Ras Shiloh & Norris Man??!

You know what? This song isn't the greatest but the very fact that we get a song, 'Victory', bringing together these two is damn newsworthy... just thought you'd like to know. 

What I'm Listening To: SUMMA COME!

'Against It All' by Reemah [Rymshot Music - 2026]

First up this week is the latest from a longtime favourite of ours who is hopefully set to spend more time in the studio this year as the brilliant Reemah sets out her brand new tune, the equally sagacious 'Against It All'. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is STARVING for a new album from the Cruzan word champion and each and every time she sets out with a new release (as infrequent as it may be) she does nothing but add fuel to that fire. 'Against It All' does not become an exception as Reemah BLAZES as usual, this time along with Rymshot Music and the great Dean Pond.

"Ever bless and a respect overall

Wrong over right weh dem reject overall

It's just a vibe weh awaken overall

Cuz nuff a wolf inna sheep clothing overall"

"Ganja Farmer" by Marlon Asher [VAS Productions - 2026]

Someone who certainly hasn't been a stranger in the studio has been Trini burner, Marlon Asher, who just issued his most recent full length set, "Safe", last year. Well, the famed Ganja Farmer is back with a new EP release..... "Ganja Farmer", in celebration of the 20th anniversary of what remains his most popular song to date (I say all the time how fast it seems time flies; in this case it definitely does seem like it's been twenty years since 'Ganja Farmer' dropped. I'm almost surprised it hasn't been longer, actually). The seven track set features contributions from the likes of Masicka, Prince Swanny and Major Seven and it also carries a remastered version of its legendary namesake - and the general theme of all of the selections revolve around the same thing. I also HAVE to mention what I believe to be the single from "Ganja Farmer", 'Ganja Man', on which Marlon Asher taps the Ganjaville Riddim from our old friends at Oneness Records. That song is EXCELLENT! 

"Winner" by Norris Man [Home And Away Music]

Many many moons ago, the great Norris Man released an album by the name of "Hey Woman". It was largely built on love songs and.... well.... well it was kinda terrible. It wasn't a good album. Earlier this year (on Valentine's Day), Norris Man thought he'd take another swipe at it with "Winner" and.... well.... I can't (I could) necessarily call it TERRIBLE but "Winner" is not a good album. One or two selections here (namely 'Doors Are Open' and maybe 'That Someone') prevent this one from being a complete lost but "Winner" isn't anything that you need to hear if you haven't already. I wasn't DYING for a new album from Norris Man and he's damn sure earned the right to do whatever he wants musically (and "Winner" is released on his own Home And Away label) but, again, "Winner" is no good. 

Ziggi Recado

It seems as if I actually went quiet, for the most part, on the extraordinarily gifted Ziggi Recado. He'd turned in a few tunes that I wasn't particularly thrilled with and I didn't keep up with his output as well as I had in previous years. However, 2026 has seen a striking return to form and he's dropped a number of big tunes in its first half, alone. Arguably the biggest of them all is his WICKED latest (to my knowledge), 'One Step Forward' which I knew had the handiwork of the geniuses at Oneness Records even prior to my knowing that it was their production (I'[d recognize those horns ANYWHERE). 'One Step Forward' is brilliant and it's easily one of the finest tunes that I've heard from anyone so far this year. Ahead of that, Oneness also released the infectious 'Boom Meditation' which is another big tune (that riddim on that song is MAD!)... and you know where my mind is headed (keep making singles together...). A big new album from Recado would look LOVELY in the year's second half but until/unless then, we're all going to benefit from one of the genre's biggest talents seemingly on a course this year to destroy everything, everywhere with that quality.

Ziggi's also released a couple of songs via Nayamari Music (pretty sure that's his label), 'Same Realness' & 'Trod Straight'; both are solid but the latter, especially, is top notch. 

The I:Rob Riddim [Mizik Muzik + Billionaire Bootcamp]

And this one kinda fits both in the current and past senses as it DELIGHTFULLY popped back up on my radars a month or so ago courtesy of a new compilation album release (and I was so DAMN happy about it that I nearly slapped a review on it). You'll have to go back two decades to when a tune by the name of 'Talk' by the talented Mr. Peppa became a sizable hit (and it's probably still his biggest hit right now). The tune was produced by Ward 21 and came atop their high-tech I:Rob Riddim. Who would have known that, in early 2026, the riddim would have a remastered compilation. That's exactly what I stumbled upon and have been KILLING ever since I noticed it. I'll give top honours to Peppa here but he most certainly was not alone in scoring on the I:Rob. Bounty Killer, Spragga Benz (whose trademark 'The Pusher' is excellent), the Ward themselves who take two shots at their riddim, Vybz Kartel and even Anthony B all turn in solid offerings (as does, to a lesser degree, Mad Cobra whose 'Red Eye' is just... very strange at times) on the I:Rob Riddim.

Still Blessed?: A review of Voice Of The People by Ras Indio

Plus one. There is something very powerful about making a strong first impression. In almost any type of situation that I can think of, if you get someone's attention in a positive way and impress that person and give leave with something to remember you by, you have potentially done something special and laid a very important foundation for what is to come. You (YOU sitting right there) can think of situations where you've experienced such a thing. Maybe some of the best people you've ever met or some of your best friends are so because something they did or said right around the time when you first met them (then there's that one you have that has made awful impression after awful impression but you just love them for some reason) (biggup Loa). The obvious direction here goes to the position of a musician making a big tune and grabbing the initial attention of a listener and, at least potentially, making a lifelong fan out them. If you do that enough times it can help you immensely in not only widening your reach but also.... it's going to put some money in your pocket, which is always a good thing. On more simpler and personal terms I can think of a very nice group of artists who, from around the very first time I heard from them (and maybe even of them) managed to display some level of talent that, at the very least, went a great way in making them a name that stayed on my radars for quite some time. DEFINITELY the most interesting of this lot would be Turbulence and the very rocky 'relationship' that I have had with his music over the years. Turbulence is one of the most gifted artists in Reggae music that I have EVER heard. Period. He has a GREAT singing voice. He can chant. He is powerfully lyrically. He can literally do it all and that has been the case over the past quarter-century plus. He has, unfortunately, spent the better part of the last.... decade and a half or so (it's probably more like seventeen, eighteen years at this point) CONSISTENTLY making these uneven love songs dominate his catalogue and if he makes ten of them, maybe I'll enjoy one; maybe not. Still, because of what he showed so early on, I am convinced and will likely ALWAYS be convinced of his abilities, so whenever Turbulence makes new music, I'll be paying attention (new tune, 'Cut Off The Serpent Neck', w/Makaru) (good song) and hoping for the best. I could run through several names of artists who've impressed me through the years with some of the very first output that I heard from them (Pressure Busspipe would be another good example) and have remained at least interested in many years later and today we get an opportunity to take a long awaited look at another.

