'These Strings': A Review of The Stringz Riddim

Certainly it cannot be said that we're struggling to any degree, but I do have to say that it's always very nice when we come across a new label, whether actually new or new to us, that can be depended upon to produce excellent music on a consistent basis. When we look at artists, specifically, the feeling is much different as, although they are ultimately the face of the music, it's much more of a situation of watching something develop and, eventually, arriving at a point where we may try to identify some type of historical reference for them - at the absolute highest level, of course. With good labels, however, the impact can be, and generally is, much more immediate, even if they don't stick around for very long! Good labels bring good music INSTANTLY and with the tendency of today being labels coming from everywhere, it's always good to keep an open, because you never know who may stop by. For example (!) earlier this year we stumbled upon the US based Rumble Rock Recordz which was, initially, probably my favourite find from since Philadub a couple of years back. RRR introduced themselves to us in a most interesting (and fitting for the sake of this review) manner - a BIG riddim. The Step By Step Riddim was a GLORIOUS Roots set which not only identified a certain level of class and ability in the label, but it also gave it (hopefully at that point and obviously now) a certain distinct quality. When you look at the names of artists voicing the Step By Step, the one thing that stood out at the time and still does is just how diverse they were! The mix wasn't just the more 'standard' blend of combining superstars with up and comers and everything in between (and I do so LOVE that standard!), RRR went BEYOND! What stands out for me even now, having well added the Step By Step to memory is that appearing on the riddim was Faïanatur and Oshen. The former is just odd in general (and I mean that in a good way) and the latter is someone who definitely has established a name for himself and I bring him up because of his most distant origins as a native of Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, it was just a matter of doing this for a gimmick or something - obviously - the riddim itself was big and it produced what should still be regarded as one of the finest riddim albums of 2011. So, with a name established, Rumble Rock Recordz - Can you keep us interested?

Riddims, they can do. Picking a logo, however . . .

Yes you can. First of all we backtracked a bit in the way of "The Truth Shall Be Told" which was the nice 2010 debut set from RRR favourite, Zacheous Jackson. That album, again, reiterated what was obvious, that the label was one to pay attention to. It also was very straight forward and when you combine that with the first riddim, it was assumed that Rumble Rock was a pure Roots Reggae label and there wasn't a damn thing wrong with that. HOWEVER, buried on Jackson's album was a song which was pretty much a changeup for that album by the name of 'Better Dayz'. It wasn't too much of a leap, but the tune featured a very colourful and R&B tinged backing track which was amongst the many standouts on that project. Fast forward a few months and, in the process of 'stringing' together a nice opening for themselves, Rumble Rock Recordz now brings forth their second riddim album (I THINK) for that very same riddim, now known as the Stringz Riddim. Quietly, I was waiting on this one for a nice amount of time. The SBS reached back in April and it's now six months from then and it is a nearly perfect time to comeback with a followup (although May wouldn't have been bad, or June, July . . . ) and, much like its predecessor, the Stringz has generated a nice amount of buzz online, even before we got into it, so with that and the fact that I'm already in the mind to look forward to RRR's next project, whatever it would've been, I was not only very interested in having a listen to the results, but I was also anticipating something pretty impressive as well (with big results comes big expectations).

The Step by Step Riddim & 'Right Ting' [single] by The Lambsbread

My initial impressions of the project were also pretty good. Again, the promotion has been strong (biggup Josh) and the early reaction has been good from what we've seen (although none of our peers have committed 2800 words worth of a review to it thus far - No worries, I'll do it). And I should also add that the COVER is very attention-grabbing and I think that such things tend to go overlooked and underrated, particularly in the digital medium/market. RRR also took a big step (by step) in the matter by releasing what amounts to a single for the riddim in August - 'Right Ting' by The Lambsbread - which was just a good idea on one hand and an excellent show of their dedication and BELIEF in the nature of the project and its importance, full on. And, when considering all of that, it's good that things have manifested the way that they have here, because they've again done something to be proud of here! While we can surely pick favourites between the two riddims (I think you know where I'm leaning at this point), the Stringz Riddim does manage to surprise just a bit on its full album by serving as the perfect backdrop to a variety of differently vibed big tunes, none of which, thankfully, sound completely out of place. By the end of this one the feeling quickly went from 'okay now do it again' to 'okay you've done it again'. Rumble Rock Recordz manages to cement their place on my radar and I'm sure I won't be the only one after the Stringz Riddim. Let's take a listen!

