Specifics. After a particular artist has been around long enough and established themselves at a certain level, we, as fans, begin to do certain things with their music outside of just enjoying it. It is the source of both discussions and arguments alike where the topic goes to things such as biggest hits and prime years and such. It can be interesting as hell and it's been fun analyzing in certain reviews and articles I've written through the years as well. Today, I'm going to not do either but, instead, jump somewhere in between because when I first laid ears on the album for today, I began hearing certain things that reminded me of certain others and I got a REALLY good feeling heading into it. When you talk about Anthony B, he most certainly has reached a place in his career where that conversation has long begun; to the point where I did consider doing a feature on him about my favourite tunes (and I may still someday) but ultimately talked myself out of it because I thought that the idea of 'Anthony B's Greatest Hits' has kind of been worn a little. Such things are not hard to find. What I want to look at today, in particular, however, are albums. Like his equally legendary peer, Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B has been incredibly prodigious in putting out albums during his career. Though things have slowed in recent years (for everyone), once upon a time not long ago, he could be counted on deliver multiple sets every year for multiple producers and multiple labels and a brief look back into his catalogue can reveal certain things about Anthony B when he's in form. One of my personal favourite releases that he had which probably didn't get the respect that it deserved was a BEAUTIFUL album from over twenty years ago by the name of "My Hope". I bring that set up not just because I absolutely love it and I'm still trying to get the word out that it was excellent but, again, it went through my mind when I really began to take in Anthony B's latest creation that we're going to talk about today and it got me to thinking about exactly what works for Anthony B during the best of his album releases. He most certainly is not perfect (neither am I) (neither are You) and a trip through his vault will reveal an album or two that aren't the greatest (like "Untouchable") (and "Rasta Love") but when that man is ON, there is a certain, infectious BOUNCE to his music. It is an exciting, freeing brand of Roots music which manages to deliver the more 'standard' and cursory elements of the genre at the same time. "World Of Love" is that type of an album.
What type, exactly??? What I really want to say about Anthony B at his best is that HE SOUNDS LIKE HE'S HAVING A REALLY GOOD TIME. Even if you go into tunes like 'the classics' in 'Fire Pon Rome', 'Raid Di Barn', 'Waan Back' and others, that's a quality that's present there as well. The man is having fun while slaying oppressors and chanting for The Almighty and that isn't a trait that is always present in everyone (I wouldn't necessarily say that is AT ALL the case for Sizzla at his best, for example) so it stands out to me when I do hear it. It also seems as if he, purposely, makes the type of music in the studio that he would enjoy performing in a live capacity. I hesitate to say it because he does touch some very serious topics but Anthony B almost has a 'playfulness' to his sound at its best ["What dat dem ah do? What dat dem ah does? Nowhere dem come from, no know where dem was"] and, obviously, I mean that as a compliment (and "playfulness" probably isn't the best word (but I'm sticking to it) easiness or effortlessness are likely more fitting). Fortunately, it seems as if the actual process of making music and not just singing songs (although that too) is a grind that Anthony B enjoys because a number of his albums and MOST of the good ones feature a version of the Trelawny native who is not only in a good form but seemingly a good mood as well. "My Hope" was a great demonstration of this, as were the likes of "Black Star", "Higher Meditation" and "Life Over Death" to not go too far back.
2023
Another snapshot of a fun-having Anthony B would come on his most recent release, 2023's stellar "Bread & Butter". For me, that album stands as a culmination of a string of excellent work for the chanter. The time just prior to its release (and including the actual material that would appear on it, if I recall correctly) featured some really excellent output and it put Anthony B's name near the head of a list of someone who I was REALLY looking forward to making a new full release. What resulted most certainly did not disappoint as "B&B" stood up as one of his finest bodies of work in yea... probably a decade at that point if you really think about it (looking at a it... it might be his best album from the aforementioned "Higher Meditation" from way back in 2007) ("Life Over Death" hasn't aged very well in my opinion but even at a depleted level, it'd still be good enough to be in that conversation as well). I want to say that it was maybe late last yearish... October or so, that I first heard that Anthony B would possibly have an album forthcoming. The roll that he was on just ahead of "B&B" has continued for the most part and I'd been well paying attention to the fact that, virtually every single time, he had something new, it was excellent. Because of that, he would be featured (literally first) on our "Most Wanted 2026" list and I was all in. If Anthony B were to have an album this year, I though it'd be a legit contender for Album Of The Year and look what we have here! "World Of Love" arises from the same background as its immediate predecessor - via union of his label with Ineffable Records and features a whole heap of interesting names in front of and behind the scenes. In production, of particular note are the likes of Jazzwad and J-Vibe; while I'll get into it more in just a second but on the vocal end, Anthony B and co. CLEARLY spared no expense as far as whom they brought in. Unsurprisingly, I can also liken the end sound of "World Of Love" to "B&B". As you would suspect, they definitely share more in common than just a strong version of their star (I should say that some of the tunes he was doing back then had me questioning whether or not a then damn-near fifty year old Anthony B (just hit half a century earlier this year) was still in his ascendancy) and, just like its elder sibling, "World Of Love" proves to be a delightful and SOLID set that most certainly will appear on a few 'best of' lists at year's end. Let's talk about it.