2009

You don't come across Belize too often in your 'travels' as a fan of Reggae music. I could name a few off the top of my head but really at the top is but a couple of names (unless I am REALLY forgetting someone). One would be the sweet voiced Eljai, who we don't hear from nearly enough and consistently churns out at least SOLID material. The obvious other and, arguably the most popular, is the esteemed Ras Indio of whom I'd like to think I spent quite a bit of time 'back in da day' doing my absolute best in trying make people aware. Why? I'd heard a few singles of Indio's (one in particular, 'Healing of the Nation', his cut of the MASSIVE Show Love Riddim) (biggup Itation) but a large portion of my attraction to his sound came via a very large (literally) album Indio did by the name of "Jah Bless Us". TO THIS DAY, "Jah Bless Us" holds a very strong (and strange) place in my affections as, although I'm not going to tell you that it is one of THE best albums that I've ever heard in my life - it was absolutely fantastic. Loaded full of wonderful songs (and familiar names) (including Turbulence) (as well as Lutan Fyah, Luciano, Chezidek and even Ras Attitude), "Jah Bless Us" was one of the very few sets that I've come across that, thought clearly overstuffed -- twenty three tracks -- it was NOT too long. Its signature and title track is likely one of the best... hundred or so songs that I have ever come across and it is just a beautiful piece of work. That album reached way back in 2009 and it made a fan out of me as I have been sure to keep an eye on what Ras Indio had been working on ever since. 

And 2025 has brought us very nice news. Though he's been remained fairly active over the years, it'd been awhile from the last time we'd heard from Indio in any type of full way. To my knowledge, "Jah Bless Us" remains his most recent album, but a decade ago, he did give us "One of A Kind", a love-centric EP which was probably better than you recall (and by "you", of course I mean me). There's been a bucket of singles as well, including 'Love & Inity' a HUGE track from just last year, done alongside the aforementioned Pressure Busspipe. I was hopeful -- I'm always hopeful for such things -- but I had no actual reason to believe that forthcoming was any type of new album from Ras Indio but look what we have here! 2025 has been a fun one so far and it goes even higher, courtesy of "Voice Of The People", the long awaited brand new album from Ras Indio! BOOM! Credited for production is a David L Smith (who is probably Ras Indio) and the same Indigenous Productions (also likely Ras Indio) that releases all of Ras Indio's work and I've also seen our friends at DaVille credited with its distribution as well (biggup ReggaeVille). I have to say that the feeling when I found out that Indio had FINALLY done a new album wasn't quite to this level, but it was awfully close to what I felt in 2023, when the incomparable Queen Omega ended the drought and delivered "Freedom Legacy": I WAS SO DAMN HAPPY! For someone who you try to make it a point of to 'check on', at least semi-routinely, when you come back to them and notice that they have an album, in general, is a very big deal (any day now, Reemah), but when it's Ras Indio, for me, it was a special feeling and maybe I'm the only one saying it but "Voice Of The People" IMMEDIATELY became one of the most anticipated sets of 2025. When I got my first taste of what was to come, it was magnified and all of that was even before we got to how good the actual album even was. 

Ras Indio's style is a subtly interesting one. On its surface, it is fairly straight forward modern Roots Reggae chanting and if that's how you want to describe it, that is fine and accurate. However, when you dig into just a bit more, his methods do open up just a bit. He has a very strong command of melody but it isn't a sound that you would call 'loose' or 'wild' to any degree. What results is a very entertaining brand of Roots music, via kind of 'gruff' and clever delivery. You won't actually get your first taste of that on Ras Indio's new album, "Voice Of The People", until the second and title track because the first is an Intro, which appears to be a part of an interview, where Indio declares himself one of the people ["How can I be the voice of the people, if I am not a part of the people?"]. On 'Voice of The People', he formalizes matters. This song actually turned out to be, lyrically, nothing like what I expected. After its beginnings, it basically drifts into a VERY general direction where Indio goes through pretty typical topics for the genre. I was looking forward to something far more specific. Of course, that doesn't mean that the 'Voice of The People' is a bad song necessarily (it is not) but given what happened the last time, the title track for a Ras Indio album had VERY large shoes to fill.   One third of the twelve tunes here are combinations and we get the first of the lot on the excellent 'Strong Everywhere', which taps the golden vocals of Jamaican singer Ginjah, displaying his talents alongside Indio. This is actually a remix of an old tune of Ginjah's, which now features Indio. Presumably, the Belizean was a fan and wanted the song for his album and while Ginjah largely dominates (as you would imagine. That man's voice can literally be OVERWHELMING at times) but Ras Indio makes his presence known in adding a colour to what was already a big piece of work, in tribute to the all-powerful, ever-present nature of Rastafari. Later on, Indio is joined by a pair of Hip-Hoppers from out of Belize (I THINK), Big Bang Manifest (cool name) and Kassa for 'Bang Bang' (with a helping hand [SAMPLE] from Eek-a-mouse). I have never much of a fan of Hip-Hop and this song won't change that at all but I do not hate it and the anti-violence creation definitely does has its place on an album such as "Voice Of The People" in my opinion. No less than FIVE other artists join in on 'Time Is Now', King Siege, Wonder Boy, Fobi, World Foe (who is the only one I'm confident in saying that I've heard of) and Fuego. This one is also kind of leaning towards more of a Hip-Hop side and, as you would expect with so many names on board, it's sort of all over the place. It is VERY animated and made for ears other than mine although you definitely give credit to Indio for putting together such a tune, giving exposure to other artists to people like You and I; providing them with a chance to make a fine first impression of their own.  I'll also add, right here, a later track also of a more of a Hip-Hop sound, the rather solid 'Bad Mind'. Musically speaking, 'Bad Mind' doesn't do much for me at all but it damn near SOARS when you actually tune in what Indio is saying ["Certain thing wi just nah go tolerate yah. As a Rastaman, it's just my Rasta nature"]. Song won't change your life and you've likely heard dozens like it beforehand (probably with the exact same title), but some of the things said on an otherwise largely nondescript track are not to go overlooked. 

