Most Wanted: 2026

Okay so, that was 2025. I hope you liked it but if you didn't, there's nothing we can do about it now. It's over... on to the next! We had some very impressive releases from some expected and some unexpected stars to help make the year fun and, presumably (and hopefully), this time next year, we'll be saying the same for 2026. So we're already looking ahead to what the future might have to offer and to do that we're going to use a feature from back in da day. Today we assemble a group of ten individuals who we're hoping to hear from in the new year. Most Wanted 2026!

{Note: Names appear in no particular order}

{Note 2: I intentionally excluded people who I know have albums scheduled or are heavily rumoured to be releasing albums}

Anthony B

It was just 2023 when the great Anthony B released his most recent set, "Bread & Butter", so while the world isn't exactly starving for a new one from him just yet... it would be pretty nice considering the roll he's been on in recent times. I'm sure I'll say this in regards to someone else (if not everyone else) but, with the right producer, based on what he's been up t o lately, I think Anthony B's next album -- whenever we get it -- could be a contender for best of that year. Even at such an advanced and well grizzled stage in his career, the Original Fire Man appears to be well within reach of his prime. ANTHONY B! SHOW EVERYONE WHAT I MEAN AND DO AN ALBUM IN 2026! PLEASE.

Queen Omega

We're just coming up on the third anniversary of "Freedom Legacy", Queen Omega's most recent studio release but prior to that, a truly ridiculous FIFTEEN YEARS had elapsed in between records from her, which was entirely unacceptable. Three years is just fine in my opinion and the star of our Album of The Year for 2023 would look just fine making her return in 2026. In the summer or so I actually heard an interview (on a radio station in Toronto, I THINK) where the Queen said she was at work on her next album and I, of course, glued into that fact. She didn't say with whom she was working or give any type of timeframe for its potential release whatsoever but, if she does make an appearance next year, she could definitely do a lot for 2026. 

Damian Marley

"Stony Hill" will turn eight years old next summer and one of the legit, bona fide superstars of the genre, Damian Marley, figures to be DUE for a new set any one of these years now (and I can recall hearing a rumour that he was coming with something late 2024, I believe) and one would think that he is actively at work on the next project. I always enjoy stressing the fact that, despite the most obvious thing about him -- he's Bob's son ["Tell mi which CD do you think dem get? Di one closest to di Bob Marley boxset"] -- Jr. Gong is a wizard. Lyrically, the man is virtually peerless and what he is capable of is downright special. Hearing a brand new performance of his talents is always a gift. Hopefully he brings gifts next year and I think he will. 

Ras Batch

Without looking anything up, I would probably say that Ras Batch releasing an album in the next twelve months would be THE biggest surprise if everyone on this list were to do the same. The last time we heard from him would have been on "Rootz & Kulcha" from early 2017 and if you know anything about Batch, he pretty much likes to do his albums by himself. Of course there're exceptions (one in particular) but he generally keeps production in-house via his own Sound V.I.ZIon imprint. That's fine but I think if he could, somehow, get into that never endingly active mix of Trinity Farm Music (like other VI artists, Ancient King, Abja, Danny I and  even Akae Beka) it would see the rather reclusive Ras Batch to a greater level of frequency... and he can bring Ras Attitude with him! I don't think it happens but stranger things have. 

Sara Lugo

Finally (technically. I'm writing this one last but she won't be listed last), you knew she was coming. How about a new Sara Lugo album for the new year?! Recently returning to the familiar ground of Oneness Records, the now VETERAN singer (Sara Lugo's probably getting towards (if not already) forty years old (that is RIDICULOUS!)) (further research reveals that she just turned 38!) could definitely freshen up 2026 via dropping album #4. It's been a minute (and four and a half years) since "Flowaz" ["Bring me flowers!"], so she's also due (...for an album) any year now and 2026 seems as good as any. I'm actually going to predict that this one does happen in the new year. Maybe it comes from Oneness, maybe not, but I suspect Funky Comfort will reign in 2026!

Luciano

I could definitely be wrong and I probably am but, off the top of my head, I THINK that the most recent studio album that we got from the great Messenjah, Luciano, was 2020's Oneness produced GIANT, "The Answer". He's had re-releases, remasters, greatest hits and compilations since then but, as far as I can tell, not an actual new album since it (he had one called "Return Of The Chronicles" which was an odd R&Bish re-working of some of his biggest hits that was really hard to listen to). That's fucked up... it just is. Even if I'm forgetting one, hopefully one of the greatest voices this music has ever produced and one of its longest serving soldiers comes back to us in a characteristically BEAUTIFUL way in 2026. 

Mark Wonder

There was an EP back in '23 called "Reflections Of The Dragon Slayer" but I think that the last full album from the GOLDEN Mark Wonder remains 2020's "Remz Of The Dragon Slayer" (the man has been slaying dragons for a really long time). That album came from a very familiar source, Oneness Records and, not too long ago, Wonder appeared on their High Peak Riddim. I'm thinking that 2026 could be a very good time to get the old band back together again and see what could happen. What could happen has history as, way back in 2012 Wonder & Oneness teamed up on the aptly named "Working Wonders" which is, EASILY, one of THE best albums I have heard in my entire life. I think that it's time for a sequel ["WHO ELSE COULD IT BE?!"]. Will it actually happen??? I wouldn't bet on it. 

Busy Signal

This one is very specific and I don't really think that it has a legit shot of happening but let me ask you something: How damn cool would it be if Busy Signal's next album came via the Zion I Kings?? Doesn't that sound pretty good?! Obviously, the thought arose as the well versatile Busy actually did cross paths with massive Reggae collective for a single, 'The Days', back in October. Now, if they could get together again.... this time for a full album, the results, just as the quality of the single would suggest, could be MASSIVE.

Jah Defender

Such a list from me these days HAS to include the currently flaming chanter from out of Trinidad, Jah Defender. Along with being quite active these days, he lays a giant claim to dropping THE single best tune that I heard in all of 2025 altogether 'Haile Selassie I', so of course I'm interesting in getting my hands on a full release in 2026. Magnifying matters is the fact that he's been doing a lot of work with one single outfit, House Of Riddim. I can DEFINITELY see HOR reaching with a full Jah Defender project in the new year and you know what? I think it WILL happen and if it does, at least on paper, this one will have Album of The Year potential in my opinion. 

Reemah

I know that I said that these were listed in no order in particular but I specifically saved Reemah for last because she's probably my #1 in terms of how much I want it to happen. It has been a downright heinous soon-to-be eight years since her last set, "Breaking News", and... frankly I'm getting tired of waiting. This is some bullshit! Had I done this list last year or the year before, my prospects would have probably been higher. Today? Nope. I have none. I don't think this is happening. I do hope that I'm wrong but I'm not seeing one of the true, bona fide GENIUSES that we have today doing a new album in the new year. I'm just not.... but DAMN, I HOPE I'M WRONG! 

