The Mash Down Riddim by The Zion I Kings

The Mash Down Riddim [Lustre Kings Productions]

For so many familiar names and faces and others which will become familiar. As we attempt to return these pages to some type of normalcy and semi-frequency, as the person in charge of the writing... stuff, it is important and definitely easier for me to look in the direction of familiar sources of material. That isn't to say that we won't 'branch out' to any degree because that was also a normal occurrence for us as I sought out individuals who made music but weren't getting the recognition for it even in Reggae (or Soca or whatever was their specific case) and that is well exciting for me. However, while I'm still re-figuring out how to do these things again, I have my eyes open especially for those  virtual warehouse of vibes who have provided us with some of the most unforgettable moments in the history of this blog. So because of that, what you'll notice in our return are bites (CHUNKS!) (I DON'T DEAL IN 'BITES'!) from the likes of Akae Beka, Sara Lugo, Turbulence and Ras Attitude because had we not taken hiatus, we would have been writing about.... Akae Beka, Sara Lugo, Turbulence and Ras Attitude anyway. And today we walk most comfortable path in looking at a stop which was, easily, one of our favourites when it came to the label and production side of things.

This post, if done correctly (and I'm not in charge of that stuff, so it will be), will mark the thirty-fifth which carries the tag 'Zion I Kings'. Filling out these entries are a variety of different things which include full-blown classics in regards to these pages. Looking back, you cannot help but to be almost over-impressed with some of the material created by the ZIK collective including, arguably, the best current album we have ever covered on this blog in my opinion, Midnite's "Beauty For Ashes". Furthermore, outside of delivering quite a few sizable projects from individual artists, the ZIK have also sparked several (apparently now numbering nine, to be specific), solid riddim compilations. These date back to the fully glowing Songbird Riddim from wayyyyyyyyyy back in May of 2013, which was the very first volume of their Riddim Series. We'd actually look at the initial seven releases of the series before going on our break and, today, we're going back into the most fruitful set.

If you do not know, the Zion I Kings are an assemblage of three separate labels and each of them alternate (in order, actually) (a very cool occurrence) in the series, so with the ninth riddim coming forth, they have all made three appearances in the series. Directly, releasing the Mash Down Riddim is Lutre Kings Productions, which is their first here since 2016's Lifetime Riddim ["Put a fyah in dehhhh!"]. I don't really want to crack open that vault too deeply (because I went in much further than I anticipated on our history with the ZIK.... forgive me, it's been a minute) (although you KNOW I am dying to sit here and start writing about old albums from Turbulence ["WE NEED LIBERATION!!!"] and Lutan Fyah ["Waters of many colours, so wi haffi swim deep"], but I have been listening to and have been a fan of the LK's for just about two decades now, going back to their outstanding Culture Dem compilations (the first of which is simply one of the mightiest collections of modern Roots Reggae music ever made) (and it also had one of the nicest covers as well). And, though we were away, the series continued, making a pair of drops in 2018, in the form of the H.I.M. Teachings Riddim (which was SPECTACULAR), for Zion High Productions and the Perfect Storm Riddim, from I Grade Records ["Perfect storm. Selassie bring a perfect storm"], respectively. So, given all of those esteemed seat (and that is not a typo) of circumstances, the Mash Down Riddim, like every one before it here, has a very high level to live up to and, unsurprisingly, it does not disappoint, and even manages to raise the bar for entry #10 (which will be released by IGR if the series' historical sequence is maintained). As for the composition itself, the Mash Down Riddim is wholly what you would expect and doesn't at all drift away from the scope of the ZIK's typical productions. In particular, it does have a very.... 'light' or 'flexible' sound to it and when I heard it I began to think that it could do a variety of different things given a nice blend of vocal artists. Was I correct (FOR ONCE, yes I was)? Let's find out. 

1. 'Forward' by Lloyd Brown

Taking opening honours on the Mash Down Riddim from Lustre Kings Productions and the Zion I Kings is a most familiar face and one of those, wonderfully, 'usual suspects' around these parts, the vocalist, Lloyd Brown. The veteran singer from out of the UK was one of our favourites around here for a very long time and I'm tempted to go back and cover at least one or two of his bases that we missed over the years (particularly his new album, "Untitled", which reached just earlier this year actually). Back in 2013, Brown would bring forth his own ZHP helmed album for ZIK, "Rootical" (which I probably most remember, eight years later, for carrying 'Together', a big combination with Queen Omega), so he's not only a veteran, in general, but a seasoned pro amongst the ZIK. His progression-themed effort on the Mash Down, 'Forward', is very interesting because, in all likelihood,  out of every song here, it's the one that's going to stick in your brain. That chorus is damn difficult to shake out of your head and you, like me, will find yourself singing it over and over again. The son gis about moving ahead and going forward in whatever it is that you're doing, but I also took from it the idea of at least making the attempt to not focus on things which can weigh you down but are ultimately useless and meaningless. A big beginning. 

2. 'Heights of Greatness' by Pressure Busspipe 

Like Mr. Brown, someone else who is well at home on ZIK projects is the always burning VI star, Pressure Busspipe (who actually has a brand new album forthcoming in just a week or two), who makes a MIGHTY appearance on the Mash Down Riddim, providing it with one of his biggest standouts. Pressure delivered his own full release for IGR and the ZIK, "The Sound", in 2014 which is one of the finest pieces they've ever made and is on the level of the aforementioned "Beauty For Ashes", in my opinion. MOST interestingly, "The Sound" may have a forth coming followup, at least partially as Pressure's tune on this riddim, 'Heights of Greatness', is also the title track for his next album, which means that it features at least a bit of ZIK's handiwork. Because of that, you would expect him to absolutely shine (and you would just expect it, in general, because.... that's what he always does) and he glistens here.

"They always speak what the eye has never seen

And when they see, they don't know what it really means

Neglecting the powers of the Ilah Trinity

Dispensing corruption get I identity

I ah burn all spies and conspiracies

I ah burn all scribes and evil Pharisees

I ah hail Rastafari over land and over seas

BABYLON GET WEAK IN THEIR KNEES"

"One day - they're gonna learn!

One day - the tables gonna turn!

Putting all ya filthiness to burn 

Ya judgment - already confirmed

Mi seh, full time my people rise yeah

VICTORY'S FOR YOU AND I , YEAH

Rastafari did the world with niceness

WE WERE MADE IN HIS LIKENESS"

Well looking forward to that album named after this tune and you can expect a full review on what is sure to be one of the year's finest if this tune (and an entire career full of them) is any indication (and I have to mention that there is a downright DIVINE piece of piano work which is highlighted moreso here (at least to my ears) it is BEAUTIFUL!).