There is a proverbial elephant in the room of this album that I absolutely have to address and you'll agree with me: The title of the album is horrible. It's cliched and... just lame. It's a bad title and you know what else is bad? The cover! Neither one are any good but FORTUNATELY, this is about music and you cannot listen to an album title or a cover and that is the worst thing I have to say about this one, by far. While you cannot listen to an album title, you can listen to a song with the same name as the album and that song, 'World Of Love' gets the album named after it off to a very strong start. As I mentioned, Anthony B really brings in the talent to work alongside him and, arguably, the biggest star he does pull in is German star, Gentleman for the title track. This song is as BEAUTIFUL as it is entirely SIMPLE. Ultra-straightforward in just about every way on Anthony B's side; Gentleman does 'complicate' things a bit (not really) with his outstanding verse. The two have previously worked together, years ago, on an excellent tune called 'Face Off' ["Like a siren, you just ah waaah waaah waaah"], which would appear on an album... by the name of "My Hope". 'World Of Love' isn't far behind those levels at all and biggup Gentleman who has his own new album out, "Gratitude" (review coming soon). 'Rude Bwoy' was an all kinds of fun single from late last year or so that I loved from the first time I heard it and still love, nearly a year on. Anthony B absolutely TORCHES this song. He puts it to the sword!
"Rudeboy protect wi health as young, youths and baby
PROTECT WI COMMUNITY, NO ABUSE WI LADY
No violence pon di corner, yuh crazy?
Nobody can out Rasta fyah when wi blaze it
Wi no preach hate, wi preach love and duality
Bun babylon cah dem nuh show partiality
Memba - Rasta teach principality
Bun out illusion, let's face reality
Unity is strength, so wi need equality
Stop fight each other, dat a dutty mentality
Remember - everything ruled by gravity
So stop promote hypocrisy"
BOOM! You listen to certain tunes and get the feeling that the artist just sort of vibed it. They had a feeling and it, rather quickly, turned into a finished product on their side. That is not the case with 'Rude Bwoy'. This thing is immaculate! It is absolutely exquisitely modern Roots Reggae done by one of its greatest champions and if I had any common sense -- any at all -- I'd be declaring it the best moment from "World Of Love".... but I don't (more on that later). If you were familiar with 'Rube Bwoy', chances may be decent that your listening travels also took you in the vicinity of 'Good Music' which was another single from around that same timeframe. It is highly unlikely but maybe something from one of the first two songs didn't quite work for you. Maybe you aren't a Gentleman fan (shame on you) or maybe 'Rube Bwoy' was a little abrasive for you and that's fine. We all have different tastes. With that being said, however, I'm gonna have a very difficult time in listening to any complaint of 'Good Music' AT ALL. Along with being what its title says it is, it's just so damn joyful and wholesome (besides that "sex, weed and money" part, of course) and EASY that it'll take a Herculean effort to dislike, in my opinion. I didn't feel like putting in that type of work and, instead, I loved it. Sandwiched in there is a younger single from just earlier this year, 'Big City' which features Anthony B alongside talented Hawaiian, Fia, whose name was unknown to me prior to it. I do not know what type of music Fia typically makes (and I don't feel like looking it up) but if it's something other than Reggae, he may want to think about a career shift because what he does here is very impressive. The song is kind of a loose social commentary/observation and it is another fairly straightforward one but, again, it works so well and is so pleasing to listen to along with the substance it surely offers.
I had a lot of [GOOD] problems on my hands when I SAW that Anthony B had a new tune with a favourite of mine, the incomparable Queen Omega, 'Made From Love'. Many, MANY years ago (almost twenty-five of 'em) Anthony B appeared on 'I Realize' which was the closer on Queen Omega's self-titled debut album, so she's come to return the favour (she's also on Gentleman's album "Gratitude") (did I already say review coming soon??) and the Trini Queen does not disappoint. She never does. She's incapable. Anthony B and the Queen are on a mission to spread love everywhere it is needed. You get love! Love for her and love for him too! Done at a nearly CRAWLING pace, it may take a few spins to really attach itself to you, I would tell you not to pass an early judgment and pay especially close attention on Queen Omega's offering. Taken as a whole, 'Made From Love' is SWEET stuff addition to "World Of Love". Later on, Anthony B taps overlooked well armed and unusually gifted Frenchie (biggup Frenchie), Mo' Kalamity for 'Little Cottage'. Let me say something about Kalamity because I don't think I've ever mentioned her around here but I've definitely spent a bit of time listening to her work (she had a song a long ass time ago called 'Me Say' that used to ANNIHILATE ME) (I love that tune). She has such an interesting voice and approach. When she starts singing, it sounds like her voice kind of limps out of her mouth.... and then it IMMEDIATELY starts sprinting. That gives her sound, whether you like the music or not, an inherent point of interest. On 'Little Cottage' she and Anthony B both lament the struggles of living in hardship and embrace the simplicity of a more natural lifestyle. One of these days I should probably get around to reviewing one of Mo'Kalamity's album but until then, join me in taking a visit to her and Anthony B's 'Little Cottage'... "somewhere by the sea". Anthony B is a veteran in this, he know that when you make a Reggae album, you have to give respect to The Queen so, along with bringing in a pair of them, he also gives you the obligatory Mamma song, fittingly called 'Mamma'. 'Mamma' exists to cover the basics (literally) (she covers the basics and sends you out to bump your head in the world) and that's exactly what it does. Nothing here will change your life or give you a new perspective but 'Mamma' is delightful and biggup my Mamma, Anthony B's and yours too! I couldn't fairly or accurately call 'The Best' a "love song" because it would be giving you an incorrect outlook on the tune: It isn't.... 'oh baby baby I love you'; it's more of an APPRECIATION song. 'The Best' has a riddim that, when it gets going, oddly reminds me (and maybe ONLY me) of the one that backs Sizzla's classic, 'Taking Over'. Where Kalonji used it to inspire each and every one who laid ears on it, Anthony B uses it to give a massive credit to the woman in his life ["This lion is a king and a strong one. Still you give I a shoulder to lean on. You help me to release the tension. Everyday with you is like a vacation"] in a very nice way.