If you've spent anytime at all around here, you won't at all be surprised to know that 'No Curse' is my absolute favourite song on this album. Why would that be so obvious?? Well, 'No Curse' just so happens to feature Norris Man who's also been a favourite of mine, particularly in recent times. This song just makes me SMILE! It's about being upfull, having a positive attitude and treating others well (even when they don't reciprocate) (.... ESPECIALLY when they don't reciprocate). 

"Wi neva do dem no harm

Neva bring dem no hurt

ALWAYS PRAY FI DEM FI BE BLESSED

Never bring dem no curse"

The full vibes from this one are just so powerful and attractive, making for the signature moment of "Voice Of The People" in my opinion. Desire you another winner? Check the album's obligatory ganja tune, 'I Blaze'. 'I Blaze' is just a COOL song. It has some slightly more aggressive elements to it but, for the most part, it comes through as a very chilled herb tune and I have to mention how Indio seems to combine a couple of different older songs in his lyrics. I (and maybe only I) hear an ode to a personal favourite of mine, 'Bun It' by Mr. Vegas and Ele, but regardless of its possible inspirations, 'I Blaze' is excellent. On a similar level is the tune chasing 'I Blaze', 'Me Against the World'. 

"For He is all I need, throughout my times of tribulation

He's all I need, to keep me from those devil temptations

Jah is all I need, to give I & I a daily inspiration

JAH IS ALL I NEED, THE AIR I BREATHE, WHILE DEEP INNA MI MEDITATION

So in tims when you are down and feel like no one's there

Search and He's all around

Always keeping you safe and sound, oh yeah

In times when you're in need and the rocky roads still ah get steep

Put your faith inna The Most High

My forever Guide and Shield"

This song is a praise, wrapped up in a vibe dealing with perseverance and determination, with the lasting sentiment being that when you're in a bad place in life, Indio is saying that it may not be as bleak as it seems because SOMEONE always has your back, should you seek HIM out.

If you didn't get enough fire, Ras Indio has you covered between two songs helmeting (just make ANYTHING a verb. "Helmeting" = 'at the beginning of') the second half of "Voice Of The People", 'Rise & Fall' and 'Hotta Fyah'. Both are pretty mid-level and fun Dancehall (I mean real Dancehall) tunes, with the latter being the better of the pair. I was very happy that both of these songs were on the album because it kind of gives the project more of a balance. You have Roots and then you have some Hip-Hop. The PERFECT stop between the two is definitely Dancehall and, coming from someone who is obviously and admittedly biased towards one side, the Dancehall tracks are CLEARLY better in every way than the Hip-Hop on "Voice Of The People". Lastly, and I hate to say it but I can explain myself is a song with which I was VERY disappointed: An acoustic version of version of the aforementioned 'Jah Bless Us'. Initially, when I saw this included I got super excited because the original version of the tune begins with an acoustic sound before developing into that... chunk of diamond that thing was (it is SO beautiful), so I thought this version would just be an expansion on the first half or so of the original. It isn't. This is an entirely newly sang tune and it just isn't as good. It isn't BAD but I was expecting a slightly more streamlined cut of the original and, again, that is not what this is. 

Overall, obviously it goes without saying that this album does not quite reach the levels of "Jah Bless Us" and that's fine. I wasn't expecting it to and would have been shocked if it did. However, "Voice Of The People" is still an entertaining and compelling piece of work and I think that much of the crowd that began listening to Ras Indio because of that earlier masterpiece will find at least something here to enjoy. I do wish it were a bit more Reggae-centric (and so do you) and maybe more consistent but I'm not disappointed, wholly, with "Voice Of The People". Regardless of how it registers, there's nothing that I've experienced here which will shake me from whatever it turns out that Ras Indio releases next. It is the case when you make such a fine entrance. Maybe a more varied type of fan will have that moment with this album, more Reggae heavy listeners, look to get on where I did.

Rated 3/5

Indigenous Productions

2025

The Best Reggae Albums of 2024!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebel With Norris Man!

Unsurprisingly, back with yet another big new tune is the scalding Norris Man, this time linking with DJ Johnson from out of Denmark who was at work behind the chanter's 2023 set, "Life" (where it would have rivaled 'Folly Deeds' as the album's biggest tune, in my opinion. Another stellar tune coming from Norris Man in what I'm expecting to be another big year from him as well.

"Wi haffi keep it strong

Still ah bun babywrong"

Signatures Vol II: Norris Man

Okay so, while I originally had the idea that the next installment of our Signatures series would be Lutan Fyah (he will almost certainly be #3 now), I thought that, in an effort to be more timely, given my relatively fresh HIGH love of his output, that instead we'd take a look at the work of Norris Man. While the artist has definitely scored his fair number of big tunes, he seems to eternally be regarded as in some state of despair and has (probably happily on his end) made several songs which speak for the downtrodden and down-on-their-luck members of society (which the genre of music he makes does, as a whole for the most part, but he, in particular, has seemed to be tied to that type of song throughout the years, in my opinion). He's also hit, at least for me, with material covering a vast array of topics and because of that, i was quite happy to see that, when I was done compiling this one, through no intent, it blanketed several different ideas and themes that Norris Man has not only written about but excelled at. Today we take a look at the best of one of our current burgeoning favourites, Signatures: Norris Man. 