3. 'Hands Off' by MediSun

I was actually surprised to see this next tune only because the vocalist in this case, MediSun, was a name entirely new to me. However, that would be due to the fact that he recently changed his name from the more recognizable King Mas from out of Boston and while I did know of Mas' work previously, I'm starting to think that maybe I should go back and have a heavier listen. That's because 'Hands Off' is ABSOLUTELY MAMMOTH! The vocalist issues an unfortunately necessary warning to all to "low di schoolers and gwan go look ya size" on the very specific track that impresses from beginning to end. There is something here which really caught my attention and you hear it occassionally on songs, but it is glaring in this case: EMOTION. The version of MediSun who begins 'Hands Off' is not the same person who ends it. At the beginning,  he is direct and focused and is someone who has clearly come to make his point, but by song's end, the man is PISSED OFF! It almost seems as if the more and more he thinks about the topic, the angrier (fittingly and justifiably) he becomes at it. The result of that are more structured early and middle portions with a SCALDING end.

"From dem go violate di child, that a di wickedest crime

Mama load up di nine, ready fi rise di carbine

Gash dem and light dem, mek di fyah ignite

String dem up and hang dem with di telephone line

Wi no matta if a night or inna broad daylight

Wi no matta if dem black and wi no business if dem white

FROM DEM VIOLATE DI DAUGHTA, MEK WI SLAUGTA DEM

EVERY PART A DEM!"

4. 'Dawg Eat Dawg' by Lutan Fyah

I came into the opinion, years ago, that Lutan Fyah was some type of genius. The way that he arranges his songs has always been something which has impressed me greatly and we're nearing a point where I've also been listening to him for twenty years (I'm just old!). When at the height of his lyrical powers, the chanter has some very digestible and informative type of rugged and hard-working cleverness which may make some of his work subtle, but brilliant at the same time, at least for me. And, accordingly, I believe the Fyah may've actually had the very first artist's album on LKP with "Time And Place" (a classic to my ears) in 2005 and, just in 2017, he also came to the Zion I Kings with "Music Never Dies" (which almost got me to break hiatus back then, if I remember properly (it would not have been pretty), and I'll likely review it from the vault some point this year, anyway) for I Grade. He's also been present on many of their pieces (including both "Beauty For Ashes" and "The Sound") and, actually, their appearances on the Mash Down Riddim means that both Lutan Fyah and Pressure have been featured on every iteration of the Riddim Series. It would be nice if he, too, would have an album in the immediate future, but until then sink your teeth into the excellent social commentary that is 'Dawg Eat Dawg'. This is typical simple, sagacious building from the Fyah as he outlines many of the problems faced in the system where, at times, only the strongest (and the best prepared) survive. Taking it a step beyond, you also get ideas of perseverance, of consistency (and EDUCATION) and of a general sense of self-awareness. This is the type of track that I can play with for hours and is so emblematic of what Lutan Fyah can do as a writer. He crafts ideas like this which can seem very broad, but have small channels which are CLEARLY constructed to provoke thought, so definitely take a deeper dive on 'Dawg Eat Dawg' to REALLY get at its core (and I do love how the music gets quite a bit of the stage to itself in  the latter portions of this piece).

5. 'Never Walk Alone' by The Movement

The Movement was a wholly new name to my eyes and, as it turns out, they are a quite popular Reggae band from out of South Carolina whose history goes back nearly twenty years (found a really nice song of theirs called 'Mountain', which features Clinton Fearon) and their effort here, 'Never Walk Alone', serves as an introduction for me. I don't know how much contribution is made by the full band (I wouldn't think a great deal, but I would think they'd look forward to playing this tune live), but the lead singer makes a very nice first impression on me here and I'll make no promises, but maybe we'll do a bit of mining on The Movement's catalog at some point. And that is a nice reason to include a variety of different names on projects like these because you take people and potentially make fans out of them to someone who they've never even heard of or even if they have, they don't have anything in mind in terms of sound. And I think, after the Mash Down, like MediSun before them, The Movement comes away with quite a few new Me's as new fans.

6. 'Great Nation' by Akae Beka

You'll have no similar case to The Movement's on the next one up on the Mash Down Riddim as series/label/genre STAPLE, Vaughn Benjamin is up with the MASSIVE 'Great Nation'. This song is golden. It is a big gold bar of a selection, typical full genius and it would have stood very highly on either of Akae Beka's most recent albums "Righteous Synergy" and "Polarities". To my opinion, the idea here is, ultimately, about foundation. In order to get there, however, the vehicle Benjamin drives us in is one which draws comparisons between the age-old 'science v. faith' concept. I don't think Benjamin would have ever flopped science. He doesn't strike me as someone who would have cast it away as entirely useless, but what he does, instead, is to show that there exists moments in science which are quite similar to faith - where you may suspect, but do not actually KNOW what happens next ["faithfully watching day and night set in"]. To my ears, he then applies this as to what is the firmest of foundations and bases for a 'great nation', with "nation" being anything at all - from an actual nation to an individual to anything which is to be ran at its strongest. I also have to mention that 'Great Nation' may just be one of the nicest listens on this riddim. You will virtually never hear me say that about a Benjamin song (although if you do want to hear such a song, check 'Like Rhyme' from the  "Portals" album, which I am having a very difficult time turning off these days), but there is something about 'Great Nation' which gives it maybe a bit more spice and makes for a very nice listen from a strictly sonic point of view.

"I & I would reason to science-

When you had your 'EUREKA' moment

Yes moment, when the formulation commence

When the hypothesis make sense

Ideas like a light bulb ah light up inna yuh meds

Next thing is the experiment

When they control what they contrast relevant-

How much faith to the next moment

When the works are still undevelop-ed-

And require that belief concept

When  your knowledge is still blindfolded

And your theories are still unproven"

7. 'Look To Jah' by Clatta Bumboo

Add Clatta Bumboo to the list of names on the Mash Down Riddim who will likely come away with whole heap of more fans and put my name at the top of that list (because it most likely would be anyway, alphabetically speaking) (unless there's an Aaron or an Abigail out there somewhere) (I digress) because his offering on the riddim, 'Look To Jah', just may be my favourite of them all. The New England based Bumboo's vocal style actually reminds me a bit of Gramps Morgan (biggup Gramps Morgan, literally just released a new album, "Positive Vibration", like last week) and he uses it on 'Look To Jah' to a nearly perfect result. The artist tells us all to make an attempt to do better in life -- to be better people -- and to "live up in the likeness of HIM", because we have all been given the greatest of possible Examples and Idols to look up to and model ourselves after to the best of our abilities. Such a standard is ultimately attainable and unmanageable for us, but there is nothing that says that we cannot at least try and I think Clatta Bumboo is making that suggestion. He hasn't had a full album that I can find, but the last two years have produced two EP's (which have eleven tunes in total by my count, so that's basically an album), so you can join me in checking them both out, "Future Water" from last year and "Miles Deep in the Attic" which reached just in March (and has two different versions). Listening to a few more songs, I also hear a bit of Everton Blender in  his voice as well and I'm damn interested in hearing even more following 'Look To Jah'.