The track behind 'Lonely' which features a helping hand from big voiced Shuga (who I should probably be calling a veteran by now; she's been around a few minutes) sounds a lot like that thing behind Shaggy's giant hit, 'Angel' from a hundred years ago. This isn't a favourite of mine from "World Of Love" but it does have a nice sound to it, especially as it progresses and it also gives me an opportunity to talk about something else in regards to Anthony B being in this current stage and form in his career. He is SO GOOD at the moment that he can save just about any thing! There's nothing that he's going to be doing that I'm going to say is just trash and suggest that when you get to it, you skip on by. EVERY SINGLE THING that he's doing these days has a certain quality level to it 'Lonely' is organized very interestingly (I actually think I hear an even older song, from the 60s, in there as well, called 'Mr. Lonely'), it has nice vibes to it and the more I keep talking about it... I think I'm really starting to like it. Let's move on! Another example of what his talents can do when they aren't necessarily in the best situation would be both 'Bubbling' and 'Bring Me Joy'. The former is my least favourite tune on the entire album and comes dangerously close to falling into being just too damn sappy due to the chorus but it is ultimately saved with the verses which don't lay too heavy on the LOVE/MUSHY stuff and, instead, casts a much wider net. It comes off less of such a track and almost seems like Anthony B is relaying a day: Like he had a hard day and he's going home and wants to hang out with his woman and just relax but... like I said, this is a close one. 'Bring Me Joy, on the other hand, is probably me stretching it because it, while certainly not the best here by any means, is pretty good, actually. Beginning with that riddim which can lay claim to being amongst the album's finest, Anthony B charts a course not too dissimilar from that on 'Bubbling' where he present his love as a shelter from the hardships of everyday life ["There is so much things to bother me: The government , the war, the economy. But your love come and set me free, so I'm so happy that you honour me"]. Again, I'm probably being too harsh on 'Bring Me Joy' by placing it in this context with 'Bubbling' (but I thought that the similarities between the two warranted it) but, regardless, it is a track where Anthony B's talents get the absolute most out of it as possible. I mentioned that were I to have more common sense that I would named 'Rude Bwoy' as the best song on "World Of Love" but, FORTUNATELY, you'll find very little of that 'round these parts because the song that reigns supreme for me on this album is, WITHOUT QUESTION, 'Jet Ski'.
"Mi mek gal change colour just like iguana
Gal ah rush wi from Jamdown to Ghana
Every man want a hot gal pon di cornah
Uptown, downtown gal - or foreignah
Any boy nah love woman, dem ah get lava"
Do you hear this song?? Here! I'll give it to you again. Pay attention this time.
Atop the absolutely absurdly delicious Hill & Gully Riddim, Anthony B puts forth a silly effort that will probably require a massive concussion or two to get out of your head and it's not worth it! JUST ENJOY! WHAT A TUNE!
CLEARLY Anthony B, Jazzwad & co. knew what they had on their hands with 'Jet Ski' because they offer up the similarly vibed (not really) 'Move U Body' a song that, TRUST ME, is a better than its dreadful title (and its opening) would indicate. I'm not saying that it's a great song -- it most certainly is not -- but, again, you get into the middle of it and 'Move U Body' (...ugh!) does have its moments. 'Wake Up' has even more of those moments and it finds Anthony B giving thanks for pretty much everything that he can. While decent on the lyrical side, the biggest appeal of 'Wake Up' is the entire song, as a whole. With its big and vibrant sound that never threatens to overwhelm, 'Wake Up' is a song that you can leave on repeat endlessly. It almost comes off as a vibe. I wouldn't be surprised if Anthony B heard the riddim and came up with something, fairly quickly, because he enjoyed it so much. Regardless of its origins, however, 'Wake Up' is a winner. You know what else is a winner? 'Winner'! I used the word "playfulness" to describe a certain quality to Anthony B's music and it was for tunes such as 'Winner'. While the subject matter of it isn't super-serious, he has a way of saying things that maybe aren't done jokingly but definitely are light and very clever.
"Got no time fi pose like statue
Is a good friend, alone, got you
Mi bredda, Fabian, seh him dream last night and get di winning number fi di lotto
I'm a winner!
I'm a winner, born as a winner
Mi no inna losing thing
I was born to win"
Also, much like was the case with 'Wake Up', 'Winner' is positively LOVELY. It's just such a nice and pleasing vibes to listen to and a mightily attractive tune! Closing things out on "World Of Love" is another of its biggest highlights, the prayerful 'Oh Jah'. A VERY solid praiser, 'Oh Jah' serves as an excellent way to end matters on the album and, in the process, Anthony B provides us with a very proper punchline:
"Oh Jah, you give I strength and always walk before me"
And he also says a bunch of other cool stuff like:
"Rasta got one thing they can never take away-
It's the fire and wi keep it burning everyday
To how you live, to how you work - that's how you'll get yuh pay
Bun di wicked, bun di evil, Rastafari seh
You haffi have a clean heart to go a Zion!
