddim is featured and allowed to do its thing. As I've said in the past, I think this can be a very nice touch to add on and it was a really good notion had in this instance because this riddim, for as simple as it most certainly is, is also a DIAMOND and we get it for nearly a minute and a half completely sans vocals. CAPLETON (I told you the lineup on this album was crazy) is all fed up and also tired of the bullshit on his 'Tired Of The Drama'. Supposedly, Capleton was set to launch a new album in 2025 (would have been his first in a century or two), "Heights Of Fire". Coincidentally, that album is/was also an Evidence Music release so hopefully we get that in the new year but until then, the King of Fire is building... and he's building with very strong material such as the common sense saturated 'Tired Of The Drama'. Jah Mason EASILY has one of the strongest offerings on "Upliftment" with his scathing 'Rumours Of War'.

"Nuclear weapons are deployed

And dem ready fi destroy

Wid dem weapons of destruction

Get yuhself employed, whether girl or boy

Dem ready fi go start up di action

Who will survive?

Tell dem a di fittest of di fittest

Set up yuh grounds, mek sure that you legit

Sorry for those who just can't resist

LIVING INNA ZONE WHERE DEM DON'T HAVE NO LIMIT

Mi nah know how it start, so how it ahgo finish?

Should be making that paper

Stocking up yuh spinach

If a war dem come wid, a no my image

NO, DEM CAAN GET MI TIMID!"

The Mason absolute scorches on this anti-violence set. Hopefully it does not go overlooked on this album because 'Rumours Of War', is also one of his best tunes in recent times in my opinion. "Upliftment" also ends on a very high not in the form of Fantan Mojah's 'Double Standard'. Mojah poses the question, "Why is there a place for you but not for me?" to the powers that be in the midst of serving up a lyrically impressive social commentary and SIZABLE ending to this album. I also have to mention the riddim on 'Double Standard'. It is SO GOOD! The version on "Upliftment" is the 'Horns Cut' and you hear the horn come in initially right before the three minute mark and just generally enhance what was already a fantastic piece of music.

The only critique I have of "Upliftment" is that I wish Derrick Sound would have gotten a tune from Queen Omega... or any other female.

Overall, EXCELLENT. As i said, when I first took a look at just who was involved with "Upliftment" my expectations of what I was about to hear went square through the proverbial roof. In an era long gone, even if I were to see such a lineup on some random riddim it would have been very impressive (at such a time where it happened at least semi-regularly) and i is even more the case in a format such as this one. Also, a big, full credit goes to the producers and players of instrument who work their magic so finely. When you have a more typical compilation such as this one (meaning one without the same riddim on every song), you have an opportunity (when you do it well) to really impress musical, particularly when put in the hand of such gifted vocalists. "Upliftment" is FUN Roots music that sacrifices nothing in the way of hitting its marks, ideologically, in the name of boosting the entertainment value. So, while it may've taken me an embarrassingly long ass time to make the connections of exactly who Derrick Sound was, with what I hear on "Upliftment", there isn't a chance that I'm going to forget anytime soon. THE BEST REGGAE COMPILATION OF 2025. 

Rated: 4.75/5

Evidence Music

2025

The Best Reggae Albums of 2024!

I don't feel like writing an intro! LET'S GET TO IT!

{Note: No Soca, EPs, multi-artist compilations or complete dubs/instrumentals}

{Note 2: Haven't done one of these in ages, it was kinda difficult}

#10."See It Deh"  by Ras Shiloh [Reggae Vibes Productions]

Had you told me at the end of 2023, that Ras Shiloh's name would be on a list for biggest albums of 2024, I would probably have been quite surprised. That shock wouldn't have come because I didn't think he could reach those levels in terms of quality but... I wouldn't have thought that there was much of a chance, AT ALL, that the year would bring an album from the decorated singer. Wonderfully, the project would come via JahMikes and the increasingly esteemed Reggae Vibes Productions (which has, QUIETLY, become one of the more dependable outfits in the entire genre in my opinion). Ras Shiloh & RVP should tell you pretty much everything you need to know about the actual quality of "See It Deh" and, with carrying a tune such as the downright GLORIOUS 'Hail The King', it did not disappoint.

#9."Levite" by Zacheous Jackson [Red Ground Jamaica]

"Levite", the twenty-four track monster set from the well gifted Zacheous Jackson, equally bludgeons and finesses its way onto this list through some truly beautiful vibes and the sheer size of the project. Perhaps the single greatest credit that can be paid to Jackson & "Levite" is to say that it doesn't contain an ounce of 'filler'. It was twenty-four good songs which were of all of a certain quality which made it one of the BIGGEST (literally) albums of 2024. Standouts were all over the place such as 'I Wish' and, NINETY MINUTES LATER, 'Look Within' and 'Unda Mi Medz'. I didn't end up hearing much about this one which is too bad but hopefully its shelf life is greater than its launch because, clearly, there is so much good to be heard on "Levite" and it'd be too bad if not too many people got to experience it. 