8. 'Tolerance' by Ras Teo

In June veteran artist, Ras Teo, released what turned out to be a well-received project via ZHP, "Celestial Rockers". It was presented with this delightfully 'throwback' concept and I trust and hope that it has done quite well because although I do not think I've ever written about him, I do know who he is and have encountered his work a bit over the years. His cut of the Mash Down, 'Tolerance', is about as delightfully straight-forward as it gets. I THOROUGHLY enjoy this one as Teo wants everyone to recognize that no one is perfect, we are all works in progress and prone to mistakes, so don't be so damn hard on each other (and ourselves). I think the concept of PATIENCE also comes out here, particularly at the very end ["We  need tolerance fi di pickney dem, tolerance fi elder dem"]. And, again, this is another song on the riddim which I think listeners will find to be immediately absorbable. It is a very easy listen and... 'Tolerance' will just make you feel good listening to it, which I'm sure was part of the idea behind such a composition.

9. 'Right on Time' by Messenjah Selah

It's definitely been a minute from the last time I heard a new track from someone who was definitely a foundation artist for this blog, Messenjah Selah. Several hundred years ago, we wrote a great deal about his first (and ridiculously, only) album, 2008's "Breaking Babylon Curse" for Zion High Productions (just like my history with LKP goes way back, I'm now sitting here thinking abot ZHP's vault, with albums like "Break Babylon Curse", the compilation "Jah Golden Throne", albums from Ziggi Recado, Glen Washington and others and they also did "Rebelution" from Yami Bolo, which is probably one of my top.... thirty, or so, favourite albums of all time (probably time to listen to that album again) (yeah, yeah I think so) (biggup Yami Bolo, new album, "Jah Love Will Rule The World", out now), but as I would expect, he makes the most of his return to the label with the sublime 'Right On Time'. While Ras Teo may have urged tolerance and a form of patience, Selah is completely telling us to pump our proverbial brakes and HOLD ON (!) just a bit.

"It don't always come when you want it to come

Believe in yourself, Jah will must be done

Keep your head high, let none get you down

For everything there is a reason

It no always gwan how it want it fi gwan

There is a bigger picture, bigger game that ah gwan

IF YOU PLANT PEAS THEN YOU CAN'T REAP CORN

For this moment you were born, ring di alarm"

While I probably won't spend much time in 2021 waiting for a new full project from the supremely gifted Messenjah Selah, it is always SO NICE to hear from him and, particularly this setting, back home where we first 'met', making big tunes with ZHP.

10. 'Mash Down Georgetown' By Blakkamoore

And the final full vocal effort on the Mash Down Riddim comes courtest of LKP favourite and standout [Jahdan] Blakkamoore, 'Mash Down Georgetown'. It's kind of the title track for the riddim and, I think, it would have been the very first time fans got a taste of it as well as the tune featured on Blakkamoore's 2020 studio album for the Lustre Kings, "Upward Spiral" (....take a few years off and miss soooooooo much, I would have LOVED to do a write up on that album and now I have so many things on my mind to go back to, who knows when or IF I'd get around to it (DAMN!)) and was released as a single a few years prior to that. The Guyana native delivers a social commentary aimed at the things going on back home during what is a SPECIAL moment on the riddim. I would imagine that choosing a riddim for one of these projects would have more to do with the track, itself and what you think it is capable of, than any one particular song, but I can definitely see LKP and the ZIK hearing Blakkamoore shine all over this thing and imagining the possibilities when spread around to various voices. They then named it after it and, wonderfully, here we are.

11. 'Dub Down GT'

Tippy and co. at I Grade Records send us home with a dubbed out version of Blakkamoore's eponymous work. For me, these are always essential on projects like this. The riddim is as much of a 'star' as any vocalist on this type of set and you should give it an opportunity to shine. Be it a straight display, a Dub or some type of remix - show it off (biggup Beres Hammond) and allow your foundation to show just how strong it is on its own merits.

Overall, my one critique on something like this is always the same when I don't see it: I would have LOVED to hear the Mash Down Riddim in the hands of some talented female vocalist (I have one in mind, specifically, but if everything worked according to how I wanted, Queen Omega wouldn't have much free time, because she'd be on damn near every even remotely decent riddim) (and she was on the Jah Warriah Riddim, #2 in this series), but just judging it on what is present, this has to be considered as one of the strongest of the lot. As I said, the riddim has a very light vibes to it and it's malleable in the genre and I would have expected a wide range of different styles being able to make an impact on it - and that is precisely how it played out. Installment number nine of the Zion I Kings' Riddim Series, the Mash Down Riddim, is highly recommended  to all fans of current modern Roots Reggae, without qualification and without exception. Now if you will excuse me, I need to go listen to The Movement, Clatta Bumboo, some MediSun, some classic Lustre Kings and some Yami Bolo and......

The Lifetime Riddim

The Lifetime Riddim [Lustre Kings Productions]

1. 'Put A Fyah In Deh' by Lutan Fyah

2. 'Yes To Life' by Jahdan Blakkamoore

3. 'Lifetime' by Akae Beka

4. 'All That I'm Thinking Of' by Pressure

5. 'One Day At A Time' by Vanessa Bongo

6. 'It Takes Time [Raining Outside]' by Randy Valentine

7. 'Ancient Great [Tell Her I Need Her]' by Danny I

8. Lifetime Riddim I Grade Dub Mix

And because the wonderful people from the Zion I Kings  CLEARLY refuse to let 2016 go out quietly, we have yet another new project coming forth from the collective as the 'Kings', Lustre Kings Productions, makes the latest contribution (#6) to the ZIK's consistently impressive Riddim Series with the Lifetime Riddim. This 'dreamy' set should be extremely familiar to fans as it just appeared on the latest release from the ZIK, Akae Beka's "Livicated" for Zion High Productions, in support of what would turn out to be the riddim's title track.

Okay, while I am still very early into working this one out, I HAD to let you know about what may potentially be a downright SPECIAL song. There're some really strong selections on the Lifetime Riddim - not the least of which are potentially stellar efforts from the likes of Lutan Fyah, Jahdan Blakkamoore and the aforementioned Akae Beka. And, really, just having had a brief listen through all of the songs as well as the wonderful dubbed out version of the track courtesy of I Grade Records, there does not appear to be a miss here at all.

HOWEVER, with that being said, what Danny I manages to do with his cut of the Lifetime Riddim, 'Ancient Great [Tell Her That I Need Her]' is just... I mean...

