First up on my radar this week is the latest release from veteran singer, Natty King and his WellOWell Production imprint, the Talent Riddim. Early last year, Natty King would deliver a brand new, very well received studio album, "Rebellution", and his flare for delivering big sets in the year's early months continue into 2023. The Talent Riddim, at its core, is a very pleasant and relatively straight-forward composition (though we never do get an actual clean version of it, so.....), but NK and company were sure to place it in the very capable hands of some extremely 'talented' vocalists, who do some very impressive things with the track. Joining 'The Man From the East' are the likes of Ginjah, Warrior King alongside Infa, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Chezidek, Perfect Giddmani and longtime Natty King associate (who, I believe, has been something of a mentor to the singer), Trinity who gives both a solo version of 'Fence' and a combination of the tune with U Brown. Though there's nothing here which I would call GREAT, the Talent Riddim is very solid from beginning to end and I think most fans of modern Roots music will thoroughly enjoy it.
"A Breath Of Fresh Air" by Freddie McGregor [Stingray Records - 2023]
Legendary singer and captain of the big ship, Freddie McGregor (who is apparently doing much better these days) is back with a brand new album and he's gone in a very familiar and FITTING direction in order to make it happen. "A Breath Of Fresh Air" finds McGregor linking with Stingray Records from out of the UK. If you know anything at all about Stingray and the McLeod Family who runs it, you know that they largely specialize in a brand of Reggae music which is well rinsed in an old school sound and is heavy on the Lover's Rock as well. So, such an outfit making an album with the 'Born A Winner', comes as a very welcomed union. I'm still going through this one (and may review it next month, actually), but early winners include the likes of 'I'm Going Home' [BOOM!], 'Work' and the closer 'Peace and Love'. When I saw McGregor had a new album about, I was definitely excited to hear it and when I found out who was behind it, it took it to another level and you should definitely take a listen to "A Breath Of Fresh Air".
{Note: Apparently "A Breath Of Fresh Air" has been slow in making its way to various digital sources, so it may/may not be currently available on your favourite, but it is out there}
'Behind The Wall' by Freddie McGregor [Rebelmadiaq Sound System & Records - 2022]
Quickly, also coming from McGregor this week is a HUGE new tune courtesy of Rebelmadiaq from out of Spain, 'Behind The Wall'. This song has ROYAL sound about it and I noticed it while going through "A Breath Of Fresh Air" and, again it's early days still, but it's probably better than anything on that album and it's probably the single best piece of work that I've heard from Freddie McGregor in quite some time.
"Babylon kingdom, yes, it must fall
I catch them behind the wall"
The Blak Karpet Riddim [Blak Karpet Productions - 2022]
It certainly isn't the worst idea one could have when they have a big riddim - to go ahead and name it after themselves to, perhaps, some familiarity going forward in your listener-base and that is precisely what Blak Karpet Productions has done with their latest LOVELY creation, the Blak Karpet Riddim. I'll give you a perfect example of what I mean here: Though I thought I knew the name Blak Karpet, I wasn't entirely sure and a quick search revealed that they had indeed already been behind a few releases, most notably the Miracle Riddim from a couple of years back (which carried Lutan Fyah's GENIUS pandemic-inspired 'It Still Deh Deh') ["Now the vaccination and it still deh deh. Dem seh house-to-house locked and it still deh deh. Six feet social-distance and it still deh deh"]. Now, after the Blak Karpet Riddim, chances are pretty solid that I won't have the same issue going forward anytime soon! While some of their previous drops were a bit thin in terms of number of tunes, that is not an issue with the Blak Karpet Riddim as it is spread out across TWENTY-SIX TRACKS, clocking in at nearly two hours worth of big vibes. As you would expect with so much material, the list of vocalists is all over the place with big names such as Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, the aforementioned Natty King & Mr. Peppa, I Wayne, Lutan Fyah, Norris Man (more on him in just a second), Perfect, Chezidek and Turbulence all making appearances, as well as names which you may not be as familiar with such as Jerimus, Amejah (who gets two tracks and may actually be an official BKP artist), the wicked Kush Bashan, Peas Head and others who turn in fine efforts. I do have a couple of complaints that I'll register here, one being the fact that, even with THAT many tracks, they couldn't mix in an instrumental and, again, despite so many tunes and wonderful backing singers on several selections, unless I'm forgetting someone, you will not find a lead female vocalist touching the Blak Karpet Riddim, which is remarkable in a bad way. Still, for what it was, it was probably at least in the discussion for Riddim Album of The Year 2022. It was excellent (and in my younger days, I would have salivated all over the prospects of reviewing this LOADED release) (I also hear a little Satta Massagana Riddim on this one, maybe that's just me though).