#8."Ganja Man" by Linval Thompson [Irie Ites]

Legendary vocalist meets CLASS outfit on "Ganja Man" as the esteemed Linval Thompson links with the brilliant Irie Ites. Together -- TO THE SURPRISE OF ABSOLUTELY NO ONE AT ALL -- the duo mined gold. "Ganja Man" was complete musical treat of an experience, uniting some of the most captivating vocals the genre has ever heard along with Irie Ites' typically extremely high level, classic sound. The best of it was the title track, 'What Time Is It' and the outstanding pair of Ligerians  (more on them later) scored tracks, 'Trod Along' & 'Get Ready' but the entirety of "Ganja Man", dubs and all, was an outstanding contribution to 2024. 

#7."Outrospection" by Twan Tee [Baco Records]

While 2024 didn't completely introduce me to French artist, Twan Tee, it did do so formally via his LOVELY album, "Outrospection". Produced by the one Oddy (who, apparently, produces all of Tee's work), "Outrospection" was a really good time, featuring work which ranged from straight forward Roots Reggae, to Dancehall music of varying eras, though it is clear that a large chunk of Tee's inspiration can be tracked to a more classic sound of the music which he has captured excellently here. Highlights included 'Bridges', which featured Warrior King, the outstanding opener, 'Put It Pon Replay', the HUGE 'Stamina', 'Undercontrol', 'General' with Niggle, 'Babylon Walls' alongside Omar Perry, 'Underwater' and others. Didn't see much about this one and were we more active, I would have definitely slapped a giant review on it and.... hell, I still might after I clear out a bit of space. "Outrospection" was sublime. 

#6."Apex" by Bugle [An9ted Ent/Evidence]

Despite the fact that he's already held in fairly high esteem, the case could be made that Bugle actually stepped it up a notch or two through his incredibly well done and well received 2024 release, the CHILLY titled "Apex" (you KNOW that title is cool as all hell). Bugle is a case of someone who has enjoyed an overall raise of profile over the course of the past few years or so and the work that comprised 'Apex" is a giant example of the reason why and also why more casual heads of the genre are beginning to pay more attention to the Kingston native who is fond of exercising everyday and not still being fit. "Apex" thrilled with Bugle on his own with tracks like 'Promise', the HEAVY 'Bad Dream', 'Heads Up' ["Before wi even play di game, yow wi win already"] and the downright scalding social commentary 'Upside Down' and then... oh, Capleton, Buju Banton & Jr. Gong, Maxi Priest, Barrington Levy, Tifa and personal LONGTIME favourite of mine, Military Man were also on board.... just hanging out! AND HAVE I MENTIONED JUST HOW DAMN COOL THAT TITLE IS??!

#5."Shelter From The Storm" by Nadia McAnuff & The Ligerians [SoulNurse Records]

Had I done one of these lists last year, my #1 would have been "Freedom Legacy" by Queen Omega and THE Queen of 2023 passed the mic to the queen of 2024, Nadia McAnuff who, along with the aforementioned Ligerians, delivered what may just have been the single greatest sonic experience in all of Reggae for the year, "Shelter From The Storm". This album was IMMACULATE from beginning to and end and contain some downright halting material. At its pick, 'Waiting Room' laid claim to being amongst my absolute favourite tunes from the entire year ["Stop looking out of yourself, my son. Never stop fighting for repatriation"] and what it headed, fully, was nearly as strong. 'Shelter' (year's best album best-song-chaser), 'So Jah Seh', 'Yes We', 'Holy' and the FUNKY 'Freedom of Peace' also stunned but the album only had ten songs altogether (its only flaw)... so pretty much all of them. 

#4."Free Man" by Norris Man [Tad's Records]

These days, Norris Man HAS ME. He just does. He cannot do much wrong and that was the case before 2024 began and the chanter would do nothing in the way of diminishing my support of his work throughout the year. In July, he would drop the looooong awaited "Free Man" (the album was literally announced in late 2023, if I recall correctly) and that album, for me, has grown and GROwn and GROWN. "Free Man" is gorgeous and EASILY one of the best albums that Norris Man has released to date. Despite only carrying eleven tunes it was stocked with big ones: 'Fighting For My Rights', 'Jah Is The Almighty', 'To Jah I Pray', the freeflowing 'Ahead A Dem', 'Going Out On You', the popular 'Burn Babylon' ["Mi bun dem more than a trillion times"].... and MORE! "Free Man" has still found a regular place on my players and, were we to revisit this list in a few years or so, I wouldn't be surprised if it ranked even higher AT ALL.

#3."The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo [VP Records]

It never even occurred to me to actually review "The Gentle Man" by Romain Virgo because it got to the point where I believed that everything that was to be said had already been (or was being) said. I may be overlooking something but, off the top of my head, I can't think of another album from 2024 that was as widely critically acclaimed (not saying it was the run away regarded BEST but, given how popular it was, the sheer amount of praise that it has been given may be #1). All of that stuff (ALL OF IT) was warranted. Romain Virgo broke stuff and ripped it to shreds on "Gentle Man" in did so in several different ways. Sometimes it was more aggressive ['Been There Before' and 'You Must Pay'], while others required a more careful hand ['Good Woman' and the MASSIVE 'Driver'] and, brought altogether, what we ended up with was not only one of the best albums of the year but, in all likelihood, the single best album of Virgo's entire career... but I think he can do even better someday. Masicka, Jesse Royal and even Capleton featured. 