1. 'Persistence'

The way to life. I thought I'd get the most obvious choice out of the way first, as the now nearing a quarter of a century old 'Persistence' likely remains the single biggest and most identifiable tune Norris Man has done to date. The Kings of Kings helmed tune (remember them???) has, arguably, captured Norris' entire career as fans have always looked at him as this struggling singer dealing with the 'ups and downs' of being a professional musician but there is something SO MUCH more interesting about 'Persistence': IT IS GORGEOUS! It stands as one of the greatest sufferer's anthems in a genre which has, historically, been packed with them as anyone who is down on their luck or has ever been down on their luck can find solidarity in this IMMORTAL track. 

2. 'Home & Away'

Made a sacrifice. So, I'd made this entire list (or almost all of it, anyway) and I KNEW I was missing something and I knew what it was but I was hesitant in bringing it on board... and then common sense kicked in. I have NONE of that stuff but, fortunately, my Wife has tons of it. Therefore, courtesy of Mrs. Achis, a list featuring the biggest Norris Man tunes features... the second biggest tune of his career, 'Home & Away'. 'Home & Away' is a love song. That's just what it is and, occasionally such tunes will creep up and score unlikely hits, finding a giant audience within the masses and this was such a case. Carried by Vertex' Flames Riddim, 'Home & Away' kinda/sorta glows and while it may not be a definitive favourite of mine... sure, such a list would be kinda/sorta trash without it. 

3. 'King Of Your Soul'

Take control. I remember it well! Buried on a random, dozen year old album, "Modern Roots" (from which, off the top of my head, I can't remember a single other tune from right now), from Swedish outfit, Nordic Steel, 'King Of Your Soul' was very much a surprise. Who knew that what was such a varied project would produce, EASILY, one of the greatest songs of Norris' career and one of the greatest from absolutely ANYONE that I have ever heard (it's top 100 or so for me, right now). 'King Of Your Soul' had everything you would hope for in a praise: It paid ultimate tribute to His Imperial Majesty and it was also FUN to listen to. It was such a resounding vibe and made such an impact on me that I will never forget it and I don't give a damn if I'm the only one. 

4. 'When Your Time Is Up' featuring Pressure Busspipe

You were warned about this. The first of a pair of combinations that you'll find here, 'When Your Time Is Up' was a stroke of genius in bringing together two artists who proved to compliment one another PERFECTLY. Norris Man teamed up with VI scorcher Pressure Busspipe for Itation Records' (remember them???) Show Love Riddim on a tune which I THINK I originally encountered on the "Know The Road" album via Lustre Kings Productions (more on them in a bit), ''When Your Time Is Up'. The first time I heard it I just thought that whoever thought to bring them together just had an excellent idea (and said as much and, if I recall correctly, someone from LKP linked us and told me whose idea it was) because the results were so damn mighty. 'When Your Time Is Up' is a powerful tune about us all living in a positive and gratifying way because our time is quickly running out and you never know which day will be your last. The best combination Norris Man has ever done in my opinion.

5. 'H.I.M. Never Fail'

Conquering. I think the first song here would be the choice you'd most likely hear were you to ask fans which of Norris Man's pieces were their favourite and while it would be high on my own list (DUH), my answer would be this CLASSIC Henfield produced burner from a quarter-century ago, 'H.I.M. Never Fail'. Built on a version Dennis Brown's Created by The Father Riddim, the Babatunde (which is also one of my favourite riddims of all time), 'H.I.M. Never Fail' was praising track of powerfully rarely seen ilk combining an artist and a track which both were in a STUNNING form. TEARS! TEARS! And more TEARS!

6, 'After All' featuring Lutan Fyah

Still waiting. I wasn't as appreciative of Norris Man's music as I am now back when I first laid ears on 'After All', another big winner from the "Home & Away" release but, in retrospect, teaming him up with a then and now favourite of mine was something which could not miss for me and.... it didn't. The tune pinnacled lyrically, no the blazing historical social commentary but the In The Streetz supplied riddim of the same name also shined, making a perfect backdrop for this mightily memorable combination. 

7. 'We Are The Creator'

They are the separators. 'We Are The Creator' was absolutely scathing! It was just a HARSH and often VICIOUS point made by Norris Man and the electrically charged In The Streetz steered piece finds its footing here LARGELY due to its lyrically execution. 

"They take us to distant seas, over distant shores

WE'VE GOT A LOT OF LOVE, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE POOR

Those who try to harms us want to make things rough

There is no other way than to show them that we're tough

Corruption inna di city, yeah, dem still ah cover up

Dem chat a bagga lies so dem ah go down inna di rough

POLLUTION INNA DI AIR AND IT AH MESS DEM UP

DEM SYSTEM NO REAL SO RASTAMAN AH BUN IT UP

MI DEH YA FI SI DI GREEDY MAN GET HIM THROAT CUT

Colonialism dem ah use to rule but mi no trust 

Rome? Much less fi drink from dem cup

SELASSIE MAN PRAISE BUT IN GOD THEY TRUST

We are the creator

They are the separator"

GRRRR!

8. 'Hold On To Your Faith'

More than joy. I think it says something fairly significant that, out of a pool of thirty-three songs, there is but ONE that appears on both of Norris Man's first two albums as far as I can tell (which probably means that there're actually like nine of them), "Persistence" & "Better Your Soul" [note: As I write this, RIGHT NOW, I still have yet to decide if I'm including the title track from the latter in this list], 'Hold On To Your Faith'. From its downright intoxicating chant of an opening setting the tone on a vibes which remains throughout, to the fact that the song has likely been undervalued lyrically for its entire life (you really tune this thing in. It is nearly SPECIAL) - what you had here in this both socially and spiritually aware creation was a CRYSTAL CLEAR highlight from the vault of its creator. 