The Fighters Riddim [ZionProductions Music - 2022]
Next up, we touch down in Costa Rica for a quick stop to pick up the latest from ZionProductions, the Fighters Riddim from late last year. This one caught my attention for a couple of reasons, the very first of them being the fact that it contains music from Elijah Prophet, which is always a good thing. His tune, the excellent anti-violence piece 'Stop the War', comes right off his 2022 album, "Jah Calling", which ZionProductions released last summer. After 'Stop the War', the reason I stuck around for 'round 2' of this fight was a MAMMOTH tune by the name of 'Find the Time' from veteran, Norris Man.
"I don't wanna be no suitor
I wanna be a contributor
Will make my work stand the test
My reward is life and it has to manifest
For long, hard times of tales they have told us
Find the time yeah, to study things and-
Observe all what Jah has create
Find the time yeah, look around you
Remember life is the only thing that we have left"
BOOM! 'Find the Time' has such a POWERFUL vibes around it and I went into to it not really expecting a damn thing at all and it CAUGHT ME! It is such a BEAUTIFUL song! Efforts from Rasmanuel (in Spanish) and Stefyah fill out the Fighters Riddim, but I will likely always think back to this one for one immense shot from Norris Man (and the riddim, itself, is delightful. It's very well done).
"Kingdom Call" by Indra [Reality Shock Records - 2023]
Last year, we told you about an album from Achis Reggae favourite, Mikey General, by the name of "Hold A Heights". That album came via one Reality Shock Records from out of the UK and it also featured OUTSTANDING background vocals from one Indra Rudder who, herself, now has a brand new album courtesy of RSR, "Kingdom Call". The Bajan born songstress has an ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL voice and it comes roaring through throughout this lovely debut (I THINK) release. Indra has a.... an almost Jazzy quality to her sound and, when you mix that with Reggae (you get Sara Lugo if you're lucky), the results can often be BEAUTIFUL (have I mentioned Sara Lugo???) and, "Kingdom Call" features some GOLDEN material. Standouts include 'Wake Up Call', 'Wolves', 'Cold World', the opener 'Fresh Wata' and others. Just a very curious sound on this one which, I hope, a lot of people give a shot - an excellent set.
'Hope' by Lutan Fyah [Riddim Wise - 2023]
No older entry this week, but instead a big new tune that has recently popped up on my radars from another favourite of ours as the latest from Lutan Fyah, 'Hope', is VERY nice. The song comes through well the dependable Riddim Wise from Montreal (and the press for this release actually says that the relationship between artist & label is one dating back a decade now) (it sounds like it) and is probably some of the Fyah's finest work that I've heard in a little while (and he's already been fairly active in 2023, so that is saying something). Just a beautiful vibes with a, fittingly, beautiful message and a GORGEOUS song. Take a listen for yourself and that's what I'm listening to.
"Tings ah get hard a yard and abroad
But it really doesn't matter to me
They think you gone falter, put down yah guard
But it really doesn't matter to me
When this escalate and di violence arise-
People gwan dead, mi know di bodies ahgo pile up
Still seh mi ah laze and toil
STILL AH HOLD IT OUT, MATTA OVER MIND
They demand every leverage and ah try to surprise you
One day di people ahgo rise up
They caan take di little bit a weh wi work for
Give it all your heart when a work time
Once there is life, we still got hope
We living inna difficult time, but wi still gone cope"
'Mission Impossible' by Perfect Giddimani & Lutan Fyah [Giddimani Records - 2023]
Okay so, little bonus action here that I simply felt the NEED to mention as veteran duo and favourites of ours, Perfect Giddimani & Lutan Fyah, once again team up on a big new tune, this time for the former's own Giddimani Records, 'Mission Impossible'. This one is delightful but it also has just a bit of a BITE to it as the two talented chanters do exactly what you would expect them to and deliver a quality piece. 'Mission Impossible' is a song about the importance of Rastafari in the world today on both smaller (and interpersonal) levels and grander ones as well. The results are mightily impressive, highly lyrical and a song which you should listen to... like right now. Okay, NOW, that's what I'm listening to.