#2."Deep Medz" by Eesah [King I-Vier Music/Loud City]

In terms of debut albums (ALLLLBUMMMMS, not big EPs), no one did finer in 2024 than Eesah who impressed in a major way (and BROKE STUFF) with "Deep Medz". Eesah's talent is an EASY one. It is effortless. The man could probably give you studio quality renditions of some of these tunes fresh out of his bed because what he does appears to come SO naturally to him. You could hear it saturating tunes like the all-conquering opener, 'Behold The Conquering Lion', 'Jah Give Me Strength', 'Uprise', 'Red Alert', the overlooked 'Push On', 'Irie' and 'Empress Menen'. That was one story behind "Deep Medz", the other was the ridiculous supporting cast of artists who joined Eesah like Capleton & Lutan Fyah [on the same damn song], Perfect Giddimani & Pressure Busspipe [on the same damn song], Kabaka Pyramid, Million Stylez and even Sizzla Kalonji leant their names, collectively, to HOPEFULLY attract attention to a project that deserved some of the brightest shine that the genre had to offer in all of 2024. 

#1."Living Testament" by Akae Beka [Trinity Farm Music/Go A Chant Productions]

Noted as the final album recorded by the legendary Vaughn Benjamin, "Living Testament" would, in my opinion, send the legendary chanter on his way taking the biggest prize of the year. I did not hear its equal in 2024. I've come to a place as a listener of Akae Beka's music where I'm able to decipher, relatively quickly, how I feel about what I'm listening to. The work that comes afterward (the "journey to comprehension" as I've come to call it) notwithstanding (that adds to the overall experience but I can't assess how fun that is at the time with new material), I'm USUALLY able to catch on when Benjamin is a particularly effective form - such as was the case ALL OVER "Living Testament". Credit goes to the grounded Trinity Farm Music -- who would later release a dub version of the album -- for providing a captivating background for Benjamin, which has not been/is not always the case, making for one of the more digestible albums in his catalogue in my opinion. You could probably have a fairly good time digging into "Living Testament" as a casual listener. It doesn't require ALL of your attention in order to be pleasing.

HOWEVER, should you have chosen to give it your 100% (and you should, you have no reason not to), what awaited fans in 2024 was 'intoxication of a certain kind' (biggup Gentleman). Tunes like the giant opener, 'Stone Of The Corner', 'All Around Man Yard' and 'Cream Of Joy' hit on a VERY HIGH level but they were topped by 'Rebellion Running', 'Who Is The Rejector Who Is The Reductor', (I'm listening to 'Rebellion Running' right now. With these horns... tune song is PROBLEMS! ) ["Let hearts be fertile to receive goodness. Let soul be receptive to rationale and reason"], infectious single 'Who Wil Go For Us' and the all-conquering 'Holding The Amen Key', RIDICULOUSLY, skyscraped (YES! I just turned SKYSCRAPER INTO A VERB! WHUT!) the quality of "Living Testament" and it soared not only to being one of the best Akae Beka albums but also THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM OF 2024.... among the ministers of The King's High Court.

The Marketplace Riddim

The Marketplace Riddim [Zion High Productions]

Just released and in digital stores now is the latest and fifth installment of the wonderful Riddim Series from the equally delightful  Zion I Kings, the Marketplace Riddim. This sublimely laid back track comes, specifically, from the lovely people at Zion High Productions and, as you would expect, it features an excellent ensemble of artists handling the vocals as well. All of the releases in the series, to date, have been top notch projects and today we take a brief look (I mean it this time, it is four tracks to deal with) at the latest addition which quickly proves itself to be no exception to form - the Marketplace Riddim from Zion High Productions.

{Note: Check out an interview from I'm Making It Happen of Tippy from I Grade Records. I've heard his story told so many times and it's so much better coming from his own mouth}

{Note 2: LIFE EXPERIENCES! Almost (not quite) makes me feel bad that I've spent most of my time mastering the ancient art of... just kind of laying around}

1. 'Marketplace' by Pressure

Unsurprisingly giving the riddim its title track is bona fide VI superstar, Pressure Busspipe who, as he ALWAYS does on ZIK projects, absolutely shines all over the Marketplace Riddim as he takes the listener to market with him on this sterling effort, which is as much of a musical celebration (or a vibes celebration... as I resist the urge to throw brain juice all over this big, BIG tune and overthink it) as anything. Even if you pay awful attention you probably know just how Pressure has been performing in recent times and it WELL continues here.

"Mi come a market, mi come fi bargain

And mi waan link di little Rastaman weh have him carving

Di money mi have, mi seh it can't pass di margin

Him seh, 'no worry mi chargie' "

2. 'Described Peculiar' by Akae Beka

Next is 'Described Peculiar' from someone who, MOST FITTINGLY, has been described as peculiar by many over the years at times, Akae Beka. From strictly the sonic appeal of this selection, this is by far one of the most easily listenable tracks from Akae Beka/Midnite that I've heard in recent years. The addictive simplicity of the Marketplace Riddim makes for a nearly perfect backdrop for Benjamin who,though not known for his melodic prowess, presents an infectious and BOUNCING [HUH?!] vocal here. However, as is the case on 100% of his output, what stands out most here is the direction of the song. What I ultimately take away from 'Described Peculiar' is that it is a piece about being HEALTHY. Health, in this instance, is an all-conquering one as Vaughn Benjamin deals with things from the physical to the mental and definitely the spiritual.