9. 'Congo Shanti'

A place of meditation. Another relatively obscure personal favourite of mine, the Levy helmed 'Congo Shanti' was the standing highlight of "World Crisis", an overlooked album from way back in 2003. Though somewhat on the front-foot and aggressive, there was a certain level of obtainable SERENITY buried within this one that I've always gravitated towards it for that reason. The sweetness is here as Norris Man details many of the world's ills and his desire to seek refuge from them "up inna di hills".

 

10. 'Culture Dem'

Go purify. I feel like I've indirectly spoken about this tune quite a bit over the years but it's been a very long time since I've mentioned it directly. Wayyyy back in 2002 the good people at Lustre Kings Productions released the first installment of their wonderful Roots compilation album series, "Culture Dem". The thing was well done from the cover (which featured most (if not all) of the artists on the album hand-drawn, such as Capleton, Sizzla, Anthony B, Turbulence and Jah Mason) through the music and, over two decades later, I am still a fan and still writing about the works of LKP. It is simply one of my favourite albums EVER. Well, it just so happens that the title track of "Culture Dem" was Norris Man's. It will NEVER be far from my mind.

11. 'Undiluted Love'

And nothing can change that. Though the aforementioned 'Home & Away' is far more well known, to my opinion the classic 'Undiluted Love' is the single greatest love song Norris Man has ever made. A product of the same batch of music that produced the first selection on this list, 'Undiluted Love' had such a powerfully JOVIAL vibes about it that isn't always attached to such a piece (sometimes love songs can be... downright solemn, even when they aren't of the 'broken-hearted'  variety). The tune made you move to some degree, it got you going, physically, and it also resonated with you, again, in a way not typically reserved for such a selection. Just listen  to this thing!

 

12. 'Murdera'

Judgment set. There was this wonderful FRAGILITY to 'Murdera', a song produced by our old friend, Sherkhan and Tiger Records way back in the day, for the "Much More To Life". It has become the definitive signature from that set eleven years on and has grown to the size (obviously given its inclusion here), that I find myself singing the chorus ["Murdera. Yuh judgment set"] quite often when I think of Norris Man' work. It's a PERFECT tune for such a list because it stands as one of the songs that he's done which is one of the most IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIABLE for me, personally. The actual song was a giant general swipe at negativity, with "murderer" being the route chosen to convey the idea but make no mistake about it: You don't have to actually kill anyone to take a shot from Norris Man on this track. Also worth mentioning is the wonderfully simple riddim behind which spices up during its latter portions and is absolutely fitting for the moment. 

13. 'As I Rise'

See them fail. And finally (unless I choose to switch it) is the newest selection here, the class of 2022's "Deep Conversations", 'As I Rise'. While I was putting all of this together I had a melody in my head for a couple of songs but I couldn't fit in the words for awhile. I eventually did and one of them actually turned out to be a Chezidek song (who would also make for a great 'Signatures' feature in the future) and the other was this GORGEOUS track. Along with being powerfully worded and organized (you can take this song in so many different directions and it makes sense on ALL of them).... there is something really pleasing about 'As I Rise'. That chorus is sublime and it just makes you feel good! It hits every note that you would want it to and is everything you would see in recent classic.

What I'm Listening To: Binnaminnit

"The Akae Beka Scrolls" [Trinity Farm Music/Go A Chant Productions]

First up is a piece that I've been LOVING for most of September as Trinity Farm Music & Go A Chant Productions link up to bring forth "The Akae Beka Scrolls". This release follows February's outstanding "Living Testament" from Akae Beka and comes with a very unique story as far as I follow it. The legendary Vaughn Benjamin completed the work on "Living Testament" and returned to the studio intending to do more work and what resulted was a Dub album which he directed and produced and became "The Akae Beka Scrolls". Despite how often I find myself saying it, I'm starting to rethink the notion that I'm not much of a Dubhead because, as I get older, I'm really enjoying the subgenre quite a bit more. Playing here, along with Benjamin, himself, are familiar names such as Kenyatta Itola, Ishence, Ras Pulse and others. There is some really strong material on "The Akae Beka Scrolls" including the downright monstrous opener 'Psalm 19', which clocks in at nearly eight minutes in length. Also check 'Psalm 72', 'Psalm 37' and the wicked closer 'Psalm 119' (probably a poor choice of words there, but so be it). 

"Secret Hater" by Cali P [Senmbelek/Evidence Music]

A fun thing happened with this one: 'Secret Hater' is the latest fun release coming from looooongtime AchisReggae favourite, Cali P and I saw that he had a new tune out and I was eager to hear it and it lived up to the lofty standards set by the chanter through all these years ["Caan ramp wid di friend dem from di Netherlands. A dem will send you go a Neverland. Gwadada and di mad Nigerians - GRIND YOU LIKE  CINNAMON"] (I've, literally, been writing about Cali P's music for over FIFTEEN YEARS) - of course, the presence of Suku in production doesn't hurt either. As it turns out, 'Secret Hater' is also the title track from Cali P's latest three-track EP. The set also includes 'Mi Ruff Road'. New to my ears, 'Mi Ruff Road' is a somewhat Hip-Hoppish set (never my favourite) and HIGHLY lyrical. The wordplay on this one, subtly, is damn impressive! The third track is the downright GLORIOUS previous release, 'Jah Blessing' which originally reached back in April. 'Jah Blessing' is fantastic. It's aged very well and... I feel pretty confident in calling it one of Cali P's single best tunes EVER. Very nice three tunes collected here. You know what we really want (add like ten more to it!), but maybe that's for 2025 and "Secret Hater" is a tiny reminder and display of one of the finest talents in Reggae today.