"Load di chalice and di spliff
Give praise from di heart, Jah praise
I & I TRANSFORM FROM DI DEVIL
FROM DI KING, WI NO DRIFT
Dem get defeat, this a must, wi no fake
One - two, Nyahbinghi, Kette Man ah call through di earth
1. 'Leave Her Alone' by George Nooks & Josey Wales
2. 'Bald Head Jesus' by Anthony B
3. 'Magical Love' by Marcia Griffiths
4. 'Cool Jamaican Whiskey' by Hezron
5. 'Nah Back Down' by Sanchez
6. 'Dancehall Tun Up' by Screwdriver
7. 'Don't Let Me Go' by Etana
8. 'Booster' by Dean Fraser
9. 'Love Doesn't Ask Why' by Terry Linen
10. 'Can't Fade Away' by Glen Washington
11. 'Mi Want More' by I-Octane
12. 'Baseball Girl' by Richie Spice
13. 'Who Kill Mi Dollar' by Perfect
14. 'You Are Beautiful' by Singer J
15. 'Rasta Government' by Anthony Cruz
16. 'That's Alright' by Freddie McGregor
17. 'Marijuana Prior' by Chezidek
18. 'Roots Wine' by Lutan Fyah
19. 'Spandex' by Vahriie
20. 'Virus Dub' by Tad's Allstars
Okay so, given its May release date, I'm surely jumping the proverbial gun with this one (but I really liked what I heard and I haven't finished my next review yet because I'm having entirely too much fun just listening to that album) (it'll probably be up this weekend - whatever it is), but just to give an early shout to a very nice project which is just about four months (A QUARTER OF A YEAR) out, here we go. A couple of years ago the venerable Tad's Records released a riddim compilation by the name of "Raggae Virus: First Dose". Of course, looking at the title - the word "First" vividly stands up at it would seemingly suggest that there would be at least a second dosage (although that isn't always the case) and, though it's taken two years, here it is. The label now presents "Reggae Virus Booster", just in case ALL of your illnesses have yet to subside and, from early indications, this second prescription is considerably stronger than the first.... unfortunately (not really), as you very well know, there is no cure for Reggae. If you have caught it at any point in your life, you WILL die with it.... and you will LOVE it.
2021
Will you love this injection?? How should I know?! It doesn't come out until may, HOWEVER, because a certain site (named Juno) pust up samples, which're the entire song if you have patience, I have heard quite a bit and certain strains of this virus are scathingly infectious and you'll want to be careful. The two biggest 'culprits' seem to be Etana and Chezidek. The former's cleverly kind of dirty 'Don't Let Me Go' finds her enjoying... the work being put in by her man, while the latter's dazzling 'Marijuana Prior' is yet another testament to someone CONSISTENTLY making some of the best music in all of Reggae, in my opinion. Also, jumping around a bit, potentially solid tracks also come from the likes of Screwdriver, ANTHONY B, Vahriie, veterans Freddie McGregor and Glen Washington and a possibly golden combination, 'Leave Her Alone' featuring George Nooks & Josey Wales.
Yeah, I know... too much while still so far away but, as it stands, I have a REALLY good feeling about this one. Am I right (am I ever??)? Find out when "Reggae Virus: Booster" reaches on the 12th of May, 2023 courtesy of Tad's Records.
Okay so, I thought I'd bring to your attention a forthcoming set from a label who has quietly been damn reliable throughout their time and may be in the process of soon bringing forward their opus.