"Seen as evident as man ah chant Rasta

This is a people biblical described peculiar"

"Seeing as how the body is the temple of the law -

Man fi do their best to keep it optimum fah"

He (at least in my opinion) suggests  that the healthier and more prepared we can be not only can we succeed in the short term, but we're also far less likely to avoid making mistakes that we made previously and those who wish us to have those lapses in judgment (and are willing to 'help' us do so) will be just as far less likely to get what they want as well. 'Described Peculiar' is all kinds of interesting at its end and, if you can't tell, it's also my favourite cut of the Marketplace Riddim... ["Lion inna di present, lion inna di past"]

3. 'Too Much Religion' by Glen Washington

A name that I was REALLY happy to see visiting market was ZHP favourite, Glen Washington (MAMMOTH combination on Pressure's debut album, "The Pressure Is On", 'When Dem Come') [BOOM!] ["When dem come, wi gonna show dem a brand new way. When dem come, Jah Love will show dem a brighter day!"] [BIGGER BOOM!] [DAMN!], who makes his presence fully known on the poignant 'Too Much Religion'. The opening lines of this tune made me know that my excitement would go rewarded IMMEDIATELY:

"Love is the answer to all that I seek

WITHOUT IT, I'M TOTALLY WEAK"

Subsequently, Mr. Washington goes on to deliver a piece which, correctly in my opinion, essentially identifies religion as one of a seemingly infinitely long line of things which people use to separate ourselves from one another ["How can you say that your way is the right way when your brothers and sisters you slay? Works of the wicked will have to go down, IF YOU'RE WICKED, YOU'LL HAVE  TO PAY"].

4. 'Binghi Man A Call' by Lutan Fyah

And wrapping us up (it took me two days to write this, before I lost my entire mind, this would have been a half hour's worth of work at most) is another familiar face to the ZIK family, Lutan Fyah, who goes to market with 'Binghi Man A Call'. Apparently the Fyah is just a bit tired of waiting and your procrastination and if you needed a little motivation to get moving, here it is.

"STOP YUH COMING AND COME!"

After a TRIUMPHANT first verse (that thing is GOLDEN!), Lutan Fyah actually  goes on to well demonstrate the versatility of the Marketplace Riddim as, were you looking for a little BITE to this riddim, look no further than this tune which breathes some necessary fire to the release.

"We are no victims, we shall do more than survive!

Challenge yourself to do better everytime"

So. There you go. I don't really feel like writing a closer and you probably don't feel like reading it either. So - instead go pick up the brand new Marketplace Riddim from Zion High Productions which is in digital stores RIGHT NOW. I'm going to take a nap.

'Fully Compatible': A review of "Anointed" by Bugle

The mixing. Despite the fact that we absolutely love them and are, seemingly, currently existing in an era where making and releasing them is infinitely easier than at any previous time, albums are not always the focus of a particular artist's career. In a genre such as Reggae where a quality such as being relatively current and prolific is held in far higher esteem -- almost always -- than dropping a big album, one can enjoy a very healthy career and very healthy stretches within a career while being only a rumour or an indefinitely unspecified 'coming soon' on album shelves and… pretty much no one will care. Today Reggae music, especially on the Dancehall side, is still RIPE with names who have either gone years and years without making an album or have gone their entire lives without doing so and do not figure to be in the mood to change that anytime soon. At the head of the list you have names such as Beenie Man and Bounty Killer who, although you may be able to argue that neither is as wholly popular as they once were (that type of thing just happens when you make music for thousands and thousands of years), surely that is a matter of the passage of time and not a matter of not pushing albums. In those specific cases, either of them could likely take an entire year or two off and do NOTHING and still return to some exceptionally high level of prominence. You could also look at individuals such as Mavado, Aidonia (who may not even acknowledge the one album he did have), Baby Cham, Agent Sasco, and many others (and I won't mention Damian Marley, but you know I want to), including Demarco and Spice who has never had an album, and ultimately arrive at the conclusion that (someone needs to start making some damn Dancehall albums) it just isn't that important. But like I said, we absolutely love them. To my opinion, albums are the heights of musical convenience and, when done as well as they can be, they can exist as these comfortably accessible 'introductory courses' to someone's music for newer fans. And, as I've said in the past, they can also be emblematic of what a musician was doing at a particular time. If you trace back someone's career, you can note their different styles and sounds evolving through their albums which is lot easier than tracking down singles or just… trying to remember. Someone else who, at least until recently (like yesterday, or two days ago if I don't finish this thing today), had enjoyed years worth of successes while being apathetic to making an album was the very curious Bugle but, thankfully, he's changed his mind about that.  