NO GOAT CAN BE KING OVER THE LION!
No put yuh trust in politics and religion
A NATION PERISH WITHOUT VISION"
BOOM!
Overall, throw another log on the fire that's been 2026 and that's been Anthony B's career as of late. I really wanted to drive home the point that the bottom of "World Of Love" really isn't THAT bad, which is a great sign of someone in good form. No. Not every single tune here is stellar but I don't have a problem with any of it, really. On the complete opposite end would be the fact that we also are treated to some truly impressive work and, in full, this one stands well with what we've been eating as of late as Reggae fans. If you stick around long enough, you'll get to a point in your life where age will start to take many things from you. WONDERFULLY and APPARENTLY, whenever that time is for Anthony B, musically, still seems to be quite far off. "World Of Love" is a more than solid set from someone who seems to be absolutely enjoying himself and his work these days.
Okay so, absolutely FANTASTIC news today as a long standing rumour is, apparently, on its way to becoming a fact as there is A BRAND NEW CAPLETON ALBUM loaded and ready to go via Evidence Music. SURELY you remember The Prophet's EPIC run of albums "More Fire", "Still Blazin" & "Reign Of Fire" and now he revives the theme with "Heights Of Fire"! It was... maybe Novemberish when I first heard that Capleton was coming back with a brand new album which would be his first in over fifteen years. It didn't have a title and it didn't have a tracklist and now we have BOTH! BOOM! BREAK SOMETHING! KICK SOMEONE NEAR YOU (and then immediately apologize).
Looking through the tracks, there're a few noticeable shots such as 'Get Up and Fight', 'Burn Dem Down' and 'Jah Is My Leader' and, very recently, they've given us another in the form of the album opening 'Red Again'.
If you remember back in da day, Capleton was one of the very few artists who could drop an ALBUM which would actually be a big deal in the entire genre. Surely those days are gone... RIGHT? On the 26th of June you'll join me in finding out when we soar to the "Heights Of Fire" with Capleton & Evidence Music.... just thought you'd like to know.
Big and beautiful news today as the scalding Chezidek is set to release a new album, courtesy of Tad's Records, in the first quarter of 2026, "Marijuana Prayer". I'd been seeing a forthcoming single from artist & producer called 'Caah Believe' (releasing a week from today on the 13th of February) and just presumed it to be a part of one of the several projects Tad's had in the works or just a random single. HOWEVER, I was delightfully wrong as a full Chezi album was in the works and, apparently, 'Caah Believe' is its initial single.
"Marijuana Prayer" is more of a compilation as, although there're a few tunes that are new to my eyes, the majority of of it should be recognizable to fans, pinnacling with a pair of MASSIVE hits, 'Leave The Trees' and 'Inna Dem Eye'.
Of course, you'll remember what happened the last time Chezidek & Tad's linked up for 2020's MAMMOTH "Hello Africa" and while I don't think "Marijauna Prayer" will register on those lofty levels, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing the full set.
You can join me in doing just that on the 6th of March, 2026! BOOM!
I don't feel like writing an intro. They announced the nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards. They have a Reggae category. Let us take a quick look at them and make a bad prediction for the winner. BOOM!
"Heart & Soul" by Vybz Kartel [Vybz Kartel Music + Greedy Lion]
Vybz Kartel was nominated last year for "Party With Me", if he releases an album next year (and he most surely will), it will also be nominated. This year, he was back with "Heart & Soul" which, for whatever it's worth, is clearly stronger than "Party With Me", at least in my opinion. I am working on a tribute to Kartel (called Signatures) but it's full of MUCH older work because it's been quite awhile since he made my type of music, though i am in the minority there. You'd figure that, with such regularity, he'll likely take home a Grammy one of these years and it wouldn't be surprising at all if 2026 was his.
"No Place Like Home" by Jesse Royal [Easy Star Records]
As was the case for Kartel, 2026 represents the second nomination for Jesse Royal as, a few years back, he was tipped for "Royal". His effort for 2025, "No Place Like Home", isn't quite as strong in my opinion but it did have a number of big tunes (the biggest of which probably being 'Hope', alongside Romain Virgo). Also in its favour would be the fact that "No Place Like Home" features a Marley [Yohan Marley], which can only help your chances and 2023's Reggae Grammy winner, Kabaka Pyramid also makes an appearance. Take that and combine it with relatively recent voter familiarity and Jesse Royal could go home with the prize next year.
"Blxxd & Fyah" by Keznamdi [Keznamdi Music Group]
First-time nominee, Keznamdi, gets a nod this year for his "Blxxd & Fyah" set which reached not very long at all (it was August, doesn't seem like THAT long ago, still) and though I think it's difficult to see him actually winning, he does have a very appealing and OPEN style that I think Grammy voters will enjoy, going forward. This would be an excellent introduction for many of them and, in a few years (or even next year), maybe the roots have been laid for him to win it all. Another thing about Keznamdi is that his album is excellent. "Blxxd & Fyah" is one of the best album's here, it might even crack my top ten list for the year; so what it may lack in star power (it does) it more than makes up for in overall quality.