New Video... BOOM AGAIN!

Next review is done and I already have another song to tell you about, but they made a clip for the recently released 'No More Trouble' by Sara Lugo & Yaksta from Oneness Records and I thought you'd like to see it. As you were....

Sara Lugo + Yaksta + Oneness Records = BOOM!

Oneness Records supplies their BIG new High Peak Riddim to loooooooooooooooooooongtime favourite, Sara Lugo and the well gifted Yaksta who respond by.... absolutely ripping it to shreds with 'No More Trouble'. The High Peak (great name) has a very nice and LARGE vibes to it during the chorus, before settling into this comfortably infectious bounce. For their part, our vocalists deliver a sweet message putting down all your baggage, letting go all of the  bullshit and moving forward.

"NO MORE TROUBLES ON MY DOORSTEP!"

It's Sara Lugo and it's Oneness Records, so you know where my mind is going but we'll leave that there and instead, join me and enjoying a brand new tune, out this morning, 'No More Trouble', from Sara Lugo and Yaksta, courtesy of our old friends at Oneness Records.... I'm going to get something to eat.

Sara Lugo. WHAT! Oneness Records. WHAT!

You can ALWAYS go back home! Coming up on FIFTEEN YEARS since we made our very first post  on her, the incomparable Sara Lugo is not only back at work, but she's back at work with a very familiar source, the wonderful people at Oneness Records, as artist and label link up for the big new tune, 'Hidden Treasure', an expectedly GORGEOUS track that Lugo wrote while in Jamaica. 

"WHEN YOU LOOK INTO THE FACES OF YOUR SISTERS

YOU WILL SEE THE SUN SHINE RIGHT THROUGH THEM" 

The tune has an obvious direction of not immediately 'judging the book by its cover' and the way it is presented... I already used the gorgeous, but that's what it is! Just a beautiful tune and, all these years later, that woman's voice STILL does everything for me. You already know what I'm thinking ("Flowaz" is three and a half years old....), but I'll keep that to myself and just enjoy Sara Lugo & Oneness Records once again working their magic in late 2024. If you don't like this tune, leave this blog and never come back. Your kind is not welcomed here. BOOM! 

What I'm Listening To: LATELY

'Never See Us Fall' by Marlon Asher & Sizzla Kalonji [VAS Productions]

First up this month is a tune which brings together two [THREE] very big names as Marlon Asher links up with the great Sizzla Kalonji.... on a Don Corleon produced track [!] for a big new tune, 'Never See Us Fall'. At the risk of becoming a 'prisoner of the moment' (what I care), I'm going to go ahead and say that 'Never See Us Fall' is the single best tune I've heard from either artist in a minute. On paper, such a combination is truly ridiculous and when you put a wizard at the helm what you expect becomes giant.... 'Never See Us Fall' is giant. 

{Note: Wouldn't be surprised at all if Asher had an album forthcoming this year}

'No Competition' by Daman & Sara Lugo [Soulbeats]

Now look at this one and skip ahead one really quick and then come back.... after seeing who we started with (a combination featuring my favourite artist EVER... produced by, arguably, the greatest producer EVER) and you'll notice that music has been very good to me recently. The great Sara Lugo returns, herself on a combination, this time with an artist I have never come across by the name of Daman (who also produces), for the expectedly delightful 'No Competition'. For me, I took this one as a bit of a 'de-stresser' for life. The thought being that you're not living in a way where you're constantly pitted against someone or something else... EVERYTHING ISN'T OBSTACLE. A beautiful sentiment and one built atop a sweet riddim which has just a hint of old school Dancehall. A fantastic tune.

'Big Fraud' by Reemah [Feel Line Records]

I TOLD YOU! Also on my radars, as it has been for a bit now, is the latest (give me a second, let me confirm that.... yep, it's the latest) from the incomparable, the brilliant Reemah from out of St. Croix, 'Big Fraud'. The song comes via the same Feel Line Records with whom the chanter has been aligned with virtually the entire time since she's risen to prominence and it is of the same MAMMOTH levels that she's displayed.... virtually the entire time she's risen to prominence.

"Wi come to mash and trample every old scheme

Latest on di news is just another smokescreen

PUPPET ON A STRING A WEH DI PEOPLE VOTE IN

Push di dirt unda di table just to keep yuh nose clean

Meanwhile di things you do is contradicting

Di way you play two-sides, oh it sickening!

TO KEEP DI SHEEP POWERLESS, YOU KEEP INSISTING-

A REAL LION HEART WILL NEVA BE NO VICTIM"

The woman is simply on another level from the rest of us. She is evidence of something MORE.

The Wild Crocz Riddim [Swick B]

Probably the nicest piece of new Soca I've come across lately has been the Wild Crocz Riddim which [I THINK] was built by one Swick B from out of St. Vincy. The Wild Crocz is a BOUNCE. It's just all kinds of fun and to maximize the moments some truly big names are brought it. Skinny Fabulous teams up with Jab King, RIDICULOUSLY Problem Child & Lavaman vibe together for 'Doh Bother Me', constant duo Lil Natty & Thunda are joined by the always exciting Muddy ["If you think I ignorant then you hit the nail on the head"], while Keith Currency, Lyrikal and even Patrice Roberts go solo. Every single tune here is at least pretty good and, like I said, the Wild Crocz is VIBES! 

 

"Ganja Man" by Linval Thompson [Irie Ites]

And finally this month, in the place of what is typically some random old set that has gotten my attention as of late is a vintage artist who may just hit vintage levels with his brand new body of work. The legendary Linval Thompson brings forth "Ganja Man" and does so with a pair of some of the most comfortable hands in the entire genre, those of Irie Ites which (presuming this goes up when it's supposed to) (nope! It was a day late) has just been released TODAY and has been dominating a large chunk of my busy morning. Just about anyone releasing an album with II is a really big deal but that becomes magnified several times over because it's literally Linval Thompson, more than half a century into his . Early impressions are good with 'What Time Is It' probably leading the way, but solid contenders come in the form of the title track, 'Marcus Garvey Says', 'Ghetto Youth' and one or two others. Thoroughly enjoying what I'm hearing at the moment and... I may just slap a review on this one in the next couple of weeks or so. Let's see. Eek-A-Mouse and Trinity feature. 

The Unidad Riddim from Oneness Records!

