Skinny Fabulous says there is ONE VINCY

Not always jump & wave all the time 

As Expected: A review of Encore by Machel Montano

High. I want to go back to a discussion I was having recently in regards to an album we looked at late last year that was, easily, one of the most interesting and popular releases of 2025; "Exile" by Chronixx. One of the bases (basises???) that I used for the review of that album was to talk about there exists a certain class of artist that we look upon and full-on expect to do special things. That isn't to say that others CANNOT but with this specific group, it can be to the point where listeners will almost assume that special is in the offering and when too long of a period of time has passed without it, CLEARLY something is wrong... amongst ridiculously demanding listeners such as You and I. This time around, however, we're going to have a far more positive and even magnified discussion because I think that the actual PLATFORM calls for it. Reggae/Dancehall is one thing. There isn't a schedule really and if there is one it's set by people who have the ability to set it and delay it as much as they want (you can delay the release of anything and you can cancel a performance - happens allllll the time and it isn't the biggest deal). In Soca though, ass insane as it is to say, things're a bit more rigid. Carnival comes when Carnival comes and, again, the biggest of names are presumed to arrive with the biggest of hits and IF THEY DON'T... it's kind of a wasted season which is awful as the wait shifts to next year. Sure, they'll have other songs that year but it won't be the same as it was for their own Carnival season and that'll be that. Furthermore, isn't there just SOMETHING about Soca (of course there is)??? The music is inherently BIG and DRAMATIC and it often has a competitive intent behind it. So, each and every year, as the tunes begin to roll out, you'll INSTANTLY see calls for 'Roadmarch winner' as soon as ArtistX releases what we assume is their big hope for that season; and sometimes those calls are correct! When they are correct -- at least in my opinion -- given that schedule that they're on and how incredibly easy it can be to trace it back many years later, Soca's stars have the ability to impact their listeners with as much DELICIOUS NOSTALGIA as any participants of any artform on the planet. When they do GREAT, you'll likely NEVER forget it. 

Let's take a look at someone who has been "doing great" for decades now, Machel Montano. While people like me are probably guilty of throwing around the word "LEGEND" far too casually, it fits super snug in Montano's case. He is a legitimate, undeniable legend of Soca and Caribbean music, in general. Still, though now slightly north of half a century of age, Montano is looked upon as being capable of delivering brilliance every season (even when he takes the season off, essentially, from making Soca and focuses on Calypso as he did a couple of years ago and managing to take home Calypso Monarch) and when he doesn't, he isn't seen as having passed his best or any such thing - he is not afforded that excuse (though I did try to place him in that category once upon a time.... never more). 

2025

...and it is apparent that he does not need it. Just last year, Montano would take home his ELEVENTH Road March title, tying him with the legendary Lord Kitchener for the most all time wins (he'll take the crown, alone, at some point) and that's not all of it. Because of the nature of Soca music -- being on that schedule -- albums can be quite simple (and well planned if done correctly). They can either be total compilations of multiple seasons or, as is the case here, they'll end up as a collection of the work a particular artist did for one season (with maybe a roadmix or an unreleased tune thrown in the flesh it out).Going back through his catalogue, Montano has charted several big projects to his name to say the least. On this blog, we have a long running series called 'Modern Classics', were we observe what I feel are truly spectacular albums that have released from the modern era and we reached installment #43 last year. The only Soca album that we've ever covered there was #29, "Flame On". There were also BEAUTIES such as "The Book Of Angels", "Machelements",  "Happiest Man Alive" and several others. Machel Montano belongs to a very select group of individuals in Soca music who actually release albums on an at least semi-consistent basis. Just last year he set out with "One Degree Hotter" which was well received (I didn't particularly like it but a lot of people enjoyed it a lot more than I did) and if you go back to 2016's "Monk Evolution", Montano has now had five albums - averaging an album every other year. Said fifth album, "Encore", now arrives and does so at yet another really BIG time for its creator. Virtually simultaneously, he's also set to release a documentary of his life (which I thought that I remembered from years ago but is, apparently, being billed as new) so, along with the typically atypical madness that a Carnival season presents, 2026 brings with a bit of an added light to, arguably, its brightest star. Fortunately he appears up for the challenge. Along with slimming down a bit, Montano has been in a FINE form, musically, from what I've heard and, because of that, when the news reached that he was releasing an album this year, I got really excited. At least so far (as is normally the case) album shelves have been quite thin coming from Soca. I'm expecting Destra to have something to say about that (maybe more like HOPING, given what she's been up to) but there hasn't been much movement at all so, once again, Montano is helping to carry at least a certain mantle for the genre... 

