'Who Are We' by Turbulence [Unemployment Records - 2025]
Gotta start off with something that's definitely put a a smile on my face over the last week or so and biggup Filomuzik and Unemployment Records from out of Italy for getting the best from one of Reggae's most enigmatic figures that I've heard recently. Turbulence MOST CERTAINLY has not been one of the most consistent of artists in Reggae music but I still maintain that he sits on a gold mine of talent which places him in very thin company. Alongside the aforementioned producer and label from Southern Italy, Turbulence turns up with 'Who Are We' which is, CLEARLY, the best song I have heard from him in 2025 and... probably the best in quite a few years (off the top of my head, I would probably say from since 2021 but it could very well be even longer than that).
"Who are we, who are we-
Without His Majesty?
Who am I, who am I-
Without The Most High?
Who are we, who are we-
Without His Majesty?
Who am I, who am I-
Without Rastafari?
I'm nothing but a drowning victim waiting to be saved
Jah hand me lifeguard inna this tidal wave
Lost and confused inna this deep, dark cave
Jah hand me lantern just to light my way HOME
Rastafari say: Who do I think I am to disobey?
According to your works, that is how you get your pay
Mi ask them this without delay"
'Who Are We' is a scorchingly clever praise, backed by a GORGEOUS riddim (and notice how it changes and electrifies as the song goes along) making it not only, as I said, Turbulence's best this year but likely one of the best from anyone. BOOM.
'The Days' by Busy Signal [Zion High Productions 2025]
I'm always looking forward to seeing just who one of my (if not my absolute) favourite production units, the vaunted Zion I Kings, will work with next and I have to say I was quite shocked when I saw that next in the offering was the ridiculously gifted Busy Signal and I was also damn excited. I'll temper my HOPES (You know what I want) and just deal with what's at hand. While the link maybe surprising, the results most certainly are not. The ZIK's record is what it is, they've been amongst the most consistently high quality outfits in all of Reggae music since their inception (INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER) and, in case you haven't paid attention, Busy Signal is one of the most versatile stars the genre has ever produced. The man can literally rhyme about ANYTHING and shine whilst doing it. Their effort together, 'The Days', is a damn gem. It's a work of art... but you knew that already.
'Shout It Out' by Fikir Amlak [Saj Moor Dub - 2025]
Biggup our old friend, Saj Moor, who we told you about the last time we did one of these and is already back and this time, arguably, even stronger as the producer links up with the always active Fikir Amlak for 'Shout It Out'. I'll qualify this a bit: I haven't listened to Amlak's music a great deal over the years. Though I find myself crossing paths with his work every so often, I've never really focused much on him for one reason or another, but I have heard some of what he's done (he had a song a few years back that I REALLY liked called 'Royal Son'). So maybe you'll take that into consideration when I tell you that I'm quite confident in saying that 'Shout It Out' is the single best Fikir Amlak tune that I've heard thus far and maybe it becomes the impetus to get me to really tune him in (I'm pretty sure he has a new album now and even if he doesn't (or even if he does) the next one isn't too far away.... it NEVER is) Despite its title, 'Shout It Out' comes with this very cool and kind of building vibes to it (the riddim on this one is gold bar. Literally). It never fully ascends in terms of intensity but it remains with this gorgeous, almost mystical sound which Amlak puts to excellent usage in praise of The Almighty, while channeling the immortal Marcus Garvey.
The Tear Iron Riddim [Muscle Records - 2025]
Grrrr! Little late season madness courtesy of Muscle Records, check out the superb Tear Iron Riddim. I've been meaning to give this one its own mid-week feature post but it took me so damn long that it made more sense here. There're only five tracks on this riddim and I'm not crazy about all of them ('Jab Bull' by Island Prince is actually kind of annoying and I cannot remember the last time I called a song "annoying") but the absolute class of this thing is buried between a pair of tunes which are absolutely delicious. Greens blowtorch, Lavaman scorches everything everywhere with his 'Take Dat Down', while the queen reigns supreme as Fay-Ann Lyons provides the iron with its greatest threat, 'Show Me The Road'.