The Unidad Riddim [Oneness Records - 2024]

1. 'Un Mejor Mañana' by Sara Lugo & Morodo

2. 'Verdadero Amor' by Afaz Natural

3. 'A La Deriva' by Lengualerta & Tiana Bless

4. 'Lágrimas de Hielo' by Raggabund

5. 'Te Quería' by Dactah Chando

6. 'Antes Que Seja Tarde' by Jhayam & Srta. Paolo

7. 'Bing Bang' by Fidel Nadal

8. Unidad Riddim Dubmix by Umberto Echo

9. Unidad Riddim Instrumental

Biggup and LOVE to one of.... simply one of the finest labels and producers that we have EVER had the privilege of covering in the history of these pages, Oneness Records, who is back with their latest creation, the Latin spined (I like that. "Spined") Unidad Riddim. Simply for what it is, the Unidad may just be one of the finest compositions that Oneness has ever brought forth (and if you've followed them to any degree, you can appreciate how big of a statement that is) (and if you haven't - they're excellent) and, fittingly (for the most part) and what they've done with it, in placing it in the hands of Spanish speaking vocalists, was an excellent touch. Somewhere in there is an infectious BOUNCE. The things surrounding it definitely add to the vibes and add originality and uniqueness to it, but you Reggae head, will definitely be able to tune it in and you will adore what you find. 

Listening through this one, I was introduced to a few talented names who I'd never come across previously and should probably keep an ear on going forward such as Raggabund (whose name I'd come across before but I'd never heard anything from them), the cool named Dactah Chando from out of Spain, Brazil's scalding Jhayam & Srta. Paola [FLAMES!], perhaps  most notably Spaniard, Afaz Natural (whose 'Verdadero Amor' ['True Heart'), is excellent) and others still. It's also a major credit to Oneness for linking oft-collaborator Umberto Echo, who is ABSOLUTELY MASTERFUL on his dub version of the Unidad Riddim. About three minutes into it (2:51 to be exact), Echo LEVELS UP with a... whatever that is, lasting for about twenty seconds during one of the most scintillating moments you'll find on the Unidad (Umberto Echo also takes a production credit for every offering here, so he may've actually built the Unidad Riddim).

Still, the lion's share of my attention was well focused on the opening selection, 'Un Mejor Mañana' which links Morodo from out of Spain with a young [Grammy Nominated], up and coming singer from Germany by the name of SARA LUGO. The duo provides the riddim with an undeniable signature moment (with respect to Echo) with their very difficult to shake effort.

It's 2024. It's the Unidad Riddim. It's Oneness Records & Sara Lugo -- just like old times -- and every thing can feel right in the world, DOES. 

What I'm Listening To: Therapy! Therapy! Therapy!

'Family' by Cali P [Evidence Music - 2023]

This post actually started as a post all about two tunes by the great Cali P and it morphed into what you see here (because I took too damn long to get around to it), so getting us started is... the great Cali P (and his new look), who gives us the first of a pair of big new tunes, 'Family'. Coming courtesy of Derrick Sound and Evidence Music and their golden Fight Again Riddim (which also featured big tunes courtesy of the likes of Lutan Fyah, Chezidek, Bugle, LMK and others). 'Family' is an IMMACULATE unity piece which, for me, really holds is place as it lifts up every single aspect of FAMILY. There isn't Mother and absent Father or ill-behaving child ["Family! I proud of you just like you proud of me"], it is fully-functioning and entirely beautiful UNIT. Let me tell you something with this tune and the interesting one I'm about to tell you about next.... Cali P in 2024.... yep! 

'Up All Night' by Cali P [Evidence Music - 2023]

Cali P and Evidence, this time, link with Gold Up from out of Canada for the very colourful and infectious 'Up All Night'. You're likely to hear it called Dancehall (which is fair, there's elements of that), but it's probably slightly more to the Hip-Hop side, which isn't my favourite, but this one works for me. It doesn't have that.... kind of rigidity that I usually associate with the genre; it's far more free and versatile and a very nice change of pace. Like I said (though I have nothing in the way of inside information on the topic), keep an eye on (and an ear on) Cali P going into the new year with material like this.... oh and all of that other stuff he's been doing for the last 15-20 years. There's always that stuff too ["SO IF YOU LOOK FUH MI, MI RIGHT ROUND DI CORNAH!"]. BOOM!

'Keep On Moving' by Pete Lawson & Sara Lugo [Novo Sonic - 2023]

All things pause as we hit yet another traditional favourite of ours SARA LUGO [WHUTTTTTTTTTT!] who teams up with another talent originally from out of Germany (although I think 'Funky Comfort' calls France home these days), Pat Lawson, who is entirely new to me, for 'Keep On Moving'. 'Keep On Moving' has a purpose, it has a direction - in terms of progression and development in life but you'll have to work on siphoning that out just a bit because, definitely, the star of the tune is its sound. It's just a lovely vibes (especially that chorus) and, in case you haven't noticed: This is a new song from SARA FUCKING LUGO!

'Anxiety' by Patrice Roberts [Xplicit Mevon - 2023]

Ah feeling. So it's coming. If you've been paying attention, you're noticing that early entries for the 2024 Carnival season are slowly but surely rolling out and, unless I'm really forgetting someone and something, the early favourite for me comes via a most familiar and dependable source as decorated Trini super nova, Patrice Roberts recently set out and succeeded in ridding the world of some extra 'Anxiety'. I'm not going to go too deep on this one, because I'd probably end up crying and I don't feel like doing that right now; but there is an INHERENT aspect of Soca music, in my opinion, which is so powerful in dealing with just cheering someone up or mental health, in general. When the music is at its best, there is NOTHING in the world that I know of which can pull that type of feeling out of me and while you don't hear it addressed so often, lyrically, how many HUNDREDS of songs have you heard with artists talking about how much they love Carnival and Soca and how much they miss them! 

"Soca mek wi stronger together!"

"Lyrical Faya" by Cali P [Pow Pow Productions - 2008]

Lastly (because why not???) I've [very] suddenly rewound the clock back a decade and a half to "Lyrical Faya", the album debut of the aforementioned great Cali P, as I tend to do maybe once a year or so. These days, as I alluded to, I'm stuck on the all kinds of wonderful SWEET Dancehall-ness of 'Right Around the Corner', but you know that despite the fact that this album was PACKED, you still have a difficult time finding a soft moment in its run. I think 'Redemption' might be the biggest remembered tune from "Lyrical Faya" but, again, there were so many as the venerable Pow Pow cracked open their vault of top notch riddims and delightfully Cali P took aim. 