Okay so, when we last spoke to [about] the wonderfully prolific people at Trinity Farm Music, they were dealing with yet another release from the equally active Ancient King, following the [other] new album release from the determined chanter (biggup Determine), "Oath Of Akae". Next week, by the time you read this, the label is back with a BIG new compilation with a very interesting roster of vocalists that definitely caught my attention, "Heart Of One".
Who's here, exactly??? Well, there's Rob Symeonn, there's the Arkaingelle, Noble Culture, our old friend Messenjah Selah, RAS ELIJAH TAFARI [!], KING HOPETON, Jah Myhrakle, "Original Nine Fingers" Xkaliba, Star Lion Family veteran, Ickarus, and others! I mean.... that is BRUTAL and I mean that in a great way. TFM has been flaming as of late (and it continues. I'm writing this one Saturday, the 19th and, yesterday, they released 'Africa', a new tune from Abja) and a really big compilation like 'Heart Of One" presumably stacks up to be, is a damn strong addition to their catalogue in my opinion. The label... there's something about them that... I don't know.... There's something really strong about this lot. It almost comes off like their RAN by music fans - if that makes any sense at all. Trinity Farm is making moves and working with individuals that I would work with! 'Let's make an Ancient King album!', 'let's do something with.... Danny I'.
And if you think they're just kind of making cheap stuff and throwing it all against the wall to see what (if anything) sticks, I would point you in the direction of an album they did about a year and a half ago by the name of "Living Testament", by Akae Beka, which was subsequently named Album of The Year 2024 by this blog. They make REALLY good stuff as well. It isn't quantity over quality.
You can check both quantity (twenty-one tracks in all) and, likely, quality in just a few days on the 23rd of July when Trinity Farm Music returns with "Heart Of One". I will be there and so will you.... it isn't like you have anything better to do.
"Just Giving Thanks" by Glen Washington [Tad's Records]
1. 'Sweet Loving and Affection'
2. 'Love Will Never Run Away'
3. 'Better Than Before'
4. 'Goodness and Mercy'
5. 'Heart Attack'
6. 'Chant Them Down'
7. 'Oh, To Be Like H.I.M.'
8. 'Loving You Forever'
9. 'Square One'
10. 'Love Knows No Shame'
11. 'Dreadlocks Conqueror'
12. 'Seeking Jah Love'
13. 'A Change Is Gonna Come'
14. 'Are You Ready?'
Okay so, today we have a few problems, a few issues, that we really need to talk about. Venerable veteran singer from out of Clarendon, Glen Washington, is back with a new album this week. That, in and of itself, is pretty big news but he has been quite active in recent times has Washington. Just last year, he released "Feeling Irie" and the year before that was "Mr. Washington" (for the fine folks at Love Injection) and there was a re-release the year prior to that as well for "Wandering Stranger". As I said, the man's been at work (there was also "Jah Children", a strong EP for the Zion I Kings, in 2023). This time, however, things seem a bit different.
On the 30th of May -- this forthcoming Friday -- the singer is set to release yet another album, "Just Giving Thanks" for the always so damn welcomed Tad's Records and I have heard quite a bit of it (courtesy of that wonderful site with the... entire song-long clips) and.... it... it's kinda excellent. I mean it is REALLY GOOD! You're going to hear it and think it pretty much standard fare for Glen Washington. It's fourteen songs about love & Jah across a heap of classic/classic sounding riddims. That's it. That's all it is. He's been doing the exact same thing for the best part of a half a century (literally all of it), but I'm under the impression that, in 2025, he' s mining gold with this latest set.
Highlights are in abundance but particularly highpoints include the all kinds of interesting 'Square One', 'Goodness and Mercy', 'Heart Attack', 'Better Than Before' (which, I THINK, is the first single), 'Chant Them Down', 'Dreadlocks Conqueror'.... I should stop there before I end up naming the entire album.
Sometimes I get these things wrong but I am DAMN confident on this one. What I believe to be a potentially special release from Glen Washington, "Just Giving Thanks" on Tad's Records, is available later this week - but you knew that already.
"Oath Of Akae" by Ancient King [Trinity Farm Music]
1. 'Oath Of Akae'
2. 'Kiddus Kiddus Kiddus'
3. 'The Earth is Egziabheer'
4. 'Tender Obedience'
5. 'Ak Who You'
6. 'Hites'
7. 'It's The Rain'
8. 'Permit The Child'
9. 'Make Someone Smile'
10. 'Brake All Chains'
11. 'Convenient Store Tree'
12. 'Peace Is Possible'
Okay so, a minute or two ago, we just told you about a new, forthcoming album from the Volcano Trumpet, Qshan Deya', "Reggae Ambassador", and as it turns out, the week prior to the return of Deya', another of our favourites is set to release his latest studio creation. Fiery Cruzan chanter, Ancient King, is back and back alongside a very familiar source - teaming up with Trinity Farm Music for "Oath Of Akae".