...and he is doing so damn near FLAWLESSLY. Soca music, in general, has been strong this year in my opinion. The aforementioned Destra has been burning it up as has the always dependable Bunji Garlin; as have the 'usual suspects' in Voice, Patrice Roberts, Michael Teja and a few others. Still, at least for me, it has been Montano and Destra leading the way. That is a fact that is crystal clear throughout the former's big new album, "Encore", which gets up and going with the GORGEOUS and smooth 'Compromise'. Produced by the increasingly crucial Tano, this tune has a couple of things going for it in regards to the album. First of all, like I said, it's outstanding. It's a beautiful and laidback type of vibes but it's also quite catchy and infectious on its own. Furthermore, if you set it as it is here, at the head of the album, it's very inviting and what I'm picturing is maybe someone who stumbles upon this album on some digital site and decides to listen to some clips; the first one they hear will be 'Compromise'. IT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO HEAR MORE! It is a FINE choice for an album opener and one of the best tunes that "Encore" has to offer, altogether. Next in is a very cool reimagining of an old favourite from the great Travis World, 'Tempa Wine'. The all-conquering original reached over a decade and a half ago and featured Patrice Roberts and I was actually surprised to see it back this year but THANKFULLY the song pays homage to its brilliant predecessor. This time Montano fittingly taps the burgeoning Tempa (Tempa should be on 'Tempa Wine') to handle the accompanying vocals. Tempa's interesting for a variety of reasons (one of which being something unrelated to music that Google can tell you about if you're curious), not the least of which is her style which is more on the Dancehall side than Soca. While I do prefer the original (and always will), this remake definitely works and has a flame of its own and biggup Tempa for adding all kinds of different colours to the tune. Travis World also supplies the foundation for the downright glittering 'Dey-O'. Although entirely too short, what 'Dey-O' manages to do in its all too brief time with us is to GLUE itself to taste. It's a very hard sound to shake and it is IMMACULATE! You want to talk about Groovy Soca (with just a bite of Power) at its absolute finest in terms of how it is presented and you're talking about a track like 'Dey-O', without question. It's one of the best and probably THE most overlooked that Montano has pushed this season. Where the piece before it served up a "bite" of Power Soca, you get the full hundred on the song rounding out the first third of "Encore", the MAMMOTH 'Pull D Pin'. Coming through across the Monkey Business Riddim courtesy of the reigning King Bubba FM, 'Pull D Pin' provides enough carnage for the whole album but particularly near its head. Featuring big talents in Skinny Fabulous with Spice duo Lil Natty & Thunda, this one is CARNAGE. It's messy and sloppy but it's also kind of clever! I remember hearing its direction and being surprised that I couldn't recall someone using a kind of 'natural' grenading metaphor for Soca music. It works and it works PERFECTLY on a song like this which, despite its chaos, brings together big talents and puts them at their best alongside one another. 'Pull D Pin' is one of the best selections from anyone that I've heard this season and I think it speaks to the quality of "Encore" that there is AT LEAST one song carried here that I find better... maybe even two of them.

I mentioned Voice a little while back and he also joins in on the festivities of "Encore" along with Litleboy, from out of Dominica (who also features in production here, with Precision Productions and Montano, himself) who both help to beautify the in flight 'Bam Bam'. 'Bam Bam' is a song that really helps you figure out what's going on with this album if you're still trying to pinpoint exactly where it stands. 'Bam Bam' is FANTASTIC. It's also grimy and disheveled. It may've showered this morning but it most certainly DID NOT brush it's teeth and it didn't have dinner last night either. It's a used gift in a shiny package is what 'Bam Bam' is and you won't mind at all (after you're done with it, put it back in the package and send it to someone else)! Though it is clearly a modern vibed track, my ears something delightfully old school coming from 'Dancing In The Streets' which features Montano alongside the well talented (and GORGEOUS) Mela Caribe. I hear a few different styles in this one and maybe Calypso is one of them (AND THOSE DRUMS!). Regardless, there is something in this song that is so damn comfortable and familiar that it is difficult to ignore. Apart from that (along with that), it's just an excellent song as well. Caribe's vocals are top notch, especially for this type of sound and, again, the mix is so right. You hear so many different influences put into that pot, by chef/DJ Private Ryan, making for one VIBRANT piece of music.