'Satta Massagana' by The Fantells [Warrior Records]

If you follow Reggae music closely, there's a chance that you've come across both the group, The Fantells as well as the legendary tune they've recently redone, 'Satta Massagana' (literally one of the greatest songs EVER) (...like ever). You'd likely know The Fantells from several big tunes they had when they were active , particularly during the 70's (personal favourite of mine being 'Where You Gonna Run'), and 2024 marks a big return for the group (with new members). Earlier this year The Fantells released an entire album by the name of "Just For You" and now they're taking on The Abysinnians classic. Despite being fairly straight forward, 'Satta Massagana', because of just how well known and DURABLE it is, can be a difficult tune to recreate and, asy ou would expect, The Fantells have made a more than decent account of a truly immortal sound and be sure to give "Just For You" a listen as well (doing it myself at the moment and enjoying). 

The Rebel Frequency Riddim [D Rebell Productions]

Big credit goes to D Rebell Productions and Solid Rock Sound for their golden new creation, the Rebel Frequency Riddim. When you put together a compelling group of vocalists for your riddim, you're definitely going to get my attention and your riddim being of actual quality is an added bonus and, on the Rebel Frequency, DRP have both going for them and it isn't that the Rebel Frequency has.... an overwhelming group of artists but look at this: Norris Man, Clatta Bumboo, Jah Defender, Jalifa, Daweh Congo. That is EXCELLENT! The actual sound here has a beautiful ly HEAVY old school vibes to it which everyone handles extremely well. I've mentioned some of the bigger names here, but also check efforts from the likes of Nga Han and Prince of Judah, the former of which gives 'True Rasta' which is, arguably, the single best tune on this track. Probably one of the best riddim albums of 2024 so far here. 

"Home & Away" by Norris Man [Greensleeves Records - 2006]

And for the look back this week - I'm working on a feature on the great Norris Man and, in going back through his catalogue, DEFINITELY the set that has acted as somewhat of an anchor for me has been "Home & Away". So named after what is probably the chanter's second biggest hit to date (biggup 'Persistence'), my interest in "Home & Away", the In The Streetz produced album, has always centered around other songs besides the hammer. 'Seh Dem Bad', 'I'm A Free Man', 'Love Makes You Alive', 'After All' with Lutan Fyah, the absolutely GLORIOUS 'This You Must Know' and the MAMMOTH 'We Are The Creator' are all mega moments from an album which is considerably better than all of us gave it credit for being. There's another tune here by the name of 'This Day' which I barely even remember but is, SERIOUSLY, damn near perfect as well. 

A Matter of Time: A review of Free Man by Norris Man

Snap back. As much as I have belaboured and will, very committedly, continue to belabour the fact that one channel of this amazing music has undergone such a significant shift that it is no longer recognizable as what it is still, ridiculously, being referred to as; another area, delightfully, has remained largely and wonderfully unchanged, by comparison. Dancehall may not be Dancehall anymore but for anyone who is even remotely in looking for it, Roots Reggae music is alive and well and, again, should not sound particularly dissimilar in 2024 from what you've known it for being over the past few decades. That doesn't mean the sound has not involved. I have always been damn curious as to what Bob Marley may've thought about what I consider to be that last giant shift in Roots music which was marked by the arrival of the likes of Capleton, Sizzla Kalonji and Anthony B who would find a stunning common ground between the type of sound Marley and his peers created and what was to be heard in the Dancehall. You could also trace the foundation work of what they did and push it into avenues where the likes of Lutan Fyah is found - someone who, for the most part, makes a brand of Roots not as inherently aggressive as the aforementioned trio, but also not ery different from that sound either. Evolution on that front has been intoxicatingly slow (and I mean that in a good way) and is, at least to my opinion, usually demonstrated by someone adopting a different vocal style as opposed to a glaring shift in actual sound. Going a step further, when you think about what it means to be "throwback' or "old school" in terms of Roots Reggae these days, generally when you hear something like that said, what you're going to expect to hear are older riddims, maybe some direct (or indirect) remakes and that may be it. The themes and ideology are still very much the same and they always will be. There are certain producers and labels who have acquired a reputation for mining an older type of vibes within their work (biggup Irie Ites) but what I'd suggest you to do, for the sake of contrast, is to think about the music made by... the Zion I Kings, for example, and ask yourself if that which is wholly modern is really THAT different.

So, with all of that being said, I was VERY intrigued when I heard the early word on a forthcoming release from a sitting favourite of mine, Norris Man, and not just because... it was a new release... from Norris Man. It was said that Norris had been working on the album for a decade and that it was on an older type of vibes. He was talking about working with the likes of Sly & Robbie, Steven Stanley, Dean Fraser, Dwight Pinkney, Nambo Robinson, Flabba Holt and others. Norris Man was making an old school Roots Reggae album which, although it SURELY took longer than he was anticipating (there is no way he started work on a project with the intent that it was a DECADE away), "Free Man" was set. It had a cover and a tracklist (literally months ago we saw those things) and it was set to go.

2023

Helming the project was Tad Dawkins Jr. for Tad's Records which is always a plus and I was excited as all hell. I've spent quite a bit of time stressing exactly why the Trenchtown native has emerged a recent favourite of mine, so I'll spare you that again, but it hasn't been very much time at all from the last time we heard from him. Just late last year, the artist pushed the well solid "Life" via Danish imprint, E.Turn.A.T. That set did absolutely nothing to douse my appreciation of his work and probably not too long after that (yep. It's been THAT long), I saw that "Free Man" was forthcoming. Norris Man has also made albums covering a variety of different styles. Having been so prolific, his fans have been treated to doses of him attempting several things to, perhaps [CERTAINLY], a mixed bag of success at times, but he's given them a shot and he's done works for labels as un-connected as Stingray on one end, to someone like Knatural on the complete opposite. To my opinion, unsurprisingly, his best material comes on the definitively Roots side. While his most popular drops are tied to his biggest tunes -- "Persistence" and "Home & Away" -- I'd also steer your attention in the direction of other pieces such as "Captura", "Better Your Soul" (which also has a pretty nice following), "Know The Road" ["WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP DON'T CRY TO ME! YOU WERE WARNED ABOUT THIS!"] and a personal favourite of mine, "World Crisis", from way back in 2003 (I'd also mention the fresh "Deep Conversations" from just a couple of years ago now) (really god album). I think that his style which is kind of 'raggedy' (and I mean that with the highest of respect. Norris Man's wail, to my opinion, is PERFECTLY IMPERFECT and, at his best, is GORGEOUS especially for the type of music he makes) is at his highest level of efficacy within that lovely, DUSTY Roots sound and when you put it within the type of themes that he sings about (typical Roots Reggae ideology) it truly makes for, as I said, some of the most captivating music currently being made in the genre in my opinion. But what of this supposedly throwback sound being touted for "Free Man", specifically?? My thought, as I alluded to, was that what the album might be full of redone older tracks and that was FINE BY ME! The song titles and the producer and the form Norris Man had been in all told me that "Free Man" had the potential to be something really strong and it instantly became one of the most anticipated projects of 2024 for me.