Stringz Riddim Mix Pt. 1

Despite its title (and its cover) I don't think that the main sound that you'll hear on this composition is a string, at least not initially. Although, with that being said, I was so happy to read that Achis Reggae favourite, Tuff Lion, does play on the set. That, alone, is a quality which says a great deal about the quality levels one can expect to hear, as the Lion doesn't push sub-par material. Ever. What he does in this case once again finds itself in a BEAUTIFUL variety of different hands as the label continues their methods of voicing such a colourful group. A good example of that would definitely be Ms. Sophia Squire who gets things going on the Stringz Riddim album from Rumble Rock Recordz with 'I Live, I Learn'. I think that when you listen to the riddim, ostensibly, you'd take it to be more of a romantic set and while we do get that later on, Squire, for her part, puts the composition to the proverbial test with one of this lovely inspirational track. She gets nearly Gospel-ish at times, which isn't a bad thing, and she just reaches with a message of perseverance and self-determination and motivation. She does this while eschewing the stereotypical, lame and clichéd route as well and also does so to one of the best songs I've ever heard her do on this stellar opener. Next we have the first of two combinations, 'Good Vibes', which features veteran Fire Star alongside young Mountain (who, despite the fact that I do know who he is, really needs to think about getting a new, more Google-friendly, name). This was another standout for me on the riddim and one which I think could really do damage if afforded the opportunity. The message here is of a fairly general injection of more righteousness and positivity into society. I suppose you could call it a 'social commentary', but it doesn't reach me in the more usual way that such a tune does. Also, you really get a SPECTACULAR vibes here - although I do favour the opener, this tune is definitely more of a LARGE sonic achievement to my opinion. Back again from the SBS is the somewhat strange, but well talented, Jus Goodie who is the first to take the Stringz Riddim in the direction of a love song with 'Crazy Love'. Speaking of sonic appeal, that's clearly the star in this instance, although the entire track is nothing less than decent, it's more of the kind of easy-listening type of song, which has its place and I'm still impressed by and will continue to look out for more from the singer.

The Step By Step Riddim featured one really heavy, heavy-hitter in Anthony B and it's a move which Rumble Rock repeats on the Stringz and they even go up a notch this time around. 'You Get What You Want' which features Black Prophet with none other than Capleton. BOOM!

“You never cook, then how you still ah eat?

You never sew, then how you still ah read?

You say you honest but you still ah thief

And then you send di wolf dem fi come destroy di sheep!”

It's just like an energy boost when Shango starts rhyming and it really just the kind of subtle diversity in the track itself. You can take a song like this and precede it with Jus Goodie's more serene vibes and both make a great deal of musical sense in their own ways. I should mention that the vocals on the tune seem somewhat strange to my ears, but maybe that's just me. That being said, however, it is the second largest name on the riddim who takes top honours as Chezidek BLAZES the similarly vibed 'Still Want More'. This one surely is a social commentary and more 'common' one for the riddim and it is BIG! Along with offering the entire riddim its dominant lyric ("Dem no really overstand what it means to be poor. GREED IS A DISEASE WEH NEEDS TO BE CURED"), Chezidek's tune is spotless and it serves as yet another reminder of his current streak of quality. For the past two years there's been anyone hardly making better music CONSISTENTLY in all of Reggae than the singer and here’s another sterling example of that.

Another pretty big name on the Stringz is another favourite of ours, of course, Messenjah Selah, who shines brightly with his own love song, 'Wanna Get Away'. Selah's is a sound which I've yet to tire of in the years since I've been listening to him and when I hear this song, I hear such a FULL vibes. It is so well done! I call it a 'love song' and that is an accurate description, but it's a multi-faceted love song, it is one which touches the social realm, within the romantic realm and it isn't a complicated listen at all. That man just makes GOOD music and you won't find an exception on the Stringz. I was equal parts very happy and very surprised to see Buggy Nhakente present on the Stringz Riddim, but perhaps I shouldn't have been given the fact that RRR will seemingly go anywhere for real talent. This time they went to Barbados for the Reggae/Soca hybrid and the results show that it was well worth it. 'Love Remains The Same' is a love song, but it's a song which brings "love" up for the sake of "love". It's not a romantic type of song (well, it kind of is), but it's more on an inspirational type of vibes which essentially espouses on the power of LOVE in any situation.