The title of this album will SURELY catch quite a bit of attention amongst fans as Ancient King was a frequent spar of the legendary Vaughn Benjamin and when I first saw the name, I immediately took it to be some type of honour to Benjamin (and that's how I'm still taking it, at least in part). I've had the opportunity to listen to a bit of "Oath Of Akae" (because it's on that wonderful site with the "samples" which are basically entire songs if you've got the time to put them together) and I'm enjoying what I'm hearing. Early favourites include 'The Earth Is Egziabheer' (you can actually listen to that entire song because it was a previous single), DEFINITELY 'Ak Who You' & 'Brake All Chains', 'Peace Is Possible' and another tune, 'Make Someone Smile' has also began growing on me, just a bit. It doesn't seem very long ago that we dealt with Ancient King's most recent set, "Seh Selassie I", for Ras Elyment (it was like a year and half ago) and I'm already looking forward to digging into this one as well.
So are you! We'll both get what we want on the 2nd of May (literally the day after tomorrow at this point) when "Oath Of Akae", the new album by Ancient King on Trinity Farm Music reaches our brains... through our ears; but you probably knew all of that already.
Okay so, big news today as we are very close to the release of a brand new album from a somewhat reclusive longtime favourite of ours as the Volcano Trumpet, Qshan Deya', is soon to return with a big, brand new album courtesy of beloved 'vibes outfitter' (you cannot tell me that isn't a cool way of saying 'producer') House of Riddim from out of Austria, "Reggae Ambassador". Doing my weekly rounds of seeing what new had popped up, I was DAMN HAPPY to see this one in the offering as not only is "new Qshan Deya' album of massive interest to me but, again, pretty much anything the HOR lays their hands on will stand up on our radars and the fact that the two of them are at work together makes this a potentially HUGE deal.
The last bit that I'd heard of Deya' was that the St. Vincy born singer had actually repatriated and had moved to Ghana (a quick bit of research seems to confirm that he is still living in Ghana and has been for a couple of years now) and now he's back with a new album, so named after a recent single. Listening through the clips of "Reggae Ambassador" - nothing at all has changed, musically, as you would expect as Deya touches on the usual topics in the usual manner that we've come to expect from him in his wonderful career to date.
Want to hear more?? Of course you do. Join me in doing just that on the 9th of May, when Qshan Deya' & House Of Riddim release "Reggae Ambassador".
"Strength & Resilience" by Lutan Fyah [I Grade Records]
1. 'Warning Dem'
2. 'Listen Mama'
3. 'Leader Before Me'
4. 'Just The Time' featuring Akae Beka
5. 'Strength & Resilience'
6. 'Pieces Of Broken Soul'
7. 'African Children'
8. 'Drain The Swamp'
9. 'Freedom Sound'
10. 'Secrets'
11. 'Protect Your Energy'
12. 'Days After Summer' featuring Queen Omega
13. 'Tomorrow Today'
PROBLEMS! Okay so, with 2025 (we made it!) well in progress, we look ahead at what and who might stop by to make for a suitable followup to a year in 2024 which may not have been brimming with greatness, but was quite solid in retrospect and... well apparently a pair of looooongtime favourites are providing us with what may just be the year's first TRULY great album release (it will be). Just about eight years ago now, the brilliant Lutan Fyah FINALLY officially linked up with the equally sagacious I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings to produce a long awaited by me album, "Music Never Dies". We reviewed it at a 5/5 [DUHHHHHH!]. It was fantastic and immediately became a favourite of mine from both catalogues of artist and label. Now, a few weeks shy of what will be its eight anniversary, a release is set for "Music Never Dies" as Lutan Fyah and IGR present "Strength & Resilience". I had NO CLUE that this album was in the offering and in the process of doing what I do every couple of weeks or so and just checking through a few sources, I came upon it and you can imagine just how DAMN HAPPY I was to see it. Though the Spanish Town chanter has steadily released singles and EP's over the years, the case could be well made that the "Music Never Dies" set was his last genuinely big album release and it is well overdue that the Fyah returns to scorch everything, everywhere.
2017
I've actually gotten to listen to a bit of "Strength & Resilience" already (courtesy of that one website with the long-winded previews) and it is EXACTLY what you would expect. OBVIOUSLY a lot of my attentions were focused on the pair of combinations, 'Just The Time' and 'Days After Summer', the former featuring oft-Lutan Fyah spar, Akae Beka, while the latter calls in, RIDICULOUSLY, the incomparable Queen Omega (a Lutan Fyah/Queen Omega tune....) (sometimes I have too many words) (sometimes I have none), but I also hear an uncredited guest on 'Freedom Sound' (pretty sure I know who that is, but if they're not saying it, then neither am I) and I also hear a song called 'African Children' which is the current leader for me here. 'African Children' is SOARING!
I'm pretty sure the rest of the album is as well and you can join me in finding how just how high it does hit when "Strength & Resilience" releases on the 28th of February. TIME TO GET EXCITED.
Okay so, it is that magical, wonderful time of the year when we all begin to take a look back at the year that was and we do this by... taking a look ahead at what is to come in the form of The Grammy Awards, early next year, given to [what they believe] the year's finest Reggae album [...or what they deem to be an "album"]. Today we take a look at the nominees and end up making a sure-to-be-inaccurate prediction. We do it every years so.... let's get to it.