"A Piece Of The Blender: The Singles" by Everton Blender [Heartbeat Records - 1996]
I'm working on a review of an Everton Blender album so, of course, I'm going back and enjoying some of his older work so this EXCELLENT nearly thirty year old compilation is our blast from the past today, "A Piece Of The Blender". I've always appreciated how well this one was put together because it features songs such as 'World Corruption', 'Bob Marley' and 'Blend Dem' that would definitely get your attention and get your foot in the door; and when you settle in, also waiting for you were killers such as 'The Man', 'When You Wrong', 'Coming Harder' and others. I mention in the review how important I think it is for us to make sure that we pay the deserved respect to and CELEBRATE elders like the no seventy year old Blender while they're still around to be able to enjoy it. When you dig into much of his catalogue it isn't difficult because the man has given us some certified GEMS throughout his time.
Okay so, in case you did not pay any attention (and you probably did not) to the Carnival season in Grenada this year, I just wanted to let you know that you screwed up. You made a mistake, but I still love you and I have your back. Spice Mas this year produced some TRULY big tunes and, because your missed out, I thought that we'd catch you up on some of the biggest of them all from some of the island's (and Soca's, in general) most talented stars. Here is a very brief look back at one of the best seasons of music that Grenada has had, in my opinion, in quite a few years: Spice Mas 2024.
'Sweet Home' by Boyzie
First up is a tune that actually took home some hardware this year as someone who I've always wanted to spend more time talking about (going to have two opportunities today and the that was a pretty large part of the motivation to do this feature) did what he always does and scored a big hit that would net him his second consecutive Groovy Monarch crown in Grenada. The ever-talented "Mad Ras", Boyzie, charted with delightfully patriotic 'Sweet Home' via the Oil Down & Saraca Riddim from Xpert Productions. Boyzie may not be as heavily appreciated in the genre at its highest levels that his gifts would seem to merit (the man can literally do it all) as is evidenced by this song contrasted to the very next one that I'm going to tell you about. That being said, however, if you are fortunate to know who he is and have heard his work, you know exactly the flame that burns there. 'Sweet Home' was a tune like many that you've heard before, giving honour to the most beautiful region on the planet, but it has RARELY sounded this sweet and it came through absolutely effortlessly from a genuine reigning master of the genre.
'Chaotic' by Boyzie
To my opinion, Boyzie is even better in the Power category of Soca music and although he wouldn't take home the Power Monarch win this year (gonna tell you who did win it in just a minute), the multiple time Power champion (personal favourite of mine being 'Mas Everywhere' from about a decade ago) (I could name about five others on that same level, easy) ["CALL THE AMBULANCE! CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE!"] did show up in a major way with the HUGE 'Chaotic'. This tune is exactly what you want from a powerful modern Soca track. It's addictive. It's emotional. It's kinda pissed off at something and it displays all of that while MAINTAINING A MELODY. You can jump up to 'Chaotic' you can... take your clothes off (or someone else's). You can do a variety of stuff which may or may not be very important at all and that is the point: There is no point. It is a celebration of a feeling and if you feel have something on your mind that you're looking to burn off, 2024, as a whole, produced very few finer moments than 'Chaotic'.
"THEY FEEL LIKE I JOKING WITH THEM, WHEN I CATCH THEM IT'S OVER!"
'Different Levels' by Tallpree
Of course, it wouldn't count as an actual trip to Greenz without checking in on the incomparable Tallpree. This season the veteran mined DIAMONDS with his big tune, 'Different Levels', which (by the slightest of margins), was my favourite overall from Spice Mas 2024. To my opinion, there's a certain sound that Grenada Soca has. It is not refined AT ALL (Machel Montano and Destra you will not find) but there's kind of this GORGEOUSLY rugged sound at the core of its appeal and charm (think of people like Lavaman (whose tune I may or may not put in here and Lednek). If you want a perfect example of that, listen to 'Different Levels'. 'Different Levels' is FILTHY. It's intoxicating. It's beautiful and for someone like Tallpree, who has spent AGES making big tunes, it's one of the best he's done in recent times.... at least.
I wanted to come back and mention that though I lack the musical... technical knowledge to describe it - There is one part of 'Different Levels' that just makes it downright MAGICAL. I think it is a keyboard sound it's the one that you hear constantly but it isn't necessarily LOUD and it often gets overpowered. THAT! Whatever the hell THAT is.... DAMN!