"I've been searching for a while amongst the virtuous and the vile

Knew when I met you, you just stood out like a vibe

Time progressed and many noticed just how well we got along -

JUST LIKE TWO SEPARATE VERSES IN ONE SONG

I wanna tell her that I need her

And tell her that respect is due

That I'll never mislead her

That I need her point of view"

That tune is MAMMOTH! Absolutely reminiscent of 'I Know', his dazzling edition of the Songbird Riddim from earlier in this same series, in terms of its quality and its wholly subtle GENIUS. So, I'll stop myself there because I could probably go on and on and on and you know it. You can finish it off for me when you pick up the Lifetime Riddim from Lustre Kings Productions and The Zion I Kings when it reaches stores on November 18th.

Most Wanted 2014

With big names such as Sizzla Kalonji, Etana, Luciano, Machel Montano, Mr. Vegas and many other showing up with albums for 2013, we begin to take a look at just who might be in the offering for the year ahead. Be it even more big names, amazingly gifted up and comers or someone who figures to return from long absences, this list, as it annually does, pulls together ten whom we would REALLY like to hear from, in album form, in 2014. Here are ten artists who could really do excellent work in the new year and we hope they do: Most Wanted 2014

{See last year's list}

{Note: Artist's appearing on last year's list were intentionally excluded}

#10. Prince Theo

Free again. Along with many other wonderful things, one of the most interesting occurrences which 2013 brought for me was definitely the full return of one of Reggae's most remarkably underrated and overlooked vocalists, Prince Theo. The veteran singer will almost certainly never receive the amount of attention that his tremendous abilities would seemingly warrant and I cannot even begin to think of something which would change that. What might help, however, would be a followup to his first and what, unfortunately, remains his only album to date, the wonderful "Set The Captives Free" which will soon be a decade old. Though you'll not find his name on any other list like this from anyone else, the Prince makes my list because I'm beginning to see a foundation built for a new set. He's done almost all of his recent material for Jah Mikes and Reggae Vibes Productions who recently did a new release for another veteran, Courtney Melody. I do not know what is in their plans, but if you're doing albums, why not mix in a brand new one which will have been a loooooooong time coming from someone who is guaranteed to make the most of it. 

#9. Kénédy

Pretty pictures. It took far too long, in the consistent sense, but I have begun to get back into the wonderful world of Zouk music and really pay a steady amount of attention to it as well. But hopefully 2014 will bring something which will make it even easier and I have two things in mind. One of which would be a possible all Zouk album from Achis Reggae favourite, the delightful Jalena, whose next album may be just that (and the only reason that you won't find her name on this list is because she has had THREE albums from the last time this artist had one) (which was only her second) and the other would be the album return of still my favourite Zouk singer, the amazing Kénédy. Last out way back in 2009 with "Entre Toi Et Moi", the Gwada songstress has managed to stay in the light with big tunes (most recently teaming up with Lylah for 'Femmes Fatales 3') and she's also managed to keep things interesting outside of the studio. Between her first album and the second, Kénédy already very attractive… got… attractive… er. She came back and was STUNNING and if you look at her these days, you immediately notice her growing addiction to tattoos. Will that translate into a more edgy sound for her next album? Maybe or maybe not, but I'd love to find out in 2014 with a brand new album from one of Zouk's finest.  

#8. Jahdan Blakkamoore

Release the Kings. Just as I'm waiting here to see what ten artists, in particular, have in store for fans in 2014, I'm also curious as to what some producers may be up to and one of those who have my interests very high are the Zion I Kings. We do know that they'll work the already scheduled "Beauty For Ashes" set from Midnite and we're also quite sure that they'll link up for an album for #5 on this list (or #7 if I changed it), besides that, however, it remains to be seen. Something I'd DEFINITELY like to see are the ZIK come back for is a brand new album for one of Reggae music's most adroit wordsmiths, Jahdan Blakkamoore. Though it has now been three full years from his last set, the very well-received "Babylon Nightmare", Jahdan did have a big year this year on the strength of appearing on one of the most talked about releases of 2013, Snoop Lion's "Reincarnated". A return to album in 2014 would be a welcomed one and, at least presumably, he may officially bring the "Kings" of the ZIK back with him as a return of another kind from Lustre Kings Productions (who didn't do an album this year, I believe). But I'd be happy with just about anyone, but a 2014 album from Jahdan Blakkamoore and the Zion I Kings would be a really, really nice thing to do and a certain master class of a record.  

#7. NiyoRah

A different era. In retrospect, out of all of the people who we've gotten to watch develop as artists in recent years, one of the most captivating and, ultimately, one of the most gifted has easily been NiyoRah. I can still pull his debut album, "A Different Age" and really hear a foundation of talent for someone who, in the then not too distant future, would grow to become a GIANT of a talent. These days, as evidenced by his last two albums, "Purification Session" (one of the best albums I've ever heard) and "Feel Your Presence", Niyo is amongst the very few artists today who is truly capable of ANYTHING. Whatever he does and whoever he does it for, I expect greatness and hopefully I can expect it in 2014. It's been nearly four years from the "Feel Your Presence" set and now would be a wonderful time for Niyo's fourth album which would be another set released at the height of his monstrous powers. 

#6. Alaine

… Alaine. One of a couple of females that you'll find on this list (it would have been a trio, but I thought it too soon to start asking for a new Reemah album), Alaine has quietly turned in a sterling year of music for 2013, which will have to be considered amongst her very best and, hopefully, she'll culminate her winning ways with a winning album next year. Alaine's situation when it comes to albums is very interesting because, like most of her musical things, it changed from a few years ago when she split with ace producer Don Corleon who had not only helmed many of Alaine's biggest hits, but was also behind all of her two or three albums (I think it's officially three, but one of them was released twice). But that is ancient history as far as music goes (though the two would produce bonafide classics together which will never die) and it is full time that album shelves get a lot more class and romance by virtue of a new album full of songs by one of Reggae's greatest conductors of both in 2014.

#5. Pressure

Coming back. It has SHOCKINGLY been more than four years now from the last time we received an album from VI Reggae superstar, Pressure Busspipe and, obviously, that is just entirely too damn long. Fortunately, not only is Pressure one of a couple of names appearing on this list that is relatively secure to have a new set in 2014, he's also going to have it for the aforementioned Zion I Kings. Pressure would have made this list regardless of his circumstances going into the new year because, much like his fellow Star Lion Family alum, NiyoRah, the chanter is at a point in his development at which only greatness is appropriate material coming from him and for such a person, going half a decade without is just wrong (biggup #3). He's been there previously with one of the finest debuts of the modern era, "The Pressure Is On", and on two subsequent albums he maintained those levels. Since then Pressure has remained one of the genre's most dependably impressive stars and he's also branched out - recording with some of the most revered maestros Reggae music has to offer. On his next album, he'll bring things back to center for I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings, which is a link that could not come at a better time.