{Note: No. CLEARLY I did not feel like writing an intro for this one. So I apologize for its poor quality. The rest of this post is goo... is as bad as it normally is}
"Take It Easy" by Collie Buddz [Harper Digital]
TECHNICALLY, last year Bermy star, Collie Buddz, was also nominated via his lovely riddim, the Cali Roots and his name is back on the bill this year in a more direct form via his own album, "Take It Easy" (...which also released in 2023 but, apparently, it had passed the deadline). "Take It Easy" fully deserves to be her. It is a GOOD album and, given the fact that the people who vote for these things should be well familiar with Collie Buddz' name you'd expect an album of his in 2024 (or 2023) to snatch a nomination. Previous nominee (and winner) Bounty Killer ups the star power present, giving "Take It Easy" a more LOGICAL look at a Grammy.
"Never Gets Late Here" by Shenseea [Rich Immigrants + Interscope Records]
Given her popularity and her prolificacy (and the fact that she just hit twenty-eight years old), you'd have to think that a Grammy at some point is in the future of superstar, Shenseea so don't be surprised if 2025 is her year with "Never Gets Late Here". Though I've yet to enjoy much of her work when compiled together (pretty sure I'm not her target audience), the ridiculously high level of talent is un-ignorable. Lyrically, Shenseea can do some SERIOUS damage and do it effortlessly. The greatest example of that, here, was a tune called 'Tap Out' but she's shown it in glaring spots throughout the years. "Never Gets Late Here" was quite well received amongst her fans as far as I could tell and heavily promoted as well and, like I said, perhaps this is her time.
"Bob Marley: One Love" Music Inspired by the Film Deluxe [Island Records]
Probably the on-paper favourite this year would be the soundtrack to, easily, one of the biggest moments in Reggae music in 2024, the film "Bob Marley: On Love". The original version of the album features music exclusively from the Gong, himself, while the nominated deluxe set features work of the legendary singer placed into the hands of several different vocalists. Most notable (to my audience) would be the likes of Skip Marley, Mystic Marley and the aforementioned Shenseea. That being said, I don't particularly like this album, AT ALL, but you're not shocked at all if, given its origins, that it goes home with the prize.
"Evolution" by The Wailers [Crescent Moon Records + Marshall Sound]
From Marley's movie to his band. The immortal Wailers checked in for 2024 with the new project, "Evolution" which, although it didn't seem to generate a ton of buzz, was a fine production and one of the finest of the entire year from the genre, in my opinion. I don't find myself keeping up as much as I should with the wailers these days but I did take "Evolution" for a listen when it released (a couple of weeks or so after my birthday) and I was WELL impressed with songs such as 'You Belong To Me', 'Holding On' with Gramps Morgan, 'Generation' with Michael Rose, the all kinds of catchy 'Give It Up' featuring the timeless Marcia Griffiths as well as the closer 'Sins' and the title track. By my count, this is the fourth time the Wailers have been nominated for this award (in one form or another) and you'd think they'd win it one of these years, eventually; 2025 may just be it with, arguably, the single best album on this list.
"Party With Me" by Vybz Kartel [Adidjahiem Records]
To the surprise of absolutely no one, also getting a Grammy nod this year is the recently freed, Vybz Kartel, who, as expected, wasted NO TIME AT ALL, in putting together a piece of work and setting it out to the masses. Said work, "Party With Me", was EONS from his best work to my opinion and he'll likely never hit those heights again (when Kartel was at his zenith, there was NOTHING like him), but his nomination here goes to show that not even thirteen years directly out of the spotlight (.....but not REALLY) have diminished his popularity.
and the winner izzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......
"Take It Easy" by Collie Buddz
Just being nominated a year ago, you would think, would have provided Collie Buddz with a familiar advantage because MOST LIKELY many of the same people who voted in 2023 are voting again in 2024. On top of that, the artist has a name which goes back quite awhile ('Come Around' is nearing two decades old at this point) and, as I said, "Take It Easy" is just good. I am rarely correct on these predictions and just assume that I'll be wrong but I am actually EXPECTING Collie Buddz to win it this time. Am I right. Probably not, but who cares. See who takes home the Grammy for Best Reggae album (as well as the rest of them) on the 2nd of February, 2025.
"See It Deh" by Ras Shiloh [Reggae Vibes Productions]
1. 'Endless Joy'
2. 'Righteousness'
3. 'Hail The King'
4. 'Happiness'
5. 'Here I Come'
6. 'Long Live The King'
7. 'Never Be Enough'
8. 'On My Ship'
9. 'People Be Free'
10. 'See It Deh'
11. 'System'
12. 'Tears From My Eyes'
Were the prospects of a new album from Norris Man not enough for you for this week (GREEDY!), then the sweet and divine Reggae powers have something else that you just may be interested in as yet another well GRIZZLED veteran is set to release a new album of his own (and his first featuring original material in several centuries) when Ras Shiloh brings forth "See It Deh"! The album comes via the very nice Reggae Vibes Productions, a label who has, perhaps quietly but effectively, established an excellent reputation of their own with a history stretching back to around of a quarter of a century or so (I first really began to pay attention to RVP when they released the blistering "Unlimited" album by Jah Mason ["MI DUN SI DEM MOVE! MI DUN SI DEM FLEX!"] [BOOM!] and is Shiloh's first of any type from 2020's "Ras Shiloh Remembers Garnet Silk" and first carrying original songs since..... 2007 [!!] when the singer would release a pair of albums "Only King Selassie" & "Coming Home" for Greensleeves & VP Records, respectively ('Coming Home" is a borderline modern classic. It is excellent and "Only King Selassie" isn't very far behind it).