"Feels like freedom

Sweet love

When we hear THE DRUM"

"Encore" also features the star power of one Nailah Blackman (who seems to becoming a bigger and bigger deal every time she makes a song) (and with good reason) who helps Machel Montano to 'Elevate' on a tune helmed by Private Ryan & Badjohn Republic. 'Elevate' is CANDY. It will make your ears feel good and it will also bring a smile to your face (I've tested it. I'm listening to it RIGHT NOW and I'm smiling). The peak of this one is as gorgeous as anything else that you'll find on the album and I want to use it to make a point about Blackman's style, in general. She has way, VERY SIMILAR to Montano's himself, of making these big, POWERFUL, pieces which are chaotic and frenetic but completely CLASSY (Destra does that as well). That doesn't work for everyone and "for everyone" CLASS isn't necessarily a good thing; but you have these songs and they're filling you with such a great emotion and an intensity - sometimes it's pretty difficult to stop and appreciate the musical ability that they require to be made. It isn't all 'jump and wave and misbehave' (not that there's anything wrong with that) or 'break something', there's a beauty in that madness and Nailah Blackman has it nailed! She's a damn specialist and it vibes so well alongside someone like Montano.... and pretty much anyone else. She's awesome. Of course, that isn't to say that there's anything wrong with BREAKING STUFF as evidenced by the next and BEST song on "Encore", the truly ridiculous 'Move Out D Way'.

"THE WHOLE WORLD MASH UP"

Travis World returns to production for the tune and he brings with him the up and coming Paris Coutain. Coutain (who ever-so-slightly resembles a young Nasio Fontaine) (biggup Nasio) is someone to keep an eye on (and biggup Machel for bringing in people like Paris Coutain, Tempa and Litleboy, shining, probably, the genre's biggest light on their considerable talents) (you might even be able to include Lil Natty & Thunda in that and, once upon a time, he did the same for Skinny as well) and if you are unfamiliar with his work, here is a fine time to become acquainted. 'Move Out D Way' is fucking nuts! It's dangerous. It's harmful. It does not promote safety or good behaviour and it is my kind of Soca music: That SWEET shot of adrenaline which the genre alone can deliver in such a way!

Trailing not very behind, AT ALL, is the actual song, 'Encore'. I hear this song what has begun to stick with me about it is the level of reverence Machel Montano has for Soca music and Carnival; as if he hadn't demonstrated that endlessly throughout the years. Helmed by ace producer XplicitMevon (filthy run that man has been on), 'Encore' is a living, breathing tribute to Carnival and Soca music and it is OUTSTANDING. Clearly thought to be his signature tune of the year, it does not disappoint and it COMPLETELY embodies what I mean when I say that we expect special things from special talents. On 'Encore', Machel dazzles from the preparation ["Frontpage is where legends belong but BACKSTAGE IS WHERE LEGENDS ARE BORN"] that goes into it (that he's been doing for years, straight through the final product that we get to see. 'Encore' IMMEDIATELY goes down as one of his finest efforts in recent years and I wouldn't be surprised if it nets him a consecutive Road March crown in a few days. "Encore", the album, also gives us a "Stage Mix" of 'Encore', done by Madness MUV, D Ninja and the very popular DJ Marcus Williams (whose work I routinely workout to). It's, essentially, a roadmix (I actually think it is the song's official roadmix) and the typical things that go into such mixes are present here as well, though it doesn't detour too much from the original during its initial stage before... becoming entirely more interesting during its second half. It is refashioning of a fantastic song and it's more than three minutes longer so there isn't a damn thing to complain about here. You also won't get much (or any at all, actually) fight out of me against 'Carnival Birthday', which taps frequent Montano collaborator, the legendary Super Blue. 'Carnival Birthday' is kind of cursory and very straightforward but I will give it its due credit: It is VERY FUN. I know what you're thinking.... they're all fun; and you're right. They are. But what this one, specifically, has going for it is that "cursoriness" that I mentioned. 'Carnival Birthday', literally, just sounds like Montano called up Super Blue to make a song for 2026 and... that's what they did. They weren't trying to win anything or change lives anywhere. They set out to make a very light, fun and intoxicating Soca song and that is exactly what they did. Finally is the albums definite changeup, 'No Wayyy' (because one Y simply could not do it justice). If you listen really closely (or even if you don't), you'll hear the Sleng Teng Riddim (of all things) playing in the midst of... a lot of other things. It's a SWEET tune, sopping with nostalgia (and a dash of oddness) and just an interesting track. It would have been even better had Montano employed more of an old school delivery but he does give it to us at the chorus and creativity, when done this well, is only to be rewarded. 