 #4. Mad Cobra

The baddest. It would be so unfortunate if one of the genre's biggest stars ever was to go through such an upward turn in their career and do so without ever having a full release to mark the occasion. However, when the genre in question is the album-anemic Dancehall music, then that will probably be the precise situation heading into 2015. Dancehall albums from the biggest names, these days, occur at a rate of only two or three annually. But if one of them in 2014 could somehow, someway manage to be from the re-enthused Mad Cobra, the world will be a much better place. Over the past year, Cobra has given Dancehall a much need bloody nose by serving up some of the craziest and most vicious tunes heard in what has been a fantastic career brimming with such pieces. And, though he didn't take such a long hiatus away, it just seems as if this version of the DJ has found him in the same devastating form that was heard on his two most recent albums "Helta Skelta" and "Snypa Way" and maybe even a little better actually. I think it to highly unlikely that 2014 will bring us a new album from Mad Cobra, but if it does, I'll guarantee you RIGHT NOW one of the best Dancehall albums in a very long time.

#3. Queen Omega

Most royal. As each and every of the past five (soon to be six) years pass, Reggae album shelves are significantly lacking in one very major area. QUEEN OMEGA! THE MOST TALENTED WOMAN MAKING REGGAE MUSIC TODAY (and probably over the last decade) has not had an album since 2008's "Servant Of Jah Army" and it would have been even before then -- nearing a decade -- from the last time that she would release a set which was widely celebrated - 2005's "Destiny". Both of those are just terrible considering the fact that she hasn't left the scene. She hasn't gone anywhere! Instead, she has continued to cultivate her supreme skills and today remains the Roots Reggae fireball that she always was. 2014, like every year before it and every year after it, would be a fine return and I do see a bit of hope for a new Queen Omega album. This year, a burgeoning label by the name of JahLight Records, like the singer from out of Trinidad, made its album debut in the form of Matthew Greenidge's solid "Jah Rules Over All", an album which carried the work of Queen Omega (as both a featured guest and a backing singer, if I recall correctly). Presumably at some point they will want to make another album -- probably at some point in the next twelve months -- it would seem a possibility that JahLight may take this next step with her as the star. Such a thing would have massive results and she'd also likely have similar success with almost anyone (including 149 Records who did a video with the Queen this year) and I'll definitely be watching because I'm tired of being able to put her name on lists like this.  

#2. Bunji Garlin

We ready. Though he just had a full album in 2012 (the wonderful "iSpaniard", in stores now) Soca lyrics leader, Bunji Garlin, has just had a supremely powerful 2013 which, literally, dictates that he return with a new album, which will be his tenth in 2014. To facilitate this, the four time Soca Monarch recently [re]signed up with VP Records which will likely deliver the project. All of this, of course, comes through on the heels of the MASSIVE creation that was 'Differentology', but it was not alone and it won't be alone on the album (that would be really weird if it were). The likely result here is that VP allows the 2014 carnival season to play out, during which Garlin will likely have another hit or two and I would expect the album (to be called "Differentology") to be full of songs from his '13 and '14 seasons. Also I would like to hope that they would appreciate the moment. Though Garlin previously did two albums for the label [2001's "Revelation" and "Global" six years later], they both seemed to be at least somewhat packaged in a way to make his music more accessible to the typical fans of VP Records' releases. And there's nothing wrong with that (and it probably worked) but as someone who is always so upstanding about pushing Soca music, I really do hope that everyone involved on this set realizes that they may have something which has the possibility/likelihood of becoming one of the genre's biggest albums EVER. If they do, we'll have something special and even if they don't - I'll still be picking it up. And nothing can break it up. And nothing can break it up. And nothing can break it up. And nothing can break it up…

#1. Chronixx

Fit to lead. The biggest album jewel that 2014, seemingly, would have to offer Reggae fans would be the debut set from the leader of the latest rise of Roots Reggae stars, Chronixx. Though it is conceivable such a release could be pushed to 2015, I'm fully convinced that with the material that he has already done, Chronixx could probably put together a potential classic album right now, but if someone were to actually make an album for the sake of an album, it would be GOLDEN. The artist has shown himself to in possession of a very curious talent which is founded in a heavy streak of common sense and the application of common sense and humility. The blend has led to someone who has not only produced one of the most dominant streaks in recent memory, but someone who has also immediately gained the mass attention of fans. His situation has been similar to that of some of his more immediate predecessors, such as I-Octane and Tarrus Riley, but in Chronixx' case, it has seemed to be even more magnified. Furthermore, he has not faltered and in 2013, the youth turned Reggae music into his own personal flawless performance. He figures to do the same into the new year and an album would be a perfect bow to place on an amazing rise to prominence. 

Words of The Week: 'Soul Survivor' by Jahdan Blakkamoore & Princess Menen

Jahdan Blakkamoore
Princess Menen

'Soul Survivor'

Keep di fire burning!

Man a bun soul survivor
Go tell dem seh
Soul survivor
Man a ancient fyah walker
Through di fyah
And barefooted wi ah step thru di fyah
Barefooted wi ah step thru di lava

Blakkamoore! Princess Menen! Man a ancient fyah walker Barefooted wi ah trod thru di fyah

I & I
Soul survivor
Like Shardrach walking through di fire
Through di fire
Spirit rider
Spirit rider
Like Daniel in the den with the lions
Soul survivor
Guitar hard strumming and wi nah get tired
Get tired
Spirit rider
Spirit rider
We hit the ground running got a lot more coming now

Through the ages
We keep on singing these songs
Afrikan stars keep shine
And we keep on striving on
And through the stages we go
Like the wind we keep blowing on
And no matter the fight I know that we’ll stand strong

For years and years without tears we did ah step it up
No matter how the pressure get high
We hailing Rastafari!
No, we never say die!
And as a matter of fact!
You know we haffi stay strapped!
I ah

Soul survivor
Like Shardrach walking through di fire
Through di fire
Spirit rider
Like Daniel in the den with the lions
Lions
Soul survivor
Soul survivors
Guitar hard strumming and wi nah get tired
Get tired
Spirit rider
Spirit rider
We hit the ground running got a lot more coming your way

A soul survivor
We’ve got a lot more coming
Soul survivor
In this world there’s so much spiritual wickedness
They’re masters of the craft
No more practice
I was a victim and I was my witness
Oh no, what a whoa
Whoa
Flesh is weak at times
But the soul survives
Unsolved murders, oh what a mystery
The lock will be locked out even weakly
More ganja fi smoke stop slanging keys

Trod the earth more diligently
Hotter than 1000 degrees
Fari did set I free from di workers of inequity
Oh what a calamity
Yet they don’t want to see
Ghetto youths rising
Keep rising!
And to the top we go keep climbing
Keep climbing!
We are soul survivors
Yes we’ve made it!