Cali Roots Riddim 2023 by Collie Buddz

The Cali Roots Riddim 2023 [Collie Buddz + Ineffable Records]

1. 'Open the Door' by The Movement

2. 'A Thousand Times' by Busy Signal

3. 'Leon On Me' by Fiji

4. 'High' by Khalia

5. 'Do It Right' by Gondwana

6. 'Never Give Up' by J Boog & The Green

7. 'Light It Up' by Mihali

8. 'Press Remix' by SOJA

9. 'Shine My Light' by Irie Souljah

10. 'Waste My Time' by Little Stranger

11. 'Life Is A Cycle' by SARA LUGO

12. 'Life' by Hector Roots Lewis

13. 'No Boundaries' by Iya Terra & Dub Inc

14. 'Romeo & Juliette' by Shwayze

15. 'Jah Spotlight' by Luciano

16. 'Marry Me' by Anthony B

17. 'The Butterfly Remains' by Mike Love

18. 'Upside Down' by DISPATCH

19. 'Music Is The Remedy' by Eli-Mac & Inna Vision

20. 'Living In A Brighter Day' by The Expendables

21. 'Hold On' by Cydeways

22. 'Love Your Love' by Claire Wright

23. Cali Roots Riddim - Instrumental

Okay so, something that I simply HAD to tell you about because we've had our eyes firmly on it for maybe a month now is the brand new and GORGEOUS riddim from Collie Buddz & Ineffable Records, the latest installment of the Cali Roots Riddim (which seems to be somewhat of a running series). When I initially saw the lineup of vocalists on this riddim it stung me and long time readers of ours will know exactly why that was the case (so will new ones if they noticed what we did with the tracklist up there) and it still remained the matter of hearing the actual riddim itself (you can have literal deities singing the songs if they track is trash then no one wants to hear that). Fortunately, now that the Cali Roots has made its way forth, the work that Collie Buddz and J-Vibe have done is not only befitting some of the genre's most gifted wordsmiths, on its own, it is simply beautiful! It has a very nice cool vibes to it which, again, when you put it behind the right vocalist, really shines even brighter. Fortunately, Collie Buddz and company were also sure to include a clean version of the Cali Roots so we can all see that, even sans a single word, this thing is golden!

Now, even a cursory glance of the names appearing on this set will do interesting things for you. Names such as Luciano, Anthony B (who had an EXCELLENT tune on a previous version of the Cali Roots that you may remember, 'Chill Out' ['I just wanna dance and listen some rub-a-dub"] which is featured on his latest album, the BIG "Bread & Butter") and Busy Signal will definitely pop out for fans of all experience levels and one or two more, such as J Boog and Grammy winners, SOJA will also be familiar to quite a few ears as well. HOWEVER, readers of ours will immediately recognize the fact that my eyes were fixated on one name in particular amongst the rest.

....Yep..... it's SARA FRIGGIN LUGO! The looooong as hell time Achis Reggae favourite (if we had a Hall Of Fame, she would be in it) (....that's actually a pretty good idea) absolutely blesses the the Cali Roots  with what turns out to be its finest moment altogether with 'Life Is A Cycle'. 

"Watch the tone you speak in

Is it positivity you are seeking?

If all youi do is argue for no reason, better prepare for winter season

Life could be so beautiful, easier when you're grateful

From now on, focus on the blessings

Watch what happens when you rethink this message"

BOOM! 'Life Is A Cycle' is absolutely gorgeous! What a lovely tune and one which is fully emblematic of the quality levels of.... simply one of the greatest we have ever seen (she's probably like... thirty and I'm already saying that about her, but fully well earned around these parts, definitely). Fortunately, Lugo isn't the only star shining on the riddim as 'Life Is  A Cycle' is joined by big efforts from the previously mentioned Busy Signal (who absolutely TOYS with the track on his 'A Thousand Times'), J Boog & The Green and Anthony B, although, SHOCKINGLY, Luciano misses the mark with 'Jah Spotlight' which sounds oddly off-key and just odd at times in my opinion. Iya Terra alongside Dub Inc also turn up nicely with their 'No Boundaries' and the Cali Roots Riddim 2023 also includes several nice surprises from the likes of sweet singing Hector Roots Lewis, Mike Lewis with the curious 'The Butterfly Remains': A tune I was well looking forward to hearing and one which most certainly did not disappoint. Still, I have to say  the largest revelation from the riddim comes from the all kinds of impressive Khalia who torches everything in sight with her GOLDEN love song 'High'.

With big respect to Busy, it's probably the second best song here altogether and definitely keep an eye on Khalia going forward (and going backward) as well. Although the man of the moment, Collie Buddz himself, doesn't actually take on his own riddim, as I said he does give us a delicious clean version of the Cali Roots, which we always love to hear.

The Cali Roots Riddim 2023 edition is currently available now courtesy of Collie Buddz and Ineffable Records.

Still A Part of My Life: A Review of "Flowaz" by Sara Lugo

Rush hour on memory lane. One of these days, I'm going to write a review that is just super-simple and brief. It's just going to say something like, "I really enjoy this album and I think you will also. Check it out"..... today will not be that day. Nope. Today will be the exact opposite (and I'm calling it "today",  but it's probably going to take three or four to finish). I am going to ramble. I am going to deviate and go off-topic (I'm doing that right now actually). And if it all goes according to plan (and it almost surely will not), somewhere in here you'll find an album review. If not, well then there's nothing stopping me from trying it again at some point or, if all else fails, I can simply tack "I really enjoy this album and I think you will also" on the end and it will sound nice. Searching back through the archives of these pages will show a particular history dating allllllllllll the way back to May of 2010 when we had an Artist of The Month feature for a very unique vocalist from out of Germany by the name of Sara Lugo. While I like to think that I have a good eye and ear for talent, and for potential talent in particular, I don't know if I would have pictured what was to come and I surely wouldn't have seen myself, all these years later, just as excited, if not MORE, to write about her music as I was on that day. On top of that, I most certainly would not have expected to become.... probably the biggest cheerleader of Sara Lugo's music on the planet.

Since then (I have become a crazy old man), the singer has captivated. What was to follow was a pair of more than solid studio sets, "What About Love" from 2011 and "Hit Me With Me Music", which came three years on. She'd also see a compilation release from 2016, "Sara Lugo and Friends", which featured some of her best work uniting with the likes of Cali P, Jah9, Lutan Fyah, Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje and others (like Ras Muhammad). There was also "Swing Ting" from 2017 which, VERY INTERESTINGLY, featured Lugo displaying a handful of her singles backed by Jazzrausch Bigband, which was absolute ear-candy and just such a wonderful idea. "Swing Ting" leads me into a point of precisely how I think we ended up here. I've always attempted to explain my fascination with Sara Lugo's music by focusing on how, despite how clearly 'open' it is -- she has an unqualifiably (probably not a word, but I'm going to explain it) nice voice: She can just SANG! Her voice is excellent, she could pick up a recipe and sing it and it'd be nice to listen to -- she makes Reggae music. Her voice is Jazz to my ears, but she uses it for Reggae and it is SO DAMN FASCINATING because, on her end, there is no shift at all. The result is that she is just as comfortable on the heaviest and most rigid one drop you can find as she is on a project like "Swing Ting".  The comparison I sometimes come up with (I told you I was going to go off topic) (I warned you!) is Antiguan Soca singer, Claudette Peters. Her voice is Gospel. It sits in a pew on Sunday and it claps. It has a fan in its hand and it has an organ playing behind it at all times. But she uses it for chaos. She is a wizardess of jumping, waving and wining. But you listen to her music, at all times, knowing that there is a red button she can press at any time and turn everything to ash with that voice and virtually no one else, as esteemed as she is in Soca (I don't know how many times she's won Antigua's Soca Monarch) (it might be ten) (I looked it up, it's nine times), can do that. Sara Lugo presents such a similarly interesting situation and it has spent the last decade+ making a massive fan out of me. Why are we here? Why does she sound like this and make music like this? Because she is amazing at it.