'Not From Here' by Lavaman
Biggup Travis World, the mastermind (biggup Mastermind) Lavaman's very cool 'Not From Here'. There's a BOUNCE behind this tune (you can hear it right at the beginning and then it remains back there) which almost gives 'Not From Here' an old school Dancehall sound and then laid atop it is this stunning tropical blend which professional chaos creator, Lavaman uses to OFFICIALLY declare something that we've all known for years: He ain't like the rest of us.
'The Tape' by Dash
Lastly, the big winner of Spice Mas 2024 was Dash who captured both the Power Soca Monarch title as well as Road March and did so on the strength of the same tune.
"About four o'clock in di morning, I hear my door knock and I'm wondering who's that
'WE HAVE A WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST!'
I SAY, 'WHO ME?'
HE SAY 'YES!'
Are you sure?
Yes it's you
What I do?
HE SAY 'MASH UP PEOPLE PARTY AND THE VENUE!'
Man ah steups and ah sigh
Since when that is a crime?
Evidence build up high
They say 'the tape it doesn't lie!'"
Dash comes from the same school of making Soca as the great Bunji Garlin. HIGHLY lyrical he produces these GEMS and although I was surprised by the success that 'The Tape' would net him, it was because of the style of the tune. It does not SOUND like a Power Monarch winner or a Road March.... BUT IT IS LETHAL.
Okay so, Last Time we told you about some of the more interesting Reggae and Reggae-ish projects that were released during our long time away and, as I said then, we'll probably get around to telling you about a few more that we missed at some point in the future as well. Today, however, we're going to take a look and a listen to some of my favourite and more interesting Soca songs that jumped and waved during that same time, while we were taking a nap. So, here're about fifteen songs which have , for one reason or another, impressed the hell out of me over the past five years or so.
{Note: Songs appear in no particular order and were not written in the order they appear}
{Note 2: Will probably do this again at some point also}
{Note 3: Post #1500 on this blog}
'Run Wid It' by Mr. Killa [2019]
Step 1: Grab something
Step 2: Pick it up
Step 3: Run with it
Mr. Killa did not care what it was that you picked up, nor was it at all important to him where you ran to after you picked it up. You could pick up an empty can. You and your friends could get together and pick up a car. While on your way to pick up that car with your friends, you could stop and pick up one of them. You could go to one of his shows and, as I've seen before, you could get on the stage..... and pick HIM up. It was not important. Just pick up something [anything] and run with it. Do it now. Thank you
{Note: This song was fucking dangerous!}
'Judgement Stage' by Patrice Roberts [2019]
From ever since her days spent as sidekick to Machel Montano, featuring alongside the superstar on such tunes as 'Band Of De Year', 'Tempa Wine', and the MASSIVE 'Rollin', what I have most wanted to hear from Patrice Roberts has been that single moment where she LOSES HER ENTIRE MIND! She's come close a few times, most notably with 2018's 'Sweet Fuh Days', but back in 2019, Patsy got in right with 'Judgement Stage'. I love her music. I love her more aggressive songs and her beautiful Groovy ones alike, but 'Judgement Stage' may've become the best one that I've heard from Roberts altogether. It was melodic. It was kind of angry. It was rough around the edges and it was gorgeous from beginning to end. I have literally spent hours at a time listening to NOTHING but this one. One of my favourite Soca songs ever.
'Mad City' by MX Prime [2021]
I had forgotten all about this one and had to go back to the list and alter it (bumping out Iwer George and Kes in the process), because for the vast majority of last year, MX Prime's 'Mad City' was running right over me! The artist previously known as Maximus Dan linked with The Ultimate Rejects and produced this angry ass unforgettable moment which, though it may have lost some steam for me these days, once was a song I spent virtually every waking hour singing in my head in one way or another.
'Famalay' by Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin & Skinny Fabulous [2019]
I feel contractually obligated to mention 'Famalay' because, at least on paper, it may be THE single biggest song in the entire genre over the past decade or so. It's definitely in that discussion. The tune brought together Soca supernovas, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and Skinny Fabulous on the same damn tune. Previously Montano had worked with both artists and Skinny and Garlin would go onto do the maddening 'Reckless' afterwards, but 'Famalay', as its title would suggest, brought together three of the biggest names in the genre and they did not put a foot wrong. I've always thought that it was Garlin's star who shined the brightest here ["Well let me tell you one time: Family is family and that's different from bloodline"] amongst the three, but he alone did make it a winner as all three would show up properly in delivering the biggest tune of that year and almost any other year as well.