You'll find references around these parts to Jamaican outfit Train Line Records dating back nine years (almost exactly to the date), in reference to pieces such as the Angel Eyes and Swag Valley Riddims, respectively (the Swag Valley sounds absolutely hideous but it was a very nice Dancehall track) and since then, TLR has checked in with some really solid material such as the Conqueror Riddim, the Psalm 41, the Reggae Train, the Utopia, Thoroughbred and, most recently the Emblematic Riddim from just this past summer. The label routinely touches on both Roots and Dancehall and they do so with quality (really, if you have time, check their catalogue, I haven't even scratched the surface here in just naming a few) (also check the Now or Never Riddim). Because of that, I take it with a bit of heft in saying that on the first of the year, Train Line Records just might be giving us the best of their entire lot to date when they official release the Night-In-Gale Riddim. Listen to this thing!
If you've followed the work of Train Line to any degree, the roster of vocalists should come as no surprise for the most part as they stick to a core group of favourites and surround them with a few more interesting selections. The most interesting of those "interesting selections" would definitely be Freddie McGregor and Busy Signal (though both have previously voiced with the label, it does demonstrate that TLR seemingly recognizes that they have something special on their hands with the Night-In-Gale), who join the usual likes of Pressure Busspipe, Perfect Giddimani, Lutan Fyah and others. From my early impressions, I think I'm leaning towards Lutan Fyah's 'Africa Shall Rise' as the biggest winner, though a most interesting challenge comes from (pretty much everyone, actually) Norris Man who comes through with the very curious 'Deep Conversation'.
You can pick up the full release of the Night-In-Gale Riddim via Train Line Records, when it drops on January 1st, 2022..... just thought I'd let you know.
All is (and I mean ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL) made right in the world when the great Freddie McGregor is making music and, today, we take a quick look at some musical corrections which is now at hand as the legendary Captain of the Big Ship reaches back and unfurls an album which I have a REALLY good feeling about, his latest set for VP Records, "True To My Roots".
Despite having a career in the music which stretches back billions and billions of years, McGregor has remained fairly active for an artist of his stature and when he pulls everything together for a project of this magnitude, it's always going to be a big deal and, just listening through some of this material, "True To My Roots" may just have something special about it, even in comparison to some of his more recent work (which has been very good in my opinion). Along with the title track and a very familiar tune from a few years back, 'What You Gonna Do', the album features several moments which I would well recommend you have a listen to.
The early favourite is probably the MASSIVE 'Indigenous People', but I'm also tuning into pieces such as 'Rasta Ha'Fi Party' which features McGregor's sons, Chino and Di Genius, the delightful 'Master Design', as well as the downright prophetic 'Song In My Head' (be careful there) and several others (like 'I'm A Soldier). It's just a really PLEASANT album, which I'm still playing with, but like I said, there's a very powerful vibes attached to this one.
Don't take my word for it though. See for yourself when you pick up the new album from Freddie McGregor for VP Records, "True To My Roots" which is available now in Japan and makes its way throughout the world beginning July 1st.
"Heart Is Willing" by Freddie McGregor [Jet Star - 2003]
Surely it had something to do with his impending new album, "True To My Roots", but I honestly couldn't tell you, AT ALL, what it was that specifically led me back to this random, thirteen-year-old release from the legendary Freddie McGregor, "Heart Is Willing". All but forgotten these days (unfortunately, like so many of the releases that Jet Star Records - which is terrible, because they did so much fine work in their time and are well missed), "Heart Is Willing" was a very, VERY solid which still glows a bit these days, in retrospect. Its brightest moment, without a doubt, was the colossal title track, but it was album which boasted such nice songs as the lovely 'Smile For Me', 'You Don't Have To Worry', 'Old Gangster' and others. A very pleasant and RELIABLE release and, just to let you know, I have a VERY good feeling about McGregor's new album and am well looking forward to it. Until then, this blast from the past is holding sublimely.
CD + Digital
'If This Isn't Love' by Jalena [Jalena - 2016]
There will always be room on my players for Achis Reggae favourite, Jalena, who recently returned with a brand new single, the Reggae-fied, 'If This Isn't Love'. Hopefully this is at the head of a new full project coming soon from the all kinds of delightful Tortola native, but on its own, as is her norm, 'If This Isn't Love' is a captivating and infectious drop from someone who I constantly make sure to check for and she never disappoints.