You won't get very far at all into the new album before realizing exactly what the talk was all about ahead of "Free Man". It definitely brings in a sound from an older generation. I also, specifically, recall Norris Man saying something along the lines of it being something that you'd come across in the 90's and I think you're more likely to have run into an album like this -- with so many relicked older riddims -- during that time, so while the actual SOUND isn't one which originated in the 90's, it was certainly more prolific during that time so I would also even agree with that. So, on your way through it, "Free Man" will likely deliver a few moments which will hit the memory (and maybe 'the  feels' as well). If you want an example of that, check 'Righteous', the opener of Norris Man's brand new album for Tad's Records, "Free Man". This won't be the first time you've encountered this classic composition and Norris well puts it through its proverbial paces with an EXCELLENT offering which ranks amongst the album's very finest. The tune is a remake (I guess) of another which the artist did (but, given how long this album has been in the planning stages, who knows which one he actually recorded first) by the name of 'Know Jah Law' for one of the many redos of the Police In Helicopter Riddim. It was a winner in that slightly harsher form and, softening the blow just a hair or two, it still rises to the top. Have to give a big credit to the backing singer/s here (credited as Nikki Bolt) (not the first time I've ran into her name) (won't be the last) as well who add a major dimension to the vibes as well and Norris Man, himself who, at times, gives us some of the best vocals you'll find here in dealing with those who have either lost their way or never found it in the first place {"Binghi set a fyah. Apologize to none"]. Despite its title and the absence of the basic aggression it may've lead you to expect (did that for me, at least), 'Burn Babylon' is nearly SWEET.... SWEET in dealing with corruption and, clocking in at an appetizingly album-leading five minutes and twenty-six seconds, it is a TOWER on "Free Man". 

"When I seh burn babylon, I mean seh dun dem to ash

Mi bun dem more than a million times

I seh equal rights and justice for one and all

Babylon mi bun yuh evil device"

The vibes of the tune naturally paint a very serene picture -- even more so than the lyrics at times -- which suggests that once THAT corruption is done (which isn't far off or unattainable), what lingers is far more beautiful and desirable. Again, given the length of the track (more on that later), Norris Man is allowed to do so many different things as is the music and they both shine on a huge tune. I'm a nerd so I'll also mention something that I found really cool: You see the lyrics I typed; that, repeated is the chorus of 'Burn Babylon' and when he says "mi bun dem more than a million times", that number GROWS and by tune's end, it's up to a TRILLION! I'll go into more later, like I said, but what a nice touch that is. 'Ahead A Dem' does bring in the flames that you may have been expecting on 'Burn Babylon' and does so in a very free and almost adventurous way. This is the type of song where, had it not been here, I probably would have said that "Free Man" could have used a drop exactly like it. It would have needed a little more direct KICK and someone to get a little pissed off and here it is. Here, we find Norris Man a little angry that babylon has apparently forgotten the natural order of things and that its rightful place is behind, not at the forefront. Given its title, 'Going Out on You' had me curious about its direction, I was thinking it may've been something of a love song but it proves to be something far more clever. This one finds the artist saying that certain things that you do in your life just don't go away and they catch up to you and things that were once going in your favour (LIGHTS) are now.... going out on you because you've failed to live in a positive way. "SHAME ON YOU!" The album's actual love song is 'Baby's Mom' and it is, far and away, my least favourite tune on "Free Man", though I don't think it's necessarily a bad one (it most certainly is not GOOD, however). About twenty years ago Norris Man released a laidback album which carried several love songs by the name of "Hey Woman".... for whatever it is worth, 'Baby's Mom' is leagues ahead of the absolute best of "Hey Woman", without question (and even it will help me make my concluding critique of this album).

Ridiculously, despite having a glowing birth, "Free Man" only gets stronger as it 'matures'. The eponymous selection plays out much more of a MUSICAL PERFORMANCE than it does a SONG. It's dramatic and layered (there's singing and chanting and almost Spoken Word style poetry at times) with the core of 'Free Man' being a celebration of freedom and liberty and all that goes along with it (such as education and rights). If you're able to go into this one not expecting something that is going to necessarily get you moving with its melody and, instead, going to maybe tap into other types of pleasing senses, You, like Me, will have a very healthy appreciation for 'Free Man'. Even if you approach it in a way which doesn't place in its best position to succeed with you, a patient ear will surely make it grow on you as well. There's something very 'vintage' Norris Man about 'Fighting For My Rights'. Another tune which features more of a bite to it, 'Fighting For My Rights' is also an excellent lyrical performance and something tells me Peter Tosh would have been a fan.

"You see I'm fighting for my rights and my liberty

BLACK IS MY COLOUR AND FORVER WILL BE

Now I'm a slave in my own country

Politician keep on using me

The suffering comes, there is nowhere to turn

Then you pick up a gun and you go shoot yuh brother down

RIGHT THERE: I can see your future drown!