Way way back in October of last year, Lugo released a brand new EP by the name of "Elevate". That set got me off my ass and made me feel like writing again, leading to what would become the first post on this blog in nearly four years and, once again, I was hooked. At the time, I though it was her most immediately diverse collection to date (more on that in a minute) and another delightful display of that VOICE. Now, I never made the connection back then, but "Elevate" was a direct descendant of a self-titled release she had back in 2009 [pictured]. That piece had four songs on it which are bona fide classics to my ears now ["WAITING FOR YOU, WAITING FOR YOU!"] (WHAT!) (BOOM!) and, nostalgically, probably contained the very first bit of music I had ever heard from the singer. The first EP would subsequently go on to be inhaled by the aforementioned "What About Love" album and now, so has "Elevate"! Sara Lugo returns  to the world in 2021 with her third studio album release, the downright iridescent "Flowaz".

 

To date, though she has worked with a variety of producers and labels, all of Lugo's full releases have come via Oneness Records from out of Germany which has become one of my favourites as well - having provided this blog, I think, with two different 'album of the year' winners, from Mark Wonder and Naptali, respectively, as well as a whole heap of solid compilations. So even independently of one another, Sara Lugo and Oneness Records are big deals on these pages and the many times they've linked together, they've produced.... wonderful music. But sometimes things change and that's okay. "Flowaz", like "Elevate" before it, come through Take It Easy Agency from out of France. I don't think that we've ran into their music prior to the EP, but that's fine. If you sign up Sara Lugo and DO A FULL ALBUM WITH HER [!], you're going to get my attention and maybe I'll even enjoy what I hear ["Maybe I can learn to love youuuuuuuuu!"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!].

 

Yep. Yep. I sure will.

 

 

Listening to "Elevate" previously, I was of the opinion that it represented some of the most diverse and disparate work of Sara Lugo's career, in terms of a collection of music. I don't know that I feel like that anymore (likely due to having become so familiar with that work over the past few months, it's become normalized to my ears). These days, while what I hear isn't Lugo/Oneness, it isn't a grand deviation from what she's done thus far and, again, that's at least partially due to that voice and an ability to blend styles absolutely effortlessly. Getting things up and going on Sara Lugo's brand new album, "Flowaz" from Take It Easy is the album's eponymous tune and one which did appear on "Elevate" (there were six tracks in full there (one was a remix), four of which carry over in the ten featured here) (which means SIX NEW SARA LUGO SONGS THAT I HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE!) (WHAT!). 'Flowaz', the song,  is gorgeous. As I said before, it is a fairly straight forward Jazz composition and, as you would expect, Lugo completely shines on such a piece: She probably couldn't even if she tried not to. I have slightly evolved in what I think of its direction. I've pinpointed it a bit. I like the concept of 'flowaz' just representing 'nice things' or 'beautiful things'. Whatever that means to you, Lugo wants to highlight those things in your mind. It is a piece of ideology which functions so SNUG on a song like this because each time you listen to it, there's a chance to find something new to appreciate in it. For example, my latest 'find' is during the first verse where she says:

"Not just beautiful to look at, but the way you smell"

And I took that to a situation of first meeting someone. After you see them, you just begin to take in and process everything about them when they make an impact on you. A golden start. Next in is our very first brand new selection, 'One In A Million'. For some reason, I was certain that I had heard it prior to this album somewhere, but at least a quick scan reveals it as a new song for this album. The message of this one is very interesting as well because the title maybe gives you one idea of it being some type of celebratory vibes but when you listen to it, it kind of is but, for her part, the singer is a bit frustrated and pissed off.

"Boy you better watch what comes out of your mouth
If you don't best prepare yourself for a jolt
Cause I'm sick and  tired of fighting with you over simple stuff you don't want to do
I am not your mama, clean up your mess
You should give me your best, I deserve nothing less
And if you work with me, I will work with you
I can make your dreams come true"

What I ultimately came away with was the notion of 'One In A Million' being centered around self-respect. Her frustration comes at someone underestimating and undervaluing themselves. And she's right: If you treat yourself like shit, how will you treat someone else? Probably even worse (if that's possible) (and it is). As for the actual vibes of the song, 'One In A Million' is sublime. I don't know what I would call it... maybe R&Bish (?), but whatever you want to call it, genre-wise, the first modifier is 'well-done'. Speaking of different sounds, 'Elevate', the song is one which is beyond description musically, from me. I don't know what that is and while it, too, has become familiar to me having listened to it so much, I stopped trying to classify it in that regards. I will say that I did use to hear a darkness on this one which has dissipated a bit (the word I used was "brooding"). It isn't completely sunny and rosy, but I don't hear a sadness or a harshness that I once did. Theme-wise, it actually chases 'One In A Million' very strong on this album. On that song she's telling you that you're slacking, you're not living up to your potential, in 'Elevate' Sara Lugo is telling you exactly what you need to do in order to make that happen on a song which may not get the full credit it should from a lyrical standpoint because of just how dazzling it can be, especially later on. So pay a special attention to that one.

 

 

I'm almost tempted to break my own unwritten rule on this album by not fully declaring a favourite (probably for the first time ever) because, whatever it is, it's one of three and (I just don't feel like picking) (AND I DON'T HAVE TO!) the first of them to appear on "Flowaz", is the wholly MAMMOTH 'Better Way'. TEARS! I think this may be the album's first single directly for it and they chose wisely. 'Better Way', in my opinion, ranks solidly alongside selections such as 'Soul Chaos', 'Black & White', 'Bombs of Love', 'Soldiers of Love' and others as some of the finest lyrical performances of Lugo's career to date ('Woman on A Mission' would also be in there as well) (that song was FANTASTIC!). The vocals are also very nice (DUH!) and they combine to make a serious winner. There is an almost shivering intensity to this song which will not, at all, leap out at you initially, but it builds and builds and builds. And it doesn't do it just once. As it grows on you and you begin to comprehend it more and more, it become more vivid and is such a powerful effort. Call it a call it to action or an inspirational piece (it's both of them), or whatever you want, 'Better Way' is GREAT and one of the best of Sara Lugo that you will hear. To my ears, the Hip-Hoppish 'Energy of God' is and has always been this fine celebration of diversity and individuality. Initially found on the "Elevate" EP, the tune, this is another winning lyrical effort and it's grown just a bit from the first time I heard it. There's an old saying which says, "be yourself because everyone else is taken", which shares a foundation of thought with 'Energy of God' and I love how she embraces the word "God" or 'that which is divine', which places an even greater emphasis on individuality. The world doesn't need what we already have (because..... we already have it), we need something different. Like you!