Bugle has always been compelling to me for so many reasons, not the least of which has been his  unorthodox style. He can be so 'matter-of-fact' and so plainly stated, that I think that some people have overlooked what he is capable of and they've done so to their own detriment, because if you give him a chance, he STICKS WITH YOU. At the heart of his capabilities, in my opinion, is one of the sharpest pens in Reggae music. He has an approach somewhat similar to that of people like Tanya Stephens and Lloyd Brown where the main emphasis rests in having something to say and making your point (and you read that and think nothing of it, but it is, unfortunately, quite rare). BUT within that as well is a discernible and wholly unpredictable edge. Bugle has this almost sagely method to his music, but you also get this kind of DARK feel at times which, typically, gives his music a somewhat somber feel and as odd as it may sound, it can be damn refreshing. It isn't a very prevalent quality in Reggae and is something typically reserved for the likes of Mad Cobra, whose style otherwise is nothing like Bugle's. And because of that style and his lyrical capacity and given the success that he has reined in with both, I would think that it would be one which would translate mightily into an album - a very interesting and personal presentation of what he does. Also, in terms of not having an album, it has been interesting through the years as we know him as being linked with big label, Daseca Productions and from back in the days with Serani, Daseca has been a label who hasn't had a problem dealing with albums. It just never seemed to turn in Bugle's direction and, in retrospect, I don't even think that there was ever a strong rumour about it. Like I said, it did not seem to be a focal point for them.

But with 2014 being what it has been for Reggae albums (a monster), why not?! Bugle now makes his album debut after nearly a decade going and gets "Anointed" with Daseca. Though, as you might expect, the album does include several producers as Bugle has worked with so many of them, Daseca takes executive honours and (along with Zojak Worldwide) make it available. When I first saw that this album was on its way, I was excited. As I alluded to, Bugle has spent the vast majority of his career enjoying success and making hits and I was eager to see how an album like this would be compiled. You could put together a healthy lineup of tunes, going back several years which would be familiar to even some of the more casual fans. And I also wanted to see how correct I would be in assuming that his style would be one which would translate so well into an album (and I don't think that's the case for everyone). In both of those cases it worked out finely. "Anointed" is an album which features tunes of varying types, both new and known and, as I suspected, the style of Bugle (who has been in a particularly fine form, again, across the last couple of years or so) makes for a MIGHTY presentation on an album and one which, hopefully, goes on to become the first of several. Let's take a listen.

'Anointed'

The tone of "Anointed" is one which I think is completely appropriate for an album from Bugle. There're moments which really cover almost the entire range of emotions. The result, in my opinion, would be a project which is very personal to its star and one which should be exceedingly well-received by Bugle's fans. In specifics, definitely check the personal and downright STUNNING opener, 'Reflections'. The tune goes about outlining Bugle's journey to prominence and all the troubles and people who he overcame in reaching where he has made it in life.

"This a facts, so don't believe seh a fiction

Music is life and, of course, it's my addiction

Tell dem don't put dem foot inna mi jurisdiction

MI AHGO MEK IT PAST THE STARS - THAT'S MY PREDICTION"

This song is one which is so powerfully symbolic of Bugle's style. It starts off (and remains, from his perspective) so natural and so simple, but by its conclusion there're so many things going on with the tune. In the midst of it all, however, is Bugle essentially telling a story of how he arrived to this point. A booming start. The title track is in next and it carries a similar theme as the tune ahead of it in terms of going around negative things, and specifically negative people in this case, to be what you want to become and to do what you want to do. Again, the song is a simple one, but you get this prevalent feeling that Bugle is just slightly pissed off about the situation and if you follow what he says, you know why. 'No Obligation' is a fascinating song and a clever one as well. Here, we find Bugle saying that he was given, at birth, everything he needed to succeed and what I took away from it is the idea of to stop making excuses for yourself to NOT do something. He says quite a few things which made me go back and listen [especially: "You have all kinds of plan, but yuh future you no plan out - to sit down and wait pon hand out"] and though the riddim behind the tune, provided the flaming Markus Myrie, is so nice, be sure to tune in the song on a lyrical level, first and foremost.

'Nuh Compatible'

As I said, "Anointed" definitely does feature quite a few tunes which fans are likely to be familiar with. Fortunately in this case, the known pieces are proven and so many of them go build up a significant portion of the class of the album. The most recognizable of them all is certainly Bugle's 2013 hit, 'Nuh Compatible'. This tune, helmed by UIM, which colourfully deals with the failings of a relationship is one of the biggest hits of his career altogether and, given its timeframe, it would have been virtually unacceptable to push a Bugle album sans it. The song is somewhat outside of what you'd expect from Bugle, but not a great deviation and it was big and catchy and showed some versatility. Similar is the song chasing 'Nuh Compatible' on the album, 'Infidelity', also from UIM. This song, which features Lady Saw, is one of a quartet of combinations from "Anointed" (with some BIG names) and is another highlight. This one, again, is about a crumbling relationship and such pieces are common ground of Saw's. She shines on this one and Bugle more than carries his own weight as well. You're also to know 'Move Dem' which is one of the other combinations on the album. The tune links Bugle with Julian Marley and reached a year or two ago now from the Marleys. I've never been the biggest fan of Julian Marley's, but I do pass him a big credit from his effort on this sterling social commentary which begs a bit more in the way of attention and compassion from the leaders of the world. 'I Don't Worry' is one of the oldest selections on "Anointed", but it's also probably one of the best. That's a song which I don't think got the attention it deserved and it is one which echoes the sentiments expressed on some of the early tracks as far as overcoming obstacles. 