You're so far away from wearing that good crown

Babylon have it set because you're not around

Di system goes on and your days are at waste

If you only know what this life have prepared-

Then you wouldn't be caught in dem snare

Economically, things are so confusing and hard

How wi fi juggle fi food when you know seh nuttin nah gwan

Life is so precious but wah, times are hard

That's why everybody waah straight go abroad

Yes. Too much corruption mi si full up dung a yard

Inna di house of parliament a pure john crow and dog

Mi si di people wid dem pitiful talk

But wi ah build fi wiself now

Set fi wiself yo

Don't you know that we've got to help ourself"

Both 'Free Man' and 'Fighting For My Rights' go to set a nearly perfect 'intro' for the two songs chasing them, representing (at least in my opinion) the absolute pinnacle of "Free Man", 'Jah Is The Almighty' & 'Jah Love'. The former is this gorgeous powerhouse of dedication that is equal parts brains and brawn, carrying bottomless amounts of both. What I appreciated most here was the simple connection Norris Man makes of LOVE and The Almighty.

"There is always love to remind me to show that Jah is The Almighty"

Take that one step further: Think of The Almighty when you feel loved or when you feel GOOD in general. Specifically, you could trace it to, perhaps, the formulation of this tune and maybe even to all of Norris Man's music. When he feels good he feels like writing and singing and telling all who have ears to listen the JOY of knowing His Majesty! It is a LOVELY piece and one hopefully due to find an ample audience amongst the masses. The plainly named 'Jah Love' is my single favourite song here. Building upon the sentiments expressed on 'Jah Is The Almighty', 'Jah Love' uses a paintbrush to get its point across where 'Jah Is The Almighty' was maybe more of a paint-roller (anyone who's ever painted a wall knows that it takes a little more finesse to cover the corners completely than a roller offers) (...'Jah Love' covers the corners FULLY) (TWO COATS!). 'Jah Love' is glorious and, to be fair, Norris Man has probably had several songs with this same title (you will find an excellent one on "Captura") and so have a lot of his contemporaries (like pretty much all of them). What stands this one out from the pack is just how SMOOTH it comes across on that older riddim. On this cut, Norris Man builds His Majesty as not only the HEIGHTS of all things but, specifically, as a refuge from the ills of the world. Again, going further (because that's just what I like to do), you can narrow this down to the point where you can apply it to something as simple having a bad day or being in a bad mood or in getting into an argument with someone.... it is SO APPLICABLE and just a lovely song! 'To Jah I Pray' isn't quite on the level of the four tunes just ahead of it, but it also isn't terribly far behind either. It's a little cluttered, maybe a touch messy and chaotic as well (besides the chorus which is golden), but that rough packaging works for 'To Jah I Pray'. I would presume that not a whole heap of planning went into 'To Jah I Pray' but the benefit of that, tangibly, are these very colourful moments where it almost seems like Norris Man is just giving you the next thing that pops into his mind until arriving at the point where he deems the chorus to be an appropriate next move. In that, 'To Jah I Pray' isn't very acres away from 'Free Man', the song, and is another nice musical performance. Finally is a tune that you may be familiar with directly because 'Gun Hawk', along with that title track was a single released ahead of "Free Man" and it comes out blasting. 

"It's just emptiness, they've got no love for no one

Gun hawk!

Kill yuh owna brother like yourself

I hate to see this every day - corruption

Gangstas inna di street controlled by politicians

Too much a dem everyday samfi

They tell you this and that and promise you with a bag a lies

And all I see: Death and destruction

Vanity put dem inna di bed as corruption

For di cash inna di pocket, dem kill an innocent man

Don't let dem tell yuh bout their confusion

Dem know what ah gwan inna every region

A dem issue di gun and give out di instruction"

A fairly straight-forward social commentary, 'Gun Hawk' was an interesting choice to be a single in my opinion. What it does have going for it, ostensibly, is a very familiar riddim to more familiar fans of the genre, but I would think other selections might have a greater appeal to a more casual listener. That's only speaking in terms of sonics, of course, the quality of 'Gun Hawk' is beyond question. It's a great piece and a more than fine moment to end things on for "Free Man".

OKAY! I had two (technically three, but he second and third went together) points to make in closing but I forgot one of them so I'm going to wait a few minutes and see if I can remember what that was... NOPE! I can't recall, so I'm going to go with what I have which is my biggest point anyway [Note: I tend to write things like that first part to help me remember, but I usually take them out later. Not this time]. "Free Man" is carries eleven tracks and spans just over forty-eight minutes in length. By my [surely incorrect] math, that's an average song length of just over four minutes and twenty seconds and there are none less than four minutes in length. That is VERY IMPRESSIVE! To me, that is a sign that the producers and label were very confident with what they had here musically and, as I said somewhere in here, both Norris Man and the players of instrument are given an appropriate amount of time to display their talents and it really helps the quality of the album, altogether, in my opinion. Too many times Reggae songs can kind of have a 'cookie-cutter' feel to them (even when good), but this is more of an organic feel for me. The songs are played until the desired point is conveyed. FURTHERMORE, were you not convinced of Norris Man's and Tad's confidence in their work here, then you should check back in nine weeks' time when the label is set to release "Freedom Dub" - apparently an IMMEDIATE dubbed out version of this set. That'll be interesting to take a listen to in late September and, going back to the original chat around "Free Man", it makes perfect sense.... as I now recall the other point that I wanted to make here, but I will save that for closing.... here!

27 September, 2024

Overall, something else which struck me about "Free Man" is just how CLOSE the tunes are in terms of how well they're done. There isn't one that is WAYYYY ahead of the others and I would suspect that if you were to ask ten different listeners their favourite tune, you'd get at least eight or nine different responses, if not more (you know there'd be that one guy who'd name like four songs because he just couldn't pick one) (there's always THAT guy). For me, I'm completely happy with "Free Man", in full and I'm going t o place it amongst the better album releases that Norris Man has had to date which is saying a great deal. It is a FINE release and one which we have, apparently, not heard the last of just yet. Musically speaking, they can place it in the 90's or in any era for that matter but where the question of time ends and the question of quality begins, the argument ends as well. WELL DONE! 

Rated: 4.5/5

Tad's Records

2024