The second half of "Flowaz" [I wrote all of that ^ and I'm only halfway through this album] [DELICIOUS!] begins with another song which may or may not be my absolute favourite on it, the MATURE 'Falls'. If you have led a perfect life then, by all means, feel free to skip 'Falls' and go right ahead. It's not for you. HOWEVER, if you are not perfect and are like the rest of us highly, HIGHLY flawed individuals who have made a staggering amount of mistakes in life and will continue to, I am confident that you, like I did, will find a great JOY in this one.

"Even if everything seems alright
Everybody falls sometimes
Everybody falls sometimes"

Lugo's done similarly composed tunes as this one in the past ('Play With Fire' was a bit harsher, but comparable actually) and this one stands out for me, personally. I used the word "mature" because of how she approaches it. When you're young and you screw up, it's basically the end of the world ["You feel the sky is falling on your head"] ('Nothing To Worry', big tune) (big riddim too). Everything is fucked up and it always will be and that's the end of that. But when you get older, you develop and you gain a bit of life experience, you make your share of mistakes big and small and you see others do the same and YOU HELP THEM THROUGH THEM AND THEY DO THE SAME FOR YOU and the sky doesn't fall and crush you to death. It's a sentiment I've always loved to hear expressed, especially musically, because it takes a potentially dramatic and stressful event and it RESPECTS it, but it also normalizes it. People were screwing up long before you got here, they'll still be doing it long after you are gone. And going further, you can tie it into something like forgiveness for yourself and others as well. 'Falls' is also one of the most Reggae-centric efforts on the whole of "Flowaz" and, musically, it is well given its opportunity to shine and it does. NOW! Looking up and down the tracklist for "Flowaz", there is definitely one piece which, on paper, stands out from the rest and one which I'd been looking forward to hearing from ever since I saw it, maybe two or three weeks ago and it came with a question: What the hell is 'Mexican Airlines' about? I did have theories. The one I had the most confidence in was that Sara Lugo had written this about traveling the world, performing her music. Maybe she had some experience in an airport in Mexico and decided to write about it. I also had an idea that she had decided to write a song in Spanish. Lugo is half Puerto Rican and because I am someone who speaks PERFECT broken Spanish, I would love to hear such a thing. Well, as it turns out, I wasn't entirely wrong.

"Buenos dias, como estas?
Tell me, how are you today?
Merci, muchas gracias. Thanks for asking-
I'm okay"

There are blips and bites of 'Mexican Airlines' which're in Spanish (see! Not entirely wrong!) and what I ultimately took away from it was that it was about the unpredictable nature of everyday life. Given its opening lines, "Lost in my brain, in some far away place, waiting to come home again", I'm also very confident in assuming that it was at least conceptualized in an airport (probably in Mexico). Its sound isn't a deviation at all (the beginning sounds like maybe the opening of a romantic comedy movie), however, given its course the tune is definitely the album's changeup. And it is something different, but you listen to 'Mexican Airlines' and it isn't out of place on this album - and it isn't out of place in Lugo's entire catalog. And should she choose to make an entire project in Spanish one day (biggup Danny I who did do that a few years ago), I'd be interested (she could make a damn album in Piglatin and I'd be "interested"). And biggup the piano player (and on 'Better Way' as well). Have I told you my favourite track on "Flowaz" yet??? Of course I haven't, but I will tell you that it MIGHT be the unifying 'Open Doors'. Another selection which is distinctly Reggae in its foundation, 'Open Doors' excels for me, at least partially, due to its simplicity. BE NICER TO EACH OTHER! It isn't rocket science and it's easy as hell: "Maybe we should open doors, MAYBE IF YOU OPEN YOURS". I'm not opening my doors. I'm having them removed. And, before I forget to mention it, 'Open Doors', features, arguably, the finest vocal performance that you'll find here. It is amazing. After telling us to open doors, Lugo next suggests that we are all 'Looking For the Key'. Following 'Mexican Airlines', I was probably most interested in this one, just going by the title. I actually supposed it might be a love song. Instead, what it is and what the idea behind Lugo's "key", is happiness. It isn't that dissimilar to some of the other tunes on the album, but what it does have specifically in its favour is this kind of GLOW. About two and a half minutes into, it literally TAKES OFF! The song flies! It goes to the proverbial 'next level', making it maybe the finest listen on "Flowaz" (which is saying a lot) and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it became a single at some point. Finally is the anti-indolence and negativity, 'Time', which we know from the "Elevate" EP. While I haven't moved off of much from what I think of this one -- it's a song about utilizing one's fleeting time as well as possible because no one knows exactly how much of it we do have (but we do know that we don't have A LOT of it, in the grandest sense, human beings just do not live very long) ["Use it while you've got it"] -- I do have more of an appreciation of its sound. It probably isn't completely inaccurate to call it R&B or at least something close to it, but there is an infectious CHIME which appears throughout this one which you will find yourself humming and mimicking in your head loooong after your most recent playthrough. Trust me. I know. I'm doing it right now.

 

 

Overall ['Better Way' is the best song on this album], after listening to this album and then attempting to break it down for the sake of a review (and now with 'Time' stuck in my head), I'm left thinking about the last eleven years and something which I did not mention at all during the write-up. I don't know how long, exactly, Sara Lugo has been making music, but we can safely say that it's been at least a dozen years now. She's DEVELOPED. She hasn't been idle and, now three full studio albums in and three EP's and probably dozens of singles and performances and while she still very much looks like someone who you'd expect to find on a university campus, she is now a full-fledged and certified VETERAN. She's also worked alongside a number of her truly talented and most esteemed peers. Therefore, when you listen to her music, you should expect to hear the result and the mixing of all of this, through the years and on "Flowaz", you will. While surely eclectic (listening back to it now, so was "Hit Me With Music") (GREAT ALBUM) and OPEN, the album may just be her most detailed release to date, which is saying a great deal. This is the type of set (again, like "Hit Me With Music") which doesn't register completely on the first few spins through it. If you like it now, you will probably love it in a little while (a fact which is especially evident on 'Better Way', REALLY listen to the words on that tune or read the lyrics somewhere, it will EXPLODE and it is easy to miss because that particular track is so nice to listen to and that message can get lost in some humming along). I'm already at that point. I'll see you when you get here. EXCELLENT..... I really enjoy this album, I think you will also. Check it out.