'Not A Drill' by Muddy [2017]
In terms of people who weren't really on my radar at the start of our hiatus, Grenada's Muddy may actually be the best 'newcomer' over the last few years for me. He's had several really big songs that I've enjoyed over the last half-decade or so such as 'D.S.A.', Raging Bull', 'Madada' [MAD] and others, but my choice for his inclusion on this list (because he had to be here) was this TRULY ridiculous piece from five years ago, 'Not A Drill'.
"If you find I ignorant then you hit the nail on the head!"
If you and I meet and you come way thinking that I am a damn fool - RIGHT ON! You are correct sir/ma'am! I completely agree with you! We reward thoughts like that around here and, each and every year, I'm certain to keep an eye and an ear on what Muddy is up to.
'Brain Tun Off' by Lavaman [2017]
Leave it to the wholly one of a kind Lavaman to turn his brain completely off and find a way to be rewarded for it. Lavaman is one of those types who we may overlook in terms of his actual level of TALENT because his hype can be so overwhelming, but his 2017 cut of Wetty Beatz' Punch Bag Riddim, 'Brain Tun Off', demonstrated precisely what the Grenadian is capable of in the midst of some of the most infectious chaos consistently churned out in the genre (I'd also recommend 'I En Done' from 2017 as well).
'Soca Saved My Life' by Destra [2019]
You know I had to include Destra in here somewhere. If you asked me my favourite Soca artist at this moment, I would probably say Skinny Fabulous (and that has probably been the case for.... maybe five or six years now really), but if you asked my favourite of all time - that distinction belongs to the diminutive fireball from out of Laventille, Trinidad, whose melodically masterful choas enhancers helped me in initially becoming a fan of a genre that has given me and my family SO much joy throughout the years (I grew up listening to Soca, but didn't really gain a taste for it until right when I entered adulthood basically). She's made a three or four songs that I have liked more than 'Soca Saved My Life' in recent times, but I choose to mention it over those (like 'Stage Party') (and 'NOW' with Nadia Batson) for its impact. While it didn't quite "save" my life, I would not want to imagine being without what is, by far, my favourite musical drug of choice... damn living, breathing adrenaline rush.
'Geh Meh Mad' by Fay-Ann Lyons [2018]
Because she simply had to be here, for Fay-Ann Lyons' representative, I chose this MOODY, pulsing track from 2018, 'Geh Meh Mad', which was produced by veteran Keskeys. I don't know if would go as far as to call it one of the best songs she's ever done (that is saying a TON if you know what this woman has been up to for the last couple of decades or so), but what I will say is that from the very first time I heard it in late 2017 roughly, 'Geh Meh Mad' put me in a damn trance or something. It has this amazing hypnotic quality to it. Sit there and listen to it two or three times and you will find yourself kind of robotically singing along on the chorus
"..... geh meh mad
..... geh meh mad
..... geh meh mad
..... geh meh mad"
Maybe that was the intention or just what happened with it, but 'Geh Meh Mad' was fucking dangerous! Do not listen to while operating machinery or holding a small child.
'Lunacy' by Gabrielle [2018]
I didn't know much about Gabrielle Palandy when she dropped the seriously underrated 'Lunacy', a few years back... and I still don't know too much about Gabrielle, having heard very little from her (maybe just one song since this one, actually, and that was from just last year. 'Congo Gal', nice song). 'Lunacy' was just SO DAMN COOL with Gabrielle fully embracing and CELEBRATING the ridiculous side that is, at least hopefully, alive and thriving in us all. It definitely brought her to my attention and chances are you probably didn't hear it - now is a good time to become acquainted.
'John Wick' by Skinny Fabulous [2021]
GRRR!