Turn the pages
Reveal the time has come
Never before have my people needed to be so strong
And through the pressure we’re born like the diamond that comes form the cold
And no matter the fight I know that we’ll live on!

No matta how hard dem ah try dem coulda neva eva eva keep I down
Beast coulda neva come tek I crown
What goes around comes right back around
Well hot!
Chant two psalm and bun up dem spot!
Blazing fyah man ah walk through dat
Barefoot lak mi name Shadrock
Rastaman ah chat and stand pon lateral
Beast dem ah come fi yah soul on collateral
When you speak out dem call you ah radical
Haffi return to mi home lak Prodigal
If mi haffi sail pon di sea lak nautical
Or fly high in a plane, aeronautical
I’ve got to live natural
Protect your soul, it’s all about your survival

Through the ages
We keep on singing these songs yeah
Afrikan stars keep shine
And we keep on striving on
And through the stages we go
Like the wind we keep blowing on
And no matter the fight, I know that we’ll stand strong

Soul survivor
Like Shardrach walking through di fire
Through di fire
Spirit rider
Spirit rider
Like Daniel in the den with the lions
Lion’s
Soul survivor
Guitar hard strumming and wi nah get tired
Get tired
Spirit rider
Spirit rider
We hit the ground running got a lot more coming now . . .

Taken from the album "Babylon Nightmare"

Words of The Week: 'Long Road' by Jahdan Blakkamoore

'Long Road'

Wi tell dem fi watch out fi traps and di snare
Tell di youths dem beware
Babylon is a scare yow

Yeah weh Ras Blakkamoore tell dem seh
Alright!
Yow. Hey. Boom. Yow

It’s gonna be a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t eliminate I
Covetousness - Mi fling dat overboard
It’s gonna be a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t intimidate I
Filthiness - Mi fling dat overboard

Well dem ah try slander mi name, try put mi to shame
But mi neva get weary yet
Stumbling block inna mi way, try turn mi astray
But mi neva get weary yet
I give thanks for mi life, for mi health and mi strength
Cah mi neva get weary yet boom!
Nuff ah dem ah hate and ah discriminate
But mi neva get weary yet
All dem ah go down and ah send peer tricks
And mi neva get weary yet
One ah dem try perpetrate war, dem instigate
But mi neva get weary yet
Dem ah come inna mi face and ah intimidate
But mi neva get weary yet
I man ah keep up di pace and ah hold up di faith
Cah mi neva get weary yet
Blakkamoore caan get crackin if mi don’t set straight
Cah mi neva get weary yet
Trust in The Most High
HE’s the defender!
And always remember
Alright. Yow. Hey!

It’s gonna be a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t eliminate I
Filthiness - Mi fling dat overboard
It’s gonna be a long road
Oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t intimidate I
Covetousness - Mi fling dat overboard

So what’s your reason - fighting good people down?
You take away their rights and now they cannot be found
You’re destroying their communities, dem gone underground
Soon, anywhere you go you ahgo hear the gun sound!
Still no peace nowhere to be found yeah
Yow

It’s gonna be a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t discriminate I
Covetousness - Mi fling dat overboard
It’s gonna be a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t discriminate I
Filthiness - Mi fling dat overboard

So make a joyful noise
And give thanks for life, you definitely raise me right
I represent the truth and mi bun out antichrist
I put a message in my music bringing insight
Wi revolutionary come to pay the sacrifice
So neva you worry, I’m protected by The Most High
HE leads the way and IS my guiding light
Well Blakkamoore him sing and mi seh

It’s a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t eliminate I
Filthiness - Mi fling dat overboard
It’s gonna be a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t intimidate I
Covetousness - Mi fling dat overboard

It’s a long road
But oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t eliminate I
Filthiness - Mi fling dat overboard
It’s gonna be a long road
Oh Mama, I’m strong
I’ll put up the fight, I’ll carry this heavy load
They love to hate I, dem can’t intimidate I
Covetousness - Mi fling dat overboard

Taken from the album "Babylon Nightmare"
Jahdan Blakkamoore @ Myspace

'Meet Mr. X': A Review of "Babylon Nightmare" by Jahdan Blakkamoore

I think it’s the case with most serious collectors of music that we tend to try to catalogue and then categorize, within that catalogue, our collections. However you accomplish it, be it by genre or artist or year or maybe even by form, it is the built-in nerd inside of all of us who finds such things interesting and insists on doing so every once in awhile. In my own case, I once again undertook this most ridiculous of processes recently and, in doing so, I started to notice that there’re just a few artists who, when you really break it down and the proverbial light on their work, seem to have a very ‘antisocial’ standing when compared to their peers. Fittingly, it was just a few months back when an American artist by the name of Toussaint introduced us to ‘Soul Roots’ which made a lot of people like myself have to reorganize things and accurately so - his album, ”Black Gold” was thoroughly impressive and one of the best releases of the year. Surely it is a coincidence but, featuring on that album was another artist who is going to have music fans attempting to Feng shui their collections, the sharp Jahdan Blakkamoore. I could pretty much start anywhere in his case, but I think one of the most interesting tidbits of information about the artist is that he has now won “Reggae Album of The Year” honours from iTunes twice consecutively for albums which . . . Well they weren’t really Reggae albums. Last year there was absolute carnage when the premier digital music service gave the downright bizarre ”Buzzrock Warrior” the distinction and in 2008 Jahdan also earned the award as part of the group, Noble Society, for the album, ”Take Charge”. The latter of those two was far more Reggae-ish than the former, but that isn’t very hard to be. Previously, Jahdan was known, primarily, as being a member of said Noble Society group (with whom he apparently continues to tour) and although they reportedly had a very healthy following which stretched all over the world (and I remember constantly seeing their name associated with this wonderful label that I’m about to tell about and while I pretty much checked EVERYTHING this label did (including that strange EP with the Vaughn Benjamin and Lutan Fyah combination on it and a few very strong riddim albums) something about Noble Society just ‘told’ me not to go there just yet). That group, to my ears, was a Hip-Hop group who mixed in a lot of Reggae music and mainly - It was too much Hip-Hop for me. However, over the past two years or so, Jahdan Blakkamoore has begun to do more and more straight Reggae and in the process has shown himself a truly DOMINANT artist.