“Oh what do you answer, when you ask yourself the question -

What keeps us together, more than any war or competition?

Unconditional love!

The same one that Mama say came from above

The same one that brings life kisses and hugs

What the world needs now, we don’t have enough!

Cause people change and seasons change

But love remains the same

Seasons come and people go

But love remains the same

Time goes on and we move on

But love remains the same!”

BIG BIG tune!

Of the remaining tracks, of course the previously mentioned pieces from both The Lambsbread and Zacheous Jackson are highlights and they're joined by a typically interesting lot assembled by Rumble Rock for the Stringz Riddim. Such a fascinating individual is Ras Arcane, who I only heard of for the first time on the SBS Riddim - Arcane is back for the Stringz with an arguably even stronger tune in the biblical 'Hymn Book & Bible'. Arcane is someone to deal with for several reasons, not the least of which is his delivery which is so straight forward that it's strange. He just talks and kind of adjusts himself to the riddim, at times, but clearly command of melody isn’t his strongest attribute. That being said, however, he's just obviously talented and his tune here is another demonstration of that. Also back from the previous release is O-Shen who this time wants you to know that he's 'Sorry' for what he's done. I do really like this one (especially the chorus) although it goes a bit too rappy for me later on, when it does, O-Shen still manages to impress. Rastar is also back (and is also rappy) for the Stringz with 'Love U Jah'. This song definitely isn't one of my favourites here, but I am still reserving what I think about the artist because I have heard talent there.

Sarai Knowledge

Jhaytea who has been having an excellent few months or so (highlighted by 'All The Love', a big combination with Glen Washington) is also here with the lover’s piece, 'Like Heaven' which is another strong piece from the Roatan native. Jhaytea has serious star potential in my opinion and I can well envision a 'J-Boog like' run from him on the horizon. His song on the Stringz would also figure to have mainstream legs if given the opportunity, but something tells me that he's headed there whether it does or not. Excellent track and one of the riddim's finest. The HEAVY Ras Professor also scores min a mighty way with 'Meditation Time'. Here's a song which kind of put my mind to something I'll speak about more in closing, but here I'll just say that this is such a STERLING track. It's kind of rough at the same time, anything the Professor does and has ever done will always be kind of rough around the edges, but there is an almost extreme beauty here and on so many levels in my opinion (am I could really go for an album from Ras Professor now???). The divine-voiced Fabian Williams wraps up and delivers 'I'll Try' to the Stringz Riddim. I don't know a great deal of Williams, but he makes a nice impression with his tune and hopefully RR has him back (I'm sure they will). Finally is the only name on the Stringz Riddim which is COMPLETELY new to me - Sarai Knowledge (cool name). Knowledge (who sounds a bit like Ce'Cile to my ears) comes with 'Jah Light' and from what we've read, she typically focuses more on the Hip-Hop side (which may explain why I don’t know who she is), but she sounds pretty nice, while infusing Hip-Hop vibes while the song progresses.

Stringz Riddim Mix Pt. 2

Rumble Rock does include a clean version of the riddim (always a good idea) where the strings do become more apparent to my ears. This riddim, as I alluded to a second ago, really began to strike me as being incredibly accessible and VERSATILE. You hear it initially and you automatically go to thinking just how nice it would be as a modern Lover's Rock riddim and it does serve that purpose, but it can also do modern Roots (see Ras Professor) and a variety of other things, such as Hip-Hop and even Gospel.