Digital
"Kush Tafari" by Ras Abja [Iaahden Sounds - 2015]
Check this more than solid EP release via Iaahden Sounds from late last year, "Kush Tafari", by outstanding VI veteran, Ras Abja. The last time we heard from Abja, in full form, was back in 2013 with "Songs Fa Jah", and while we'd LOVE a full followup, this five-tracked EP release was definitely something which did more than hold your attention. Of course, when you tap names such as Ancient King, Ras Attitude and Akae Beka to help you, you're likely, AT WORST, to do something relatively special. It was the combinations (particularly 'Black Lion' with Ancient King) which took top honours here, in my opinion, but all of the songs were very well done and a big credit goes to Iaahden who has already done some very big things and we hope they continue.
Digital
The Jah Army Riddim [Frankie Music - 2016]
And if you haven't already (shame, shame on you!), be nice to yourself and pick up the Jah Army Riddim from Frankie Music today.There was a single GIANT song on this riddim which put me on this track and, save for the last two things you'll see here (if we do this right), it has well been THE most prominent thing I've been listening to recently. That song, 'Just Another Spliff' came via the great Lutan Fyah and... TEARS! The man speaks on using the herb as a method of escape the hardships of life and as a mental upliftment for the masses and does it in a VINTAGE fashion over what is, to their credit, a cavity causing backfrop from Frankie Music. Joining the Fyah on the vocals weren't the biggest of names in Feluke, Torch, Raging Fyah, Chevaughn and Mackeehan, but they all turned in fine efforts and I struggle to pick a favourite amongst them (though if you REALLY pressed me, I'd probably say Feluke with 'Soul Alive' [TEARS!]).
Digital
"Everlasting" by Raging Fyah [VP Records - 2016]
Biggup Bredz for not only insisting that I take a listen to "Everlasting", the latest release from the Raging Fyah band, but then (clearly in order to make sure that I had done so), CONSTANTLY wanting to talk about it. It finally worked, he wore me down and as usual... he was right (please don't tell him I said that). I'm still working on this one, but the early returns have a... very interesting aura or smell about them (I'm trying not to say 'album of the year', but I'm struggling with that). "Everlasting" is BEAUTIFUL! Thirteen tracks span just over fifty minutes of music and not a single second is wasted and, instead, is made great usage of, especially at moments such as 'Get Up', 'Wondering', 'Live Your Life', the MAMMOTH 'Ready For Love' and several others (pretty much the entire album). J Boog, Jesse Royal and Busy Signal (twice) lend a hand on an album I'm sure that Steel Pulse would approve of and so would all of their fans. NOT TO BE MISSED!
CD [in a minute] + Digital
"Way Up Project" [Bass Ink Productions/Fox Fuse - 2016]
I mention the entire project because... I dont know why, exactly, I just do. And definitely biggup the likes of Lil Rick, Shanta Prince, Joaquin Brewster and even Skinny Fabulous whose tune on the riddim, 'Pompous', isn't present on this release (more on him in a minute, anyway) for some reason or another - they all do fine work (Brewster's tune, 'Home' - PROBLEMS!). HOWEVER, with that being said, the Way Up Project from Bass Ink Productions and spread out by the indomitable Fox Fuse, carries a song which I've tried unsuccessfully to get out of my head for a month or so now, 'ID [Stamp Yuh Name]' by the fire breathing Ricardo Drue. Drue has been on a tear for the last two or three years or so, making music as good as anyone in Soca in my opinion and, with respect to 'Vagabond' (and its truly ridiculous remix), this is probably my new favourite Ricardo Drue song.
"SO RIGHT NOW, LET'S DO SOMETHING THEY'LL REMEMBER! [THEY'LL REMEMBER!]
Digiital [in a minute]
'Godzilla' by Skinny Fabulous [Stadic Studio Productions & Wetty Beatz - 2016]
Lastly, each and every year when it comes to Soca music, one of the things I look forward to the most is what St. Vincent dragon, Skinny Fabulous, will pop up with, particularly when it comes to the powerful and ANGRY brand of the music. His latest release, 'Godzilla' took a little while, but it has TURNED UP in my mind and I cannot shut it down! If you have some frustration and some steam to let go, 2016 probably hasn't done more for you than it does with Skinny's truly MADDENING latest drop (which should, once again, absolutely lay Victoria Park to ruins in a few weeks). RIDICULOUS!