Looking through the tracklist, along with the title track, "See It Deh" has a few familiar tunes that I recognize such as 'Long Love The King', 'Righteousness', relatively recent single, 'On My Ship', and maybe one or two others as well. Listening through some of the clips of this one, I have a really good feeling about what "See It Deh" ultimately turns out to be and I cannot wait to wrap my ears around the finished product.
That wait won't be long at all as Ras Shiloh's "See It Deh" is set to release by Reggae Vibes Productions this Friday, the 26th of July.
1. 'Righteous' 2. 'Burn Babylon' 3. 'Ahead A Dem' 4. 'Going Out On You' 5. 'Baby's Mom' 6. 'Free Man' 7. 'Fighting For My Rights' 8. 'Jah Is The Almighty' 9. 'Jah Love' 10. 'To Jah I Pray' 11. 'Gun Hawk'
Okay so, given the fact that it's about two and half months out, I may be going early with this one but it has been on radars from maybe as early as late last year (and I haven't finished my review yet. Although it is progressing along nicely), I thought that I'd tell you wonderful, awful taste having folks about an upcoming release that I am VERY excited about. "Free Man" becomes the latest release from the scalding veteran from out of Trenchtown, Norris Man. The album, delightfully, comes courtesy of Tad's Records (who's always in a good form) and follows, most closely, late 2023's solid "Life" album from Danish imprint, E.Turn.A.T.
....a few months ago
As I've said in the recent past, I've slotted Norris Man into a select group of veteran artists, along with the likes of Mark Wonder, Elijah Prophet, Spragga Benz and maybe just a few more as names who really have seemed to hit a level of undeniable consistency which has made it virtually impossible to ignore what they've been up to. With his style, however, Norris' case may be THE most unique of them all because it isn't something that appeals to everyone, inherently (myself included). With all of that being said, and with the brief bits I have heard of "Free Man" (which consists of clips of the title track and 'Fighting For My Rights', although a couple of the others also seem familiar - such as the ULTRA terrestrial 'Jah Love'), my expectations and anticipations have been well heightened and prime and I cannot wait to lay my ears on whatever this one turns out to be.
I'll have to though. The latest album from Norris Man, "Free Man", is set to release on the 26th of July, via Tad's Records. LET'S GO!
Maybe because it's been awhile since we've last heard from her, or maybe you were unaware in the first place, but Reemah is a genius. Clearly, the esteemed Silly Walks agrees as they've tapped the Virgin Islands word scientist for their latest creation, the triumphant and flatly nommed Roots and Culture Riddim and she WELL rewards their work with the MASSIVE 'As Far As I Can See'.
"As far as I can see, the truth it must reveal
Because di system is a plague, people a get sick
DEM DUTTY LIKE A SEPTIC
As far as I can tell, they cannot prevail
And all di wicked dem ah plan could never work out
DI FYAH NEVA BURN OUT
From di people still ah suffer, bun a fyah mek it melt
Whole a dem a lyah, sell wi out fi just a cent
Neva care bout humanity and it evident
MONEY A DEM GOD BUT MOST HIGH A WHO WI REPRESENT
Hand inna di air and inna di water
Biological weapon a wah dem order
No si di countless millions who dem ah torture
FLY OUTTA BABYLON, WATCH MI DEPORT YA!
Inna di midst of psychological oppression, dem waan wi inna decline-
Inna deep depression
Cause di system got wi blind
CONSCIOUSNESS INNA REGRESSION
And di pressures got wi stressing, basically go use discretion
Wah mek di rich, alone, ah benefit?
And inna di ghetto, most of di people dem no well-equipped
POLITICIANS STOP DI BS CAH WI SMELLING IT!
RELIGION IS A POISON AND THEY'RE SELLING IT!
Pure genocide, dem ah seek
Nuff a dem a big parasite, dem a leech
Dem no got no love
Instead di war dem ah teach
DEM AH TRY SUPPRESS DI TRUTH AND SO DEM WHITEWASH AND AH BLEACH
Wi beseech dem
Cah money pile, you no si how dem ah stock it
ALL WHEN DEM AH STOCK IT, TEK IT FROM DI POOR POCKET
IF A POOR POCKET, DEM AH SEH A MORE PROFIT
FYAH BUN DEM AUTOMATIC!"
Grrrrrr! To my ears, as it has always been, that is a VERY RARE skill that Reemah possesses. The ability to both write it and then deliver it melodically is extra-terrestrial. She is existing in the stars somewhere!
And, in case you're wondering, Silly Walks also spread the R&C Riddim around just a bit, with Jesse Royal also providing his own excellent take atop it. Royal's old school saturated riddim title track is (fantastic) from years ago and, apparently, someone at the label realized [correctly] that they had a potential jewel on their hands and brought it back. Also, do not sleep at all on either 'Lift Me' or 'Jah Jah See' from Jah Lil and Inezi, respectively, as both are top notch efforts as well (especially 'Jah Jah See') (it's a little I Wayne-esque to my ears).
So, be sure to check out the latest release, 'As Far As I Can See', from the incomparable Reemah who is in her typical destructive form as the world awaits her next full length release; as well as the rest of the big artists on the Roots and Culture Riddim from Silly Walks when it drops on the 5th of April.