So, if we could somehow and someway manage to ‘borrow’ Jahdan’s talents and mix them in with just a little more Reggae music consistently (and by “just a little more”, I mean WAYYYYY more than is to be found on ”Buzzrock Warrior”), that would potentially be something truly big. How big? Thirteen months ago I called his forthcoming album, ”Babylon Nightmare” from Lustre Kings Productions, something to Look Forward To in the last sixty days of the 2009 - So, I have been well looking forward to the album’s release for more than a year at this point and over that same time, with exception of Buju, who found a way to remain in the news for other reasons this year, I haven’t had a greater response from you wonderful people who read this blog, about any other artist who hadn’t had a project out or who I hadn’t otherwise found terribly enjoyable (biggup Sara Lugo). Well here’s something to keep you talking as FINALLY one of my favourite labels delivers what is to be regarded, in some circles, as one of the most anticipated albums of the year from one of the most talked about artists of the year. So presumably, with Jahdan on a very Reggae-themed titled album such as ”Babylon Nightmare”, for such a label as LKP, known for doing full blown albums for the likes of Lutan Fyah, Norris Man, Turbulence and others (reportedly Perfect coming in April as well), what we’re going to get here is this Bambu Station-esque piece which is only 100% Reggae and nothing else. Right? Wrong. As I said, the material Jahdan did with Noble Society was somewhat Hip-Hoppish and of course the label I alluded to at that point was also LKP so obviously they had no problem with it at that point at least. Also, something I noticed fairly early on in ”Babylon Nightmare” just highlighted itself for me throughout the album (and kind of made me feel a little dumb that I hadn’t spotted it prior to the album) it - Adding the Hip-Hop flares . . . It’s just kind of Jahdan’s style. Reportedly born in Guyana and having spent a great deal of his formative years in New York City, it is no mystery at all to how Jahdan may’ve developed his vibes as such. Sometimes he reminds me, vocally, of Wyclef Jean to a degree who would be a next artist with a very similar set of origins and I wouldn’t at all be surprised to hear that perhaps the two have worked in the past at some point either. With me not being the biggest fan of Hip-Hop music, it clearly made me have to focus in even harder on what was being said and in doing that I found something else which was a highlight for the album, but this came as no great revelation to me and honestly, I feel that it probably has a great amount to do with why my interest in this release has grown so much over the past year - Jahdan Blakkamoore is a WICKED lyricist. The man says some MIGHTY things and while we, as fans, may prefer it to be delivered in a certain fashion and over a certain backing, I’d like to think that I am able appreciate good words when backed by NOTHING at all whether it’s rapped, chanted or deejayed (and Jahdan does all three here). Also, it does help that the album never really moves too far away from the ‘shadow’ of Reggae music as well. By its end ”Babylon Nightmare” manages to once again prove its authour to be an original as it dually manages to both satisfy the wishes of people like me, while not drifting too far from the artist’s obvious natural sound. Let’s examine!

'All Comes Back To One'

As expected, production on ”Babylon Nightmare” by Jahdan Blakkamoore comes courtesy of not Lustre Kings Productions, but also the roll of labels with which they associate. So you can expect to hear compositions from the likes of I Grade Records, DJ Child from Project Groundation and others as well. And I have been paying attention to Jahdan’s recent output (obviously), so there’re more than a couple familiar moments for me during the album. Such is the case with the opener, the funky ‘We Won’t Break’ . . . Although I cannot (AT ALL) tell you where I know it from, but it definitely sounds familiar. Whatever its origins, the tune is a SUPREME example of the good in the mix of Jahdan’s style of blending the Hip-Hop with Reggae because it is a hybrid of sorts. I hesitate to call it a ‘social commentary’, although that is the direction of the tune, but it’s such a vibes wrapped into something else and right off the top of the album Jahdan manages to set a BOOM for listeners (and that riddim is RIDICULOUS!). He chases the opener with the first official single for the album, ‘All Comes Back To One’. I’ve had a very interesting ‘relationship’ with this one because I have to admit that the very first time that I heard it, and associated it with this album, I was kind of worried because it isn’t the full-on one-drop backed type of tune that I was looking forward to hearing. But it’s also pretty good. Such a set of circumstances generally tells me to focus on what is actually being said, as it did in this case, and strange as it may be, the tune gets better (and much better) each and every time I hear it.

After the opening two selections, ”Babylon Nightmare” then does something fairly unexpected by placing my two favourites in sequence and I am utterly IMPRESSED! The album’s finest moment comes in the form of a very familiar track, ‘Flying High’. I believe I asked Tippy from I Grade Records his favourite tune on the compilation album he released last year ”Joyful Noise” (which you certainly have by now) and he said it was this song. I ultimately found ‘better’, but I was wrong. This is the best song on that HUGE set and it is the best song here as well.

“Back from mentally overcoming the psychological stress of post traumatic slavery syndrome
Like a fish out of water, we’ve been transplanted and still come fi burn down babylon kingdom”

“Babylon ah fight fi control over natural things
Them forgot all the blessings that nature brings”

WHAT!

The song comes in even stronger here as it is now more than half a minute longer than on the ”Joyful Noise” version and the riddim does noticeably play on after the final lyrics have been told. Then comes a very FRESH and vibrant tune, ‘Soul Survivor’, which is the first of the album’s two official combinations, this one featuring Princess Menen (nice name), who is a next artist to keep an eye on from out of New York also. BOOM!

“No matta how hard dem ah try dem coulda neva eva eva keep I down
Beast coulda neva come tek I crown
What goes around comes right back around
Well hot!
Chant two psalm and bun up dem spot!
Blazing fyah man ah walk through dat
Barefoot lak mi name Shadrock
Rastaman ah chat and stand pon lateral
Beast dem ah come fi yah soul on collateral
When you speak out dem call you ah radical
Haffi return to mi home lak Prodigal
If mi haffi sail pon di sea lak nautical
Or fly high in a plane, aeronautical
I’ve got to live natural
Protect your soul, it’s all about your survival”

For her part, Menen more than holds her own alongside Jahdan, providing equal parts smooth delivery and FYAH in her impressive delivery.