Overall, I will be back for a third time. Again, I'm going to try not to directly compare the Stringz Riddim with the Step By Step, but even if I did, it's definitely on a similar level in terms of quality, which makes it obvious that Jimmy Cui and co. at Rumble Rock are exercising quite a bit in the way of quality control. Chances are, I think, that we've probably already heard their next riddim to be featured and whatever it is, I'm well looking forward to it. When you are fortunate enough to find a label who can consistently provide top material, even in Reggae where, as I said, we aren't experiencing a dearth of such entities, it's important to stick to them and support them because the benefits to you, as a fan, are potentially HUGE. It'll take more than two big riddims and an album ultimately to keep my attention, but if Rumble Rock Recordz continues their winnings ways, you won't even have to ask me what I think. Nice.

Rated: 4/5

Rumble Rock Recordz

2011

Digital

Rumble Rock Recordz

Review #335

'A Little Closer': A Review of The Step By Step Riddim

Reggae music really does bring us closer together. Besides working in obvious terms - You reading this right now - and while continuously trying to fight the worldwide usage of truly awful clichés such as the one I just used in opening, we’re beginning to see more and more tangible pieces of evidence which suggests that this is completely true. First of all and most obvious would be the actual ‘circulation’ of our artists who, despite managing to spend their entire careers out of the most powerful of spotlights that music has to offer for the most part, still tend to appeal to fans across the globe and do so passionately. I’m always surprised when I hear that certain acts have large followings in some remote corner of the planet or have sold out a concert in some area of the world not known as being the most Reggae-centric. More still is someone like Hi-Kee, who we dealt with recently and who . . . Basically traveled the entire world in recording material for his debut album, ”Self Reliance” and actually found a new homebase of operations in the process, in Sicily of all places. And, of course, the Internet also helps the music bring the people together, serving as a most immediate highway of exchange, something which may not be as glaring in other genres where you can go to almost any store, anywhere in the world and be sure that they’ll have what you want. Most recently, I’ve also begun to notice another trend which has not only been providing us with a great deal of enjoyment over the past couple of years or so, but is one which has such potential that, should it continue, I can see it really overhauling the way Reggae, Dancehall and maybe even Soca music (when the rest of you people wake up!) is made. What we have are not only new labels sprouting up on an almost weekly basis, but they don’t just emerge and stay stagnant, they come in with horns blaring and drums beating - Showing the class of labels years and even decades older. And not only that but, some of these labels, it’s like they have some type of magic transportation device because the VERY first time you hear about them they’re recording such a vast variety of artists that, again, you’d think they were much older. In recent times we’ve seen a couple of US based imprints added to this group which is full of European members such as Itation Records and the boys at Philadub who are still relatively young labels with seemingly never ending and unlimited connections. And I guess that now we have to make room for another entrant in that lot as the way Rumble Rock Recordz has chosen to say ‘Hello’ simply cannot be overlooked.

Surely it’s by some grand coincidence that, at least partially, Rumble Rock Recordz shares a homebase with their neighbour Philadub as far as the American state of Pennsylvania and they also have a big root in Hawaii as well. Like Philadub and Itation and the Lustre Kings and a whole heap of American labels, they also share a view of Reggae as a global project and DAMN - is that reflected in the lineup which one will find on their brand new composition, the Step By Step Riddim. Typically what you’ll see, and especially with new(er) labels is that they’ll come through and maybe their initial projects will feature a great deal of local acts and maybe one or two heavy hitters but, as I said, we’ve seen this trend. Now, you’ll either see a label which seems to go COMPLETELY out of their way to voice such a wide group of big named artistes or (as is the case here and especially in the earlier material from Itation, and I’m going to actually put Necessary Mayhem from out of the UK in this mix as well) what they’ll do is to provide a healthy mix of locals and big names. I actually do prefer the latter to the former because, as you’ll see in just a moment, what it does is to begin to introduce new names on projects which will naturally grab attention because of the big names they do contain - So the masses will come looking for the x-amount of big names, but will leave with a few others to look forward to in the future. In this specific case, as I said, that’s what RRR has favoured to do in the case of the Step By Step Riddim. The last time I recall seeing ANYTHING remotely like what happens here, in terms of the roster of artists is back when the aforementioned Itation Records released the BIG Show Love Riddim. However, just scanning through it now, that release was even more decorated with bigger names as it featured people like Pressure, Lutan Fyah and Norris Man on its higher end and even Gyptian, which is an increasingly bigger name these days and those fans who came looking for their music may even have come looking, initially, for NiyoRah, Natty King, Ras Attitude and others, also on the riddim. The Step By Step??? No. There is REALLY only a single big name on this riddim and while people like you and me are familiar with more, I can confidently say that I have NEVER heard of quite a few of the vocalists here, but now that I do, going forward, some of them have made the type of impression on me, for the better, that I won’t be soon forget.