"There's gotta be a better solution
Gotta be a better way
THE TRUTH IS THAT I JUST GOT STARTED
AIN'T NO GETTING IN MY WAY"

 

Take It Easy Agency

CD + Digital

2021

"Elevate" by Sara Lugo

 

"Elevate"

Thought I was dead didn't you (that's okay, maybe I was)? If ever there were something that would get me interested in writing again --and I didn't know if there was-- it wouldn't be a line of tremendously fantastic albums over the years or one massive piece of terrible news from about a year ago (Rest Easy King). What it would be, however, would be something which was not only equally inherently interesting and challenging, but something undeniably COMFORTING as well. When we were active, I had favourite subjects to write about which were my favourites for a variety of different reasons and, CLEARLY, one such topic was the downright remedying and always allaying Sara Lugo. We immediately took an interest in the singer and, all these years later, she ranks amongst the greatest musicians I have EVER come across and I am a, until I end, a fan.

So, although I definitely have paid attention to her output over the years (including one MAMMOTH shot by the name of 'Woman On A Mission'), her latest project was one I was really looking forward to and, today I hope my loose command of language lasts just long enough to take a brief look at said project, the latest EP release from Sara Lugo and Take It Easy, "Elevate".

{Note: I can virtually guarantee that the writing in this post is and will continue to be truly horrible so, for your benefit, I will be brief}
{Note 3: I may pop up ocassionally again, but if you hold your breath waiting on another post you will... well.... well you'll just stop holding your breath}
{Note 4: Where's note 2????}

'Elevate'

Fittingly, setting the tone for the project named after it is the eponymous selection for Sara Lugo's new EP, "Elevate". The first thing that really struck me on this tune is just its sound. I don't know what, exactly, I would call this. It's has this kind of equally bright and brooding sound to it and I never REALLY got a hold of it. Call what it you like, however, when you add Lugo's vocals to it (which are almost entirely what you would call bright on this song) and what you have is a winner. The theme of the track, at least in the micro sense, is progression and being at least open to new ideas and designs. She ultimately goes on to use that notion to involve other sentiments such as overall personal development and even things like sadness and going through tough times, in general ["so just be, be, be the change you want to see"]. In the macro - you can really take a song like this in so many different directions, which you know I REALLY want to do.

'Flowaz'

Next in is 'Flowaz' which I immediately heard and it took me in one direction. At her absolute core, in my opinion (and I've certainly said somewhere in these pages many times), Sara Lugo is someone who very organically is capable of doing something which..... just doesn't really happen very much and, unless she makes some type of concerted effort NOT to do it, I don't know if she could change it even if she wanted to. What she can do, because of her style and her voice is to sing a straight up Jazz song and that isn't rare at all. HOWEVER, when you have someone who does that whose heart and whose passion, whose heart and whose (again) style and voice so often leads them in the direction of making Reggae music - what you have is a unicorn of an artist. They just don't exist. Right???

'Flowaz', at least to my ears, is a beautiful Jazz song, she pushes it through a few courses with the possible highlight being spells during which Lugo full on raps at times. The general aesthetics on this song are spectacular with my personal favourite section being a stretch of half a minute or so at the end where Lugo's vocals spark a lovely instrumental. 'Flowaz' also isn't without a lyrical offering and what I took it from it was the simple notion of attempting to find and highlight BEAUTY wherever you can and in whichever form you might, regardless of what that means to you. Surely, if you listen to this tune, you can add it to your list.

'Energy Of God'

Where 'Elevate' had an unusual vibe to it and 'Flowaz' was more in a Jazz direction to my ears, the EP's third selection, 'Energy Of God' almost comes through (at least at times) in an R&B or lightly Hip/Hoppish type of vibes. Unsurprisingly, that isn't a problem at all for Lugo. There is a certain grumble (I don't know what to call it) on this track which is a golden touch to listen to and the song, about halfway through, takes a twist and kind of opens up and blossoms into something else. For her part, Lugo uses it to make an inspirational contribution - essentially saying that EVERYONE has something to offer to the world and what we are to do is to find what that is and do our best to release it. I also took from this one that Lugo was also kind of aggressively sharing the title of motivator.... because maybe what it is that you do well is to MOTIVATE. So maybe you can do that and someday some loon somewhere will be writing about you! Get to work! 

"YOU'RE THE BEST THERE IS OF YOU SO WHY YOU HOLD BACK? [BOOM!]
Please join in, we need your love, you brighten up the dark"

'Time'

From a lyrical point of view, 'Time' is a song about simply making the 'best' of one's time It's about doing what you want to do as soon as you possibly can and attempting to stop procrastinating and finding reasons to not reach one's potential, in full and in spots. Be it finding time to love (like having someone catch your eye and sitting around too damn nervous to say something to them) (STOP BEING A COWARD AND SAY HELLO!) or finding time to pursue some type of other interest - do what you want to do and stop creating reasons not to. The sound here is another very interesting one and it loosely reminded me of an old Sara Lugo song (more on that in conclusion) with this kind of 'chime' type of vibe to it. Clearly someone far more intelligent than me should probably be explaining the music to you on this song but what I will say simply is that - your ears will not be upset at you for listening to 'Time' several times. Trust me.

'Free Flow'

They'll also not be upset if you continue to 'Elevate' with Sara Lugo and arrive at its next track, 'Free Flow'. This is the most VIVID tune that you will find here. It is super bright and there're times here when Lugo sounds like she's smiling while she's singing it. You'll also be smiling while she's singing it.

'Elevate [RVDS Remix]'

Finally is the RVDS Remixed version of the title track. What I will say about this one (resisting the urge to dive right in again) is that I actually enjoy it more than the original version. It's an excellent remix and this is coming from someone who generally isn't very interested in remixes at all, with very few exceptions.

Overall, as I alluded to while talking about 'Time'. There is an old song Sara Lugo did almost a decade ago now maybe (we are all so, soooooo old) by the name of 'Night Race' with an artist named Toussaint (biggup Toussaint) which so much sounds like something that would have been on a project like this one, musically speaking. It had this kind of subtly GRAND vibe to it which (if you can have such a thing) (and apparently you can) and was just a gorgeous song. I bring up 'Night Race' because..... well because I said I would and I really like that song, so I'll just start this again -

Overall, "Elevate" is a project from Sara Lugo (DUH!) which highlights so much of her diversity. While you will not find it saturated in Reggae, what you do find here will definitely keep even the most singular-minded of her fans happy throughout. Anddddddd! I mean it's new Sara Lugo and you really want to hear it! But you didn't need me to tell you all of that. I'll see you later.

Sara Lugo: Eruption

Not to bother you by telling you way too much of my ghoulish business, but as I've alluded to previously, I'm pretty much a bowl of some type of substance these days when it comes to my health and I definitely have to say thank you to all of the messages we've gotten over the past couple of years or so who have made a mention or some type of concern yeah. Even if we don't respond [LAZY!], it's still appreciated.

HOWEVER, someone who is well indirectly doing her part in keeping my spirits moving by continuously dropping amazing works, of course, is Achis Reggae favourite, Sara Lugo, who has dropped two new videos over the past month.