Prior to the release of ”Babylon Nightmare”, there was a very official looking mixtape (called a Podcast) by the name of “Global Warning“, which (you people sent me about forty copies of) contained tastes of a few of the tunes which ended up on the album so definitely listeners who paid attention there will be looking forward to the full meal of some of these tracks even before the album comes through for them. Definitely one of the most interesting finds Jahdan taking a ‘Dim View of the World’. I GUESS I can call the tune a ‘gal tune’, but it’s kind of weird because how it actually sounds is that Jahdan has a number one woman in his life, but it doesn’t stop him from staring at potential number 2’s (and 3’s and 4’s) through the ‘cover’ of his sunglasses (thus the title). The song clearly isn’t the best on the album, but the course it takes is definitely ‘different’, to say the least. A version of ‘Songs Of Love’ was on that same mixtape and now, hearing the full version, I am impressed. The song utilizes what appears to be the same Pure Vida Riddim from Dean Pond that backs Pressure Busspipe’s EPIC ‘Pure Life’ tune and Jahdan well takes on the lovely creation to stirring results. ‘Down In The Ghetto’ is another recognizable piece as it not only appeared on the aforementioned “Global Warning” release, but it was also one of a handful of highlights on board a mixtape created by DJ Child, also named ”Down In The Ghetto”, from early last year (and check the ‘feature’ from Eek-A-Mouse as well). And there is also a remix to Jahdan’s riddim title track from LKP’s Proverbs Riddim last year (this time around it’s on a more Hip-Hop set), ‘Right Way’, which is a REALLY big tune and another track which is easily one of the album’s biggest choices, the moodily intoxicating ‘Red Hot’, which was Jahdan’s cut of the Grasslands Riddim, also from the ”Joyful Noise” album.

On the tracks which are new work to my ears, ”Babylon Nightmare” continues to impress. One which caught my attention in a very nice way was ‘Highest Region’ which comes over one of those strange and spiky sounding riddims that Vaughn Benjamin used on the ”Infinite Quality” album LKP released in 2007. Typically such compositions should be reserved for (and only for) Benjamin who . . . doesn’t really care what’s going on behind him very much and while this piece had “complete disaster” written all over it, Jahdan SHINES on the riddim because he basically goes after it. The results are so good it ends up being one of the best tunes on this big album. I could say the same about the tune which precedes it, ‘All Over the World’, which may be Blakkamoore’s attempt at a ‘dance song’, but as usual it comes out as so much more.

“All over the world
Everywhere you go the people feel the vibes
I love to see poor people shine

All over this world
Say they struggling to stay alive
And they’re playing Reggae music day and night”

I really like the basic NATURE of this tune because while it has elements of speaking on cultural and societal matters, it does it seemingly purposefully with a very upbeat backing to it and what I came away from it with, sonically speaking, was that the song is one on which Jahdan REALLY injects his own personality and mannerisms into. Very big tune and surprisingly ripe and complex as well. The inspirational ‘Mountains To Climb’ is apparently an older track, but it’s one which I don’t believe that I’d heard. The song kind of surprises on the surface because it comes equipped with the same sublime Kingdom Riddim which backs Chezidek’s big hit, ‘Call Pon Dem’. Jahdan tears down whatever Chezidek left with some of the finest lyrics to be found here. Again, the tune has a very free feeling to it and it still rings through firm enough to solidify a point which you simply have to dissect on your own - If you can’t focus on the lyrics on this one - Skip it. ‘Against All Odds’ features “Noble Society” (which I take to mean the group’s other two members, one of whom I believe is a giant named Delie) and is the most Hip-Hoppish on the whole of the album as the other two vocalists are straight forward rappers with American accents. I don’t hate this song. Like I said, I can appreciate it when good things are said and the lyrics here are strong, particularly from the first guest vocalist in my opinion who does a very good job.

'Mountains To Climb'

And as the album winds down we get another tune which sounds very familiar, ‘Long Road’. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this tune in some form (probably on one of the other 900 mixtapes I’ve heard with Jahdan on them), but I’m even more certain that it’s never sounded this good! This song is absolutely sublime!

“Well dem ah try slander mi name, try put mi to shame
But mi neva get weary yet
Stumbling block inna mi way, try turn mi astray
But mi neva get weary yet
I give thanks for mi life, for mi health and mi strength
Cah mi neva get weary yet boom!
Nuff ah dem ah hate and ah discriminate
But mi neva get weary yet
All dem ah go down and ah send peer tricks
And mi neva get weary yet
One ah dem try perpetrate war, dem instigate
But mi neva get weary yet
Dem ah come inna mi face and ah intimidate
But mi neva get weary yet
I man ah keep up di pace and ah hold up di faith
Cah mi neva get weary yet
Blakkamoore caan get crackin if mi don’t set straight
Cah mi neva get weary yet
Trust in The Most High
HE’s the defender!
And always remember
It‘s a long road!”

At the end of this review I’m going to place my own distinction (granted I’m not as much of a genius as whoever makes the decisions at iTunes) (clearly somewhere there must owe Jahdan money) on this album and it’s largely because of not ‘songs like this one’ - Meaning plural - But this SONG. It his HUGE! Jahdan takes a well traveled course of telling the masses to hold firm when times get hard, but I don’t know that I’ve ever heard that messaged carried like this. DAMN! The HEAVY ‘Are You Ready’ and ‘Rewind’ close out this top notch set. The former is really strong and kind of ‘delicately dynamic’. What I mean is that the song comes off as being really big and fast paced, but it isn’t as fast as you think, but if you slow it down and hear it as it is, it isn’t as slow as you would think either. Somewhere in the middle of it all, ‘Are You Ready’ is still a big tune. ‘Rewind’, meanwhile, almost sounds like a total freestyle (and it kind of sounds like poetry at times also) across the same riddim which backed Messenjah Selah’s (remember him???) ‘Their Story’ tune. The song has some special effects energy to it that I’ll save for your ears to go through (not very hard to predict with that title), but I will tell you that it and thus the entire album comes to its end with a sweet dub effect over the base riddim: Music on top of music.

Overall: Yes. I am THOROUGHLY impressed and it was well worth the thirteen or fourteen months that I spent waiting for this album to release. As I said I was going to: I’m thinking that in 2010 I’ve yet to hear a better WRITTEN album than this. I‘d typically say such a thing about an album from Sizzla or Lutan Fyah, but ”Babylon Nightmare” is the best lyrical experience to be found in modern Reggae in 2010. Jahdan says so many really powerful things and the way he presents it, for the most part, is very ’resourceful’. To that end, he kind of reminds me of perhaps a more adventurous version of someone like a Junior Kelly (whose “Red Pond“ album is also very strong in that context) when both are at their respective bests and hopefully that is a quality which I’m not overstating and the masses really respond to this album from the lyrical aspect. As a whole, it’s also very well presented and while I’m no greater fan of Hip-Hop for having listened to and enjoyed ”Babylon Nightmare”, when this artist does it, I can do more than simply tolerate it (I do wish they would have stuck one pure Dancehall riddim on the album however) (oh and can someone get me a Jahdan/Capleton combination???). In reference to the premise of this review, after listening to the album I think it’s pretty clear where to place the music of Jahdan Blakkamoore - You are to keep this album in the same area where you keep your material marked “EXCELLENT”. Very well done.

Rated: 4.90/5 {got REALLY close to giving this a 5/5}
Lustre Kings Productions
2010
CD + Digital

Jahdan Blakkamoore @ Myspace
Jahdan Blakkamoore @ Facebook