"Hey Jah Jah have a plan for every man

That's why - mi nah worry bout no one

Wah mi do is stay focused, stay strong, pay attention -

To the journey weh mi deh pon

People always ahgo have bad fi say

Develop negative inna positive today

Hey, they just always talking shit

BUT DI TIME WHEN YOU LOSE A DI TIME WHEN YOU QUIT"

This tune has more of a spiritual inclination than the others, but at its core is another message of dealing with negative influences. What I most like about 'I Don't Worry' is the subtle confidence Bugle displays here. He does get passionate at times, but you can tell that it is never a matter of great difficulty (and even when it is, it really isn't), because he accepted long ago that such a thing was to come anyway. I don't know where I know it from and am too lazy to look it up, but the GOLDEN 'Tears Of Joy' is also familiar to my ears. This another song about Bugle's journey in life (and you know I'm going to deal with that in just a second) and how far he has come. He also speaks about living in a positive way, in enjoying his successes, and setting a proper example for people who look up to him ["Mi si di light, that mean you can si it too. Mi dweet, so youth, you can dweet too"] and, presumably, will go through many of the same things that he has experienced. It is a GORGEOUS tune underpinned by easily one of the best riddims on the whole of "Anointed" and a fantastic addition. 'Great Day' was Bugle's cut of Notice Productions' Intransit Riddim from just last year and it did take awhile to grow on me and stand out (from that absolutely loaded riddim), But a year on, I'm a fan! A great riddim backs a tune concentrated on reaching your potential in life, again, despite the circumstances and people who may be going against you. This piece is amongst the most sonically pleasing selections that I've EVER heard from Bugle and is another of the biggest moments on this album. The solid 'Carried Away' is a previously released single from Daseca while the closer, 'Jah Be With You', via UIM a couple of years back. The HEAVY former is a song on the other side of all the success. Bugle speaks about not getting bigheaded and 'carried away' in the name of more material achievements (and I love what they do with the riddim on the song following the vocals). The latter, which is outstanding, is a beautiful praising track which may not have made the impact, initially, that it should have, but you can take care of that by giving it a second listen on "Anointed". And there is also the expanded remix version of the fine 'Only Human'. The original linked Bugle with Popcaan and only Popcaan, but both stars, Alaine and Tarrus Riley join on the remix. Adding Alaine to a song like this pushes it to new heights and adding Riley to pretty much anything does the same. This was not the exception. 

There are also a song here which is familiar, but it a different way. 'Zion' definitely caught me by surprise. 'Zion' is a hyper and flashier remix of a fairly well known tune from Bugle by the name of 'Heaven'. It is essentially the same song with a bigger sounding riddim and the words substituted for one another. The original is still probably one of my personal favourites from the artist and the remix, though not quite as good, isn't so far away from it in my opinion - featuring the same dazzling lyrical display which was present on 'Heaven'.

'Infidelity' featuring Lady Saw

The three tracks here which are newer (or at least to my ears), include two of the album's best, THE best song on the album, and just big work in general. On paper the one which most ignites is surely 'Pain & Suffering', a LOADED social commentary combination featuring I-Octane who already struck 2014 with one of its biggest albums, "My Journey" from back in March. There was not even a tiny amount of room on this one - it had to be fantastic and it is. The two put on a powerful display which ranks alongside some of the best material of either in recent times in my opinion. It is, however, the song which follows 'Pain & Suffering' which takes supremacy on "Anointed", the MASSIVE 'False Prophets'. Though it does sound familiar, I don't know from where and have no indication that I've heard it previously, but it stands alone on a giant album as a tune on which Bugle streamlines his already sleek style and produces a piece not to be overlooked and then not forgotten.

"You never si mi wid no turban pon mi head, but man a Bobo same way

Natty Congo, same way

You never si mi inna di jungle, but man a gorilla same way

But nuff a dem a snake inna lion's clothes

Dem ah run di church and di whorehouse

Selassie I forbid

Rasta coulda never lose on baldhead way

Alright, through wi no fabricated, some a dem hate wi

But tell dem seh wi alright, di real people rate wi

Tell dem seh wi nah put on no show, nah need no mask

If you no waan di truth, no question you nah fi ask

Selassie I know, by wi self wi inna wi class

Just through money mek nuff a dem last

Wi buck dem pon di journey and dem wi surpass

ALMIGHTY A MI DON

DI DEVIL A YOUR BOSS"

TEARS! About as fine as a lyrical display present, 'False Prophets' sets the standard as the best song I hear on this album. Finally, check 'Y R U' which is also an excellent piece, this one about appreciating the things you do have in life (AND NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T!) because whatever you have is likely far more than what someone else does. The tune is saturated in common sense and intelligence and, again, is one which is wholly representational of Bugle's most unusual approach.