And the names that do appear on the riddim didn’t come for rubbish. The Step By Step Riddim is OUTSTANDING. It is BEAUTIFUL! You may not enjoy every tune on the riddim (and you probably won’t, there are nineteen of them), but if you are even the most casual of Roots Reggae fans of the modern era, I’m going to have a difficult time believing you don’t like this composition. It’s fairly straight forward with the highlight definitely being a wonderfully peppered in horn and while it doesn’t deviate much from center, the riddim proves to be a very ‘comfortable’ setting for nineteen different vocalists to offer up some of their very best vibes.

Riddim Mix pts. 1 & 2

As far as I can tell, this riddim has origins which date back a couple of years or so as I found an album of one of the artists containing one of the songs on this riddim and that album (more on that in a minute) was dated back to 2008. So apparently what happened here, was that the producer (a gentleman by the name of Jimmy Cui, I believe) (cool name) decided to take his riddim and build it out more and more and that’s exactly what he did - eighteen more times.

Because of the way the Step By Step Riddim’s album is situated, I thought that I’d go in reverse, for a change, in looking at the tunes as the second half features the lion’s share of names which are largely unfamiliar to me, although it does begin with a bang. Said “bang” is ‘Keep On Believing’ from one of the biggest names on the SbS Riddim, Zema. I don’t know a great deal about Zema, but she’s the type of ever-present figure in Reggae that, even if you don’t follow her, if you pass through enough, you kind of . . . Follow her anyway. Her inspirational tune is well impressive and probably one of the riddim’s finest and that’s to be expected from her. Next in we have the very interesting Zacheous Jackson (who I believe linked us when I was sick) with ‘Israelites Arise’. Before even dealing with his music, Jackson is fascinating because his album, ”The Truth Shall Be Told”, was also released via RRR late last year (it’s still relatively new) and while eventually I’ll have to go and check that out, his tune here isn’t on that album so this becomes my semi-official introduction to the artist (and it’s just like I said, you’d come here looking for someone else and be impressed by someone like Jackson and then discover that he has an album already). His tune is excellent. Jackson has a very curious style, somewhat reminiscent of someone like Horace Andy, and the spiritual tune speaks, building on Zema’s vibes indirectly, of perseverance and the Afrikan Diaspora and, as I’ve said in the past, I love tunes like that which are just INTELLIGENT and should we grab it up, you may here more about Jackson here in the coming weeks.

Okay! Now, with that being said, of the remaining seven vocal tracks on the second half of the SbS Riddim, I’ve absolutely never heard of six of the eight vocalists behind them and one of the familiar names, the eclectic and very RANDOM Faïanatur from out of France, is probably the most unusual on the entire set. His tune, ’A New Life’; while not one of my favourites here, is still a pretty decent tune and I think it’s probably still growing on me. And do keep an eye on his works as well because Faïanatur is always doing interesting works (like a new album these days, apparently, by the name of ”Touch“ which released just a few days ago). The colourful Faïanatur is joined by someone named Ryan Mystik who chimes in on ‘Guidance’. I don’t know who he is, but the Mystik’s tune is very good. The singer has an unusual voice but it’s one which doesn’t require any adjustment and while listening to it for the first time I can remember being inattentive, doing something else (probably writing something for you greedy people) (you know I love you!), and just kind of noticing that he was doing big things, so now I have an impetus to look for more from the singer. Ras Mikey? The name sounds familiar, but I don’t know who he is. His tune, ‘Keep The Faith’ is decent. It’s kind of cliché-ish , but Mikey has a very soulful delivery and, at least aesthetically and sonically, makes it a very appealing experience. ‘Love, Live & Forgive’ is a combination featuring the other name on the second half of the SbS Riddim that I know of, the globetrotting Mr. Mention and one which is new to me, Herbalist. I’m not going to say that I simply do not like Herbalist’s vibes, but I’d have to hear more of him to pass judgment. On this tune, he’s simply too harsh vocally (and maybe for the riddim in general) and it makes a bad pairing with Mention who, as usual, is impressive. Speaking of HARSH, it would also apply, in parts, to Rastar (who, obviously, isn't the label of the same name) and his tune 'Love Ova War', which isn't very bad despite the fact that it's more Rappy that I usually enjoy but, Rastar is pretty talented. Lil Ras gets the honour of having the title track of this riddim and although his track isn’t a highlight for me (Lil Ras is also a bit more on the Hip-Hop side, which just isn’t for me) I’d imagine that I’m in the minority there. The riddim’s final vocal track is from Ras Gabriel and he actually does get a mix of the riddim and when you hear what he does with the BIG ‘Zion Way’, you’ll know why.