The first was for the tune 'Pour le Plaisir', alongside Phases Cachées, from out of France (which is apparently where Lugo lays her head these days).

I have to mention, hilariously, my Wife's wonderful first reaction when she saw the video for this tune which was something along the likes of, "when did she get THOSE", and I'll leave that to you to figure out what "those" are there. But the video is a very nice one which well matches the vibes of the song and really does what it's supposed to do, at least in my opinion, and makes the song stand out even greater. GREAT music on that tune and give it another listen.

Secondly and most recently (DUH!) is was the somewhat surprising clip of the MASSIVE 'Learn & Grow' which features Indonesian firebreather Ras Muhamad. The tune originally appeared on an album you already own, Muhamad's "Salam" and has lost not a bit of its shine over the course of the past couple of years. It ranks amongst the best either artist has ever produced to my ears.

Besides being another excellent video, I was just REALLY happy to see this tune be backed up with visuals. You go through albums (or at least I do) and think about how nice it would be if one or two of your favourites might get that type of rinsing but it doesn't always happen and, given the age of the song in particular, this was a big surprise (biggup Queen Omega for mining 'Ganja Baby', which is well over a decade old now).

So, if you're down on your luck or you're just not feeling too well, might I suggest adding a bit of Sara Lugo to your daily rotation. I'm  no doctor, but I've told you this for years: This woman makes music which JUST MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD! 

Both 'Pour le Plaisir' and 'Learn & Grow' can be found on Sara Lugo's latest release, the wonderful "Sara Lugo and Friends", which is in stores now... so go and get it.

Sara Lugo & Friends!

"Cause I really, really like you. There's something about you"

Okay so, I've been fortunate lately to be the recipient of quite a bit of good news (especially medically) (biggup Achis) (and biggup everyone wondering about us: I've been ill for about a year and a half) and it got a little (a lotta) better when the wonderful people at one of our absolute favourite labels Oneness Records from out of Germany once again linked with one of the current bona fide GEMS of Reggae music, the incomparable Sara Lugo for a very cool new projct. Having just teamed up in 2014 for the singer's second full album release, "Hit Me With Music", I seriously wasn't expecting album #3 until... 2017 at the earliest perhaps, but with a pair of stellar releases behind her (and you really need to have picked up both "Hit Me With Music" and its predecessor, "What About Love" of 2011, already) Lugo brings forth a very interesting compilation of combinations, "Sara Lugo and Friends". 

We have actually seen things like this previously as another of our and Oneness' favourites, Mark Wonder, released a similarly theme set several years. As the title would suggest, the fourteen tracks appearing on "Sara Lugo and Friends" feature the vocalist alongside a whole heap of different names both from within and outside of Reggae music. And you certainly cannot do such a thing with just anyone but Lugo has shown throughout her career that she can... work with just about anyone at all with any type of style -- a devastatingly gorgeous facet of what can be considered, at least in my opinion, one of the most pleasing musical presentations in the whole of modern Reggae music -- and do so without changing virtually anything that she generally does. We had no idea at the time but we all received a tip that this project was forthcoming when Lugo made a MAJOR link with the mighty Jah 9 for what was the finest tune that I heard in the first quarter of 2016, 'Rejoice' (TEARS!), which, essentially, is the first single from "Sara Lugo and Friends",

The album is a mixture of very prominent and newer/less known material and, as expected, is fantastic throughout. The next song that really caught my attention looking through the tracklist was 'Wine Now' alongside yet another favourite of ours, Cali P (biggup Cali P). This piece was the duos infectious cut of the equally addictive and underrated Scrub-A-Dub Riddim from Inspired and Hemp Higher ["My girl, you know seh mi like you"] and I was SO happy to see it here. There have been several combinations Lugo has done which are not carried on this album (obviously they couldn't include them all) and a tune like that may've seemingly missed the cut, but its presence  well provides "Sara Lugo and Friends" with a dash of colour and edge. The same could be said (and I'm going to say it, watch here -) about a tune which was completely new to my ears and eyes 'Pour Le Plaisir' with French Hip Hop outfit, Phases Cachées. Didn't I say she could work with anyone? Lugo finds common ground with  Phases Cachées despite the captivating tune veering between English and French throughout and it is a tough selection here. Also new to me, I think, is the sublime 'Don't Stay Away' with Jamaican veteran Joseph Cotton on a downright delightful old school vibes. And while I may be familiar with 'Mi Voz' featuring Zuri, the song gets a fresh mix here courtesy of longtime Sara Lugo producer Umberto Echo.

As I mentioned "Sara Lugo and Friends" also ties in quite a few songs which fans are sure to recognize and LOVE immediately. Pieces such as 'High & Windy', 'Really Like You' and 'Learn & Grow' carry a heavy weight with Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje and Ras Muhamad, respectively and might appear on a 'best of' Sara Lugo album right now...

PAUSE

What would I personally put on "The Best of Sara Lugo" album right now if I was compiling it? Great thing to think about - ten songs right off the top of my head, let's do it. In no order in particular and watch me forget one or two:

1. 'Rock Steady'

2. 'High & Windy' featuring Kabaka Pyramid

3. 'Really Like You' featuring Protoje

4. 'Bombs of Love'

5. 'Familiar Stranger'

6. 'Soldiers of Love'

7. 'Hit Me With Music'

8. 'Part of My Life'

9. 'Night Race' featuring Touissant 

10. 'Play With Fire'

RESUME

"Sara Lugo and Friends" also brings together some solid tunes you may not have heard in a minute (YOU, not me, YOU) featuring the likes of Naptali (biggup Naptali), Lutan Fyah, Skarra Mucci ('Dubbin Is A Must', big tune), Ray Darwin, Deliman and Heston and all we can say is WELL DONE! I'm considering it a bonus, and a giant one, because the prospects of potential brand new Sara Lugo album are looking sweet, but a set like this well makes it easier to wait (... actually no it doesn't. It probably makes it harder. Just forget that last sentence). In any case however, what this album does do is to show that, as I said, certain people can just mash up anything. It doesn't matter what someone brings to the table and it doesn't matter who brings it. In what remains a relatively brief time (although she definitely does qualify as a 'young veteran' these days) (and what would that make me? Probably old and crazy) Sara Lugo has shown a style which is so INHERENTLY versatile and OPEN and seemingly was at its nascency that her music, at its strongest, is in one way or another, best shared with others and not to be kept to yourself. Want an example? Pick up "Sara Lugo and Friends" from Oneness Records which is in digital stores right now. Go do it! I'm going back to bed... I already have the album... you have to get it now. You can either get it or you can get it. It's all really quite simple. Even I can comprehend it. So if you can't you must have some SERIOUS problems. Like REALLY big problems. Okay I'm really done this time.