I do want to say something about a generally present theme through the album. So many of these songs are about dealing and overcoming things in life to get where you want to go and what I ultimately take from songs like that is JOY. I think the main message behind them, or most of them, is that when you have to work so hard and go through so much to achieve things, that you become inherently more appreciative of them. So not only are you more proud of them (and avoid the case of 'Y R U'), but you're more aware of keeping them and when smaller obstacles arise, they don't worry you very much (see 'I Don't Worry'). Joy is one of the emotions which Bugle doesn't do very well, seemingly, but he manages to make his debut album center around the theme in a very unique and compelling way - and you shouldn't expect anything different from this man.

Bugle

Overall, "Anointed" is spectacular and I knew it would be. If you have never heard Bugle but are interested, you're going to like it and if he's one of your favourites… then you don't need to listen to my recommendations. It is an album that gets my unconditional approval. Again, his style can be so simple, so I don't think that it is an album which is too labourious for newer fans. It will probably take you a little longer, but as is the them on so many of these tunes, it is a journey which you should ultimately appreciate and that also applies to people like me who have been waiting on an album from Bugle all of these years. "Anointed" doesn't define a career and it doesn't even come close to doing that. But I am SO happy that it does exist as it brings to the forefront one of the biggest and most captivating talents we have in Reggae music today and one which sounds even better on this platform. One of the best albums of 2014. BOOM!

Rated: 4.80/5

Daseca Productions/Zojak Worldwide

2014

CD [I THINK] + Digital

Review #506

Lyrics!: Bugle

If you were to combine the brilliant edginess of someone like an Agent Sasco with the streamlined point-making of Tanya Stephens and maybe just a hair of the implied sinister of Mad Cobra, the style you might create might be very similar to Bugle. Like the first two names in that blend, Bugle’s songwriting appears to have been the child of an intense amount of work and study, but like its third name, his development has not driven him far outside of his organic road as well. And though more 'mainstream' attention will likely never come his way (and I don't think he'd accept it if you offered it to him), amongst more passionate fans, Bugle has quietly become one of Reggae's more dependable hitmakers. Is there a secret to his success? Maybe, and today we look at some of his most seriously sizzling sublime sets of syllables. Lyrics! Bugle

"Mi a duppy conqueror, so a mi no frighten

No soft-hearted, so a mi no frighten

No tell people 'sorry' when wi do things pon purpose -

Dem head mussi slack and waan tighten

Nah go seh mi a brightest, mi neva go a award

But all nuff a dem ah gwan, dem a coward

When wi ah do road, di bwoy dem ah do yard

Dem seh mi a easy, nah know mi will go hard

Still I nah mek dem drain I meds

And gwan show love like Selassie I said

Nah mek dem drain my medi -

Cah none a dem no ready

Stay focused, ah dat a my pledge!"

-'Mi Nuh Frighten'

"What have I done to you?

Why you wanna treat me like a criminal?

I'm not a criminal 

What have I done to you

Whay you wanna come to my funeral and mean that literal

Through mi exercise everyday and mi start get fit

Hypocrits ah look fi mi wid extension clip

But as long as mi have life, mi nah quit

This a real life, it's not no movie, nah no skit

What dem ah pray fi si, dem nah go si

Mi inna no cemetery

SO DI PRAYER WEH DEM AH PRAY NO NECESSARY

Yes mi glad seh Jah Jah mek mi know mi adversary

Everyday dem ah hope and ah wish - to si mi perish

CAUSE DI OPPOSITE OF LOVE IS WHAT DEM CHERISH

Dem no waan fi si mi pon di terrace

NAH GO DOWN, I'M PUTTING UP RESISTENCE LIKE BERES [BOOM!]

Dem seh a bag a things dem neva need fi seh

When it come to di test, you hear seh dem neva mean fi seh

What dem seh dem shouldn't dream fi seh

But memba seh hearsay, dat a weh people seh

Things dem put mi through, only Father God know it grieve mi

Caan believe, who mi think, was mi friend, deceive mi

Thanks to mi parents who conceive mi

EVERYBODY ELSE CAN GO DEM FUCKIN WAYS AND LEAVE MI"

-'What Have I Done?'

"When you ah dig ditch, dig a few
Dig one fi mi and dig one fi you
MEMBA SEH NUTTIN WEH YOU AHGO DO NO NEW
You is abomination
Tell yuh lips, a nuh true
Tell mi why you waan mi fall like di rain
Tell mi why you waan mi to derail like a train
Hey, and tell mi why yuh pleasure is my pain
Tell mi why to bring down my name to shame a yuh game

Tell dem wi rise above di water
Pagans ah laugh but wi have di last laughter"
-'Above The Water'

"New way ah try dun di world -
It nuh dun left you
When you ah run dung
It ahgo run left you 
Ah try gain di world fi yuh soul
So you sell out yuhself fi di gold
Don't have di prettiest car, but mi still ah roll
When mi ah left Kingston, a mi pay mi toll
Could, might not wear the prettiest Nike
But mi wash it, mi keep it clean, it still white!