“Going home
Zion Way
Zion Way
Going Home
Zion Way
Zion Way”

The tune features easily one of the strongest choruses on the riddim and it’s just an attention grabbing piece and thankfully it’s full of genuine substance as well and you then see exactly what can be done with this riddim in terms of changing it up and getting very electric in the process (and I think I hear a slightly more pronounced drumming as well).

The first half of Rumble Rock Recordz’ Step By Step Riddim features more of the bigger names and, still, it manages to mix in a few names which are new to me as well. Also, as you’ll read about in just a moment and as I alluded to previously, the level of “big” in regards to this project isn’t the same level of “big” in the entire genre (with one exception), which gives this a real ‘grassroots’ type of an appeal and, although it’s clearly incorrect, a less kind of planned out and more free-flowing type of scene and that’s also interesting when the big tunes roll in as well.

'What Will It Take' by Messenjah Selah

Getting us started on the first half is my favourite artist (currently) to be found on the riddim, who also has my favourite tune on the riddim. It’s the king of tags (look over there -> no single artist has more tags on this blog), Messenjah Selah, with the HUGE ‘What Will It Take’.

“What will it take
FOR YOU
To turn your life around
Tell me what you’re going to do
When you hear the trumpet sound
Everything that YOU DO
It ah build you up or pull you down
Only in The Most High, Jah
You can be safe and sound

Sleepers, it’s time for you to wake up
Do you need another 9/11 or an earthquake fi shake up
Bigga judgment
What if you go to sleep tonight and tomorrow you don’t wake up
What a tragedy!
Then your soul would be lost
There would be no time to make up”

I’m tempted to roll out the entire first verse because it’s very powerful (do I dare reserve a single post for MORE lyrics from Selah??? I might) as the Messenjah forcefully declares that it’s now time for all evildoers to change their ways before it is too late (“you better choose JAH, before you lose JAH”).

The second tune is also probably my second favourite as the WICKED Arkaingelle turns up on the SbS Riddim with a most coincidentally titled tune. The Guyana born chanter had an album from a few years back, ”O’Pen”, which contained a song by the name of ‘Manifess Joy’ - One of the best songs I’ve ever heard. EVER. And now he brings to this riddim, ‘Time Manifest’ which, it goes without saying doesn’t reach those ridiculous levels, but is a mighty song on its own merits. It’s a real shame that we don’t hear more from Arkaingelle, but hopefully he’ll be looking at doing another album soon and it’ll contain more fine work like this track. ‘Wonderful World’ is a tune by easily the most recognizable artist on the SbS Riddim, Reggae star Anthony B. It isn’t his finest moment, it is pretty average and it almost kind of seems as if he’s going through the proverbial motions with not much passion at all which is a real shame. But, as the cover (which is excellent, by the way) might suggest, the heaviest stones DO sink to the bottom in this case.