A big credit definitely goes in the direction of Kay Frass Production and the larger than life Lavaman (who should be in here, somewhere, with a tune of his own), who is responsible for the blazing Legends Riddim which carried the latest in the line of equally GIANT, powerful tunes from my current favourite Soca star today, St. Vincent flamer, Skinny Fabulous, 'John Wick', which follows such unforgettably energized pieces as 'Head Bad', 'Duracell', 'Cave', 'Monster', 'Beast Leh Go', 'Di General', 'Mash Up International', 'Fyah Anthem', 'Godzilla', 'Scary' (which is my favourite), 'Ignorant', and others (DAMN!). If you love power Soca, Skinny Fabulous has probably done more for you than anyone besides.... well, I was about to say Montano, but I think he's topped even the monk in recent times. 'John Wick' in particular was MADNESS! It was a beautiful piece of carnage just like the movies it was named after (they keep making the same movie over and over again, basically, but I thoroughly enjoy them).
"IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MOVE THEN YOU WILL GET TRAMPLED!
DO NOT FOLLOW US CAUSE WI IS BAD EXAMPLE!"
'Pieces' by Skinny Fabulous [2021]
If you've suffering from some type of cabin fever or pandemic blues over the past few years, you were most certainly not alone and Soca music, in full, was there for you - making several big tunes in observation of the moment. The biggest? It was probably Skinny Fabulous who swore to every one who could hear him that after "so long we've been waiting":
"THE FIRST PARTY WE TOUCH, IT AHGO MASH UP INNA PIECES!"
Not the most aggressive track on this list, but with Hunta Flow's fittingly middle of the road vibed Say When Riddim, 'Pieces' was as forecastingly DESTRUCTIVE as one could have hoped and I'm sure the man kept his word.
'Into You' by Patrice Roberts [2020]
After Skinny Fabulous Patrice Roberts may just be my second favourite Soca artist going today (Fay-Ann would also have something to say about that as well) and she has come to that point largely based on a wonderful consistent ability to churn out SWEET Groovy masterpieces. While we were away she continued right along, business as usual, serving up DIAMONDS such as this wonderful track from 2019, 'Into You'. Precision Productions lent their delicious part old school Dancehall, part Soca riddim, the 10x Over to the songstress and, in turn, she gave them a BEAUTIFUL song which, at least in my opinion, is one of her finest ever! That's saying a lot when you consider her catalogue, but 'Into You' was THAT good.
'The Struggle' by Bunji Garlin [2020]
Lest you ever forget just how lyrical Soca music can be and how it isn't just about jumping, waving and misbehaving, there will always be Bunji Garlin and he will always have performances like the Jus Now helmed 'The Struggle' from just a couple of years back (well, maybe not exactly like it. This one was special). 'The Struggle' was a mammoth chunk of GENIUS! It was so damn smart and, ultimately, has gone on to become one of my favourite Garlin songs from the last decade or so and maybe even ever. The tune was not only very lyrical, featuring downright immaculate wordplay, but it was pure, authentic Soca music. It wasn't Dancehall-ish or -esque or any of that shit. It featured Garlin with his incomparable wordy arsenal in full display in a way we have rarely, if ever, heard on a song before (I'm sure we have, the man has had some GEMS).
'Savannah Grass' by Kes [2019]
While it was definitely difficult not to get lost in the buzz created by the mammoth 'Famalay' in 2019, one of the tunes which not only faired very well for itself but THRIVED during the time was this, in my opinion even stronger, effort from Kes, the downright STUNNING 'Savannah Grass'. The tune has topped the still mighty 'Wotless' from a few seasons back to become Kes' biggest hit to date (at least as far as I can tell) and with great reason: It was absolutely phenomenal. I know people (two in particular) who think 'Savannah Grass' is the greatest piece of Soca ever created -- by anyone, ever -- and while I couldn't quite go that far, such compliments are not totally outlandish for this instant classic.
'Hookin Meh' by Farmer Nappy [2019]
Woman. You are looking entirely too damn good and this food you just cooked tastes entirely too damn good for me us to break up. I'm sorry. I will do my best to improve as a man and make some changes... but, nope. We are not breaking up right now.
That is the sentiment behind this WONDERFUL track from underrated Trini star and one of Soca' most consistent acts, Farmer Nappy, 'Hookin Meh'. Riding the infectious Purple Heart Riddim courtesy of De Red Boyz and Country Life Music, 'Hookin Meh' became a definite winner from the Farmer in a career that, whether you realize it or not, is absolutely BRIMMING with hits of varying degrees. This was one for the vaults and a mighty task you'll undertake in trying to forget it (trust me, I just failed at forgetting it).