Thank God fi another year
Thank You, mi still deh here
Mi caan afford di Hennessey, so mi ah drink mi beer"
-'Thank God Fi Another Year'

"When, you think you have life hard, nuff people ah have it harder
Cause nuff time nuff youth well want a shave and caan check di barber
Grannie tell mi seh her money magga
So, she haffi feed pon cassava 
You nuh know weh yuh man go through fi own weh him have - don't grudge him fi him Prada
Di world neva build inna one day, things take time
EVERY MAN GOT PROBLEMS, CAUSE MI GOT MINE
A no everything weh glitter a gold, it might look fabulous -
But everything doh fine

Cause wi are only human, like everybody else
Wi are only human, sometime wi need some help"
-'Only Human' w/Popcaan

"Baby mi woulda deh wid you, but guess wah - it no healthy
Because mi know seh it wouldn't help mi
You waan hype up, mi laidback
You waan loud up, mi doh play that
And mi woulda deh wid you, but guess wah - it no healthy
Because mi know sey it wouldn't help mi
You waan be star, but mi a observer
MI WAAN SOUL FOOD, YOU WAAN BURGER

It no mek sense wi try, mi no comfortable
And to how mi si things, wi no compatible
This unuh work out cause mi selective
And wi have different objectives
We destined to strive, but you always slow mi drive
You no have no adrenaline
You - mi haffi avoid
YOU MIGHT EDUCATED BUT YOU NUH WISE
Your eyes on di hype
BUT MINE ON DI PRIZE!"
-'Nuh Compatible'

"Who know best, di best, cah wi surpass better

Nuff a dem, they're trying to be perfect like a job-letter

Believe inna God, Him keep mi warm like a sweater

When di heathen try fi swallow mi, a plague of alligator

Even though dem nah have no locks, dem dread

And if you waan fi know yuh friend, pretend like yuh dead

And si how much thing - dem woulda serve all yuh head

Cause dem well waan eat yuh flesh up like it is a loaf a bread

Never let dem get you down in this game, stay ahead

CAUSE DEM ALWAYS SPREADING RUMOUR LIKE DEM THINK IT IS A BED

WHEN DEM SEH 'WAR', SEH 'PEACE'

Because dem a di least

IF WI FIGHT FIRE WID FIRE, THEN EVERYONE AHGO DEAD

If you blame life you blame Who give it

So don't blame life, blame di way how you live it

Fadda God neva sleep, HIM wake

HIM nah mek mistake

So blame it on di friends dem in ya surrounding weh fake

Everybody have a choice to be what dem want to

No blame it on mi because yuh past ah haunt you

Mi poor, but mi happy

You rich and nuh have no fun

AND YOU NEVA REALIZE MI MUSIC HAVE MORE POWER THAN YUH GUN

Now, everybody have a testimony

But all dem worry about is money

Dem still nah set no goal

How dem so cold?

So how dem have dem name pon payroll"

-'Don't Blame Life'

"Dem seh when you do di crime, you need fi do di time

But a nuff time, when dem do di crime, dem neva do di time

I try show dem a point -

Dem seh pointless

So mi still ah wonder if this just mindset

But Jah nah give wi more than wi can bear

So mi know mi burden nuh heavy than mi can wear

I guess wi just a wasting in a book that can tear

Waan wi coward, so inna wi dem instill fear

Dem no waan fi si when wi ah try

A nuh just di certain people dem nah supply

One thing mi sure bout:

Dem really can act high

DEM SEH SPEECH OF FREEDOM SO WHY DEM ATTACK I?"

-'Crime'

"You can catch a plane to almost anywhere you want to

But you caan catch a flight to heaven

And anyweh you can drive, you take a ship, you still arrive

But you caan take one to heaven

You pay fi anything you want

Even yuh heart, you can transplant 

But you caan pay yuh way into heaven

You lef Earth, you go to Mars

The Moon and in the stars, but no spaceshuttle can carry you go to heaven

You can take the elevator to the top of di skyscraper

No mek no sense you try, cah you still caan scrape di sky

No know weh you a think, but no link-

Can mek you visit The Most High on Mount Zion I 

You can take a cab or even walk to Shirley gate

But none a that can mek you si di pearly gates

No tell mi bout no friends

No Lamborghini, nah no Benz

CAUSE HEAVEN NUH DRIVEWAY, YOU CAAN PARK IN DI SIDEWAY

No US, bout nuh Europe, Heaven nah have nuh exchange rate

DI ONLY CURRENCY ACCEPTED BY HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FAITH

A man build a car, a house, a plane, a ship -

You seh him great

BUT WHAPPEN TO DI MAN WEH BUILD DI MAN WEH YOU SEH GREAT?

Who give you di fire, di land, di water?

Mek wi have son and daughter

YOu think di part deh deep?

Mi waan you listen to di part yah

A nah plan-made, a nuh man-made

The Real Don made natural disaster

HIM heal you wid HIM eyes, no need no injection or plasma!"

-'Heaven'

"EXERCISE EVERY DAY AND I'M STILL NOT FIT

MY KIDS ARE HUNGRY AND I AIN'T GOT SHIT

WHAT I'M GONNA DO?

WHAT I'M GONNA DO?

WHAT I'M GONNA DO?

What would you do?"

-'What I'm Gonna Do'