'Jah Will Make A Way' by The Lambsbread

I made an earlier indirect reference to The Lambsbread who had an album a few years back, ”Rise”, which contained a tune by the name of ‘Jah Will Make A Way’, which has turned out to be their cut of the SbS Riddim. The Hawaiian based duo (a man and a woman) are pretty high on ‘things to do’ list and I always think to REALLY dig into their vibes, as they kind of just float outside of a stream of artists (which includes both Selah and Arkaingelle) who I do listen do and they are obviously solid and have a pretty strong and loyal fan base. Hopefully I can join it pretty soon because I’ve always been impressed by their output and this tune is no exception. Oshen is a similar case, although I’ve heard considerably less from the popular and most remote artist (he’s from Papua New Guinea). His tune, ’Freedom Fighter’ is another solid addition to this set and one which is gaining steam on my players - It’s very good. And also pay a nice bit of attention to the decent ‘Children Need Love’ which comes from Firestar (yes that Firestar) from I Wayne’s camp. It’s not anything special at all, but it’s an okay piece from another name who we wish would be far more active (and the song, lyrically, is quite nice, particularly later on). ‘Who Feels It Knows’ comes from an unknown to me, Ras Arcane who, although clearly talented, has such a . . . basic delivery that it’s almost strange. He literally appears to just talk on the riddim (what he’s saying, mind you, is pretty impressive) at times and while that sacrifices something in the way of melody, I do think that there’s real talent on his end and I hope to run into (ORGANICALLY (!), don’t start sending me Ras Arcane tunes tomorrow and asking me what I think, I have more than enough stuff to do!).

'Life' by Jus Goodie

While expect big names to do big work (and that is what happens here), it’s always nice to get nicely surprised by lesser known artists and, to my opinion, that happens three times on the first half of the SbS Riddim album. The first is on the song ‘Life’ by someone named Jus Goodie who is completely new to me. The curious voiced singer offers a superbly intoxicating track which speaks on the matter of antiviolence and does so in a big and sweeping manner, showing Jus Goodie (. . . Interesting name) to be a very accomplished lyricist as well and - Yeah, I’m a new fan. There’s also the explosive Lion Fiyah (who I have heard of) from out of Hawaii who brings forth the LARGE praising tune ‘Divinity Within’.

“King Selassie I divinity within
And nothing can compare to the joy Jah Jah bring
King Selassie I divinity within
Them always kill di prophet, but dem caan kill di King of Kings

Oh Jah please
Hear I plea
Although I know you must hear many
See dem belly fun, yet dem gwan like dem hungry
Jah fill I up, with your grace and mercy
Cause who Jah bless, no man can curse wi
I cup runneth over from Selassie I blessing
No power on earth can run come try test HIM
Jah live inna flesh
Rastafari ever-living”

Fiyah does a damage not to be missed on the tune (and my little Daughter, the quietest child in the world, seems to find it hilarious, the way he says “divinity”, so you know I love it as well). (and apparently the tune was also released as a digital single by RRR) And lastly is Black Prophet from out Ghana who taps a bit of Bob Marley on his strong effort, ‘Wicked Soul Driver’. You’ll forgive me because I’ve been listening to more than a small amount of Rebellion The Recaller and the two do sound alike to some extent and that’s saying something BIG if you know the Recaller’s music. Here we have just a forceful big tune and I really like how the riddim changes up and begins to POUND itself - Matching the Prophet when he pushes the intensity up on this SNARLING social commentary (“they buy my book without reading my contents!”). And you’ll also find a most useful and GORGEOUS clean version of the riddim - Here you’ll notice just how beautiful this thing is (it‘s good to write to) (take my word for it).

'Wicked Soul Driver' by Black Prophet

Overall, I will definitely say this with the condition that the Step By Step Riddim album (like almost every riddim album ever made) is ONLY going to appeal to hardcore fans of the genre - newer fans need not apply (and need not read reviews which are 3400+ words long) - and I don’t think you will, anyway. Rumble Rock Recordz really does a fine job in just assembling such a varied ‘cast’ for this one that you end up getting not only so many different sounds on the riddim, but so many different ideas from so many different walks of life and, with just a few exceptions, most of the tunes tend to escape this tired Reggae-formulaic method of building songs and it sounds pretty fresh which is what the riddim deserves. And if I haven’t stressed it enough (and I haven’t) the riddim is outstanding on its own and it is deserving of the biggest names the genre has to offer, but we’re kind of glad they didn’t take it in that route. So add Rumble Rock Recordz to your queue of labels worth listening to as they’ve now done their part in making the world just a little smaller and more comfortable through the power of excellent vibes. Well done.

Rated: 4.25/5
Rumble Rock Recordz
2011
Digital
Rumble Rock Recordz