Overall... special things. Machel Montano does not walk to the head of the class on name value alone. It surely will help him to a degree (a degree that he has earned) but when he does get there, he has to deliver. "Encore" is a HUGE example of him delivering. The Soca head is beyond my recommendation, he/she already knows what's going on here but I will recommend the album as well to someone maybe thinking about getting into the genre. It is such a WELL DONE, complete piece of work that if you do have ears for the sound, I don't think you get very far into this one without getting hooked by something. We look to people such a Machel Montano to lead the way in defining the sound of a generation and maybe even a few generations following his because they show themselves capable of doing things EXACTLY like what is found on "Encore": The best Soca album I've heard in a long time. 

Rated: 4.85/5

Monk Music

2026

What I'm Listening To: HAPP-EE NEW YEAR!

"Success" by Eesah [Evidence Music - 2005]

First up this week is something that comes as a bit of a disappointment as Eesah recently dropped his brand new (and well anticipated by me) album, "Success", for Evidence Music. Though I'd heard some of the clips of the music and had an idea of what to expect, I guess it didn't hit me, fully, as to what I was listening to until I had the entire thing in my hands. "Success" isn't at all BAD necessarily and it does showcase the ample talents of its star but it's about half Reggae/half R&Bish and, again, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised but... damn I was hoping for a big Reggae album to close 2025 out on. There is still material here worth listening to, even on the non-Reggae end ('Rise My People' is actually pretty decent) but it isn't the album I was looking forward to hearing - at least half of it isn't.

'Pull D Pin' by Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous and Lil Natty & Thunda [Monk Music - 2025]

Of course, we're nearing the most magical time of the year and music from some of the biggest stars of Soca has already began to steadily come out of Trinidad (and other places) and amongst the very best tunes that I've heard thus far has been this MASSIVE combination shot featuring frequent collaborator Skinny Fabulous with Lil Natty & Thunda alongside the great Machel Montano. When I got what was going on here, I was actually a little surprised that no one (that I know of) had taken this angle on a Soca song before because it works to perfection as, once again, Montano links with Skinny Fabulous; this time bringing in big-voiced Lil Natty (hardly ever talk about Lil Natty & Thunda (a duo) but Natty's voice is fantastic for what he does with it) and Thunda from Grenada to drop a grenade all over Carnival.

'We Doh Play' by Destra [Krazi Music]

Also getting the season started on a good note is the incomparable Queen of Bacchanal, Destra, who tells all the absolute obvious with 'We Doh Play' (as if we haven't known that about her from looooooooooong time). Love the horns on this one and how it sort of bubbles below total chaos for the most part but, in a glimpse or two, it crosses that threshold and makes the dust raise. Hopefully we get an album this season from Destra; as she's already dropped a couple of nice tunes and it's looking like another stellar Carnival from the greatest to ever do it for me. 

'Pass Di Chalice' by Cali P [Cali P (song has three different labels on it)]

Seems a minute since last we heard from loooooooongtime favourite, Cali P (hasn't been too long at all. He had an album just last year) but he's back with a SWEET ganja tune, 'Pass di Chalice' for Mouthwatering Records (I THINK). Cali P's been trying a few different things in recent years in terms of his style but this one settles on ultra-familiar, downright sugary terrain. More of this from Cali P in the new year wouldn't be too bad a'tall.

"No gimmi nuttin else, a di chronic a fi wi choice

Tell mi what's di cost, cah mi ready fi pay di price"

The Volume Riddim [Greensleeves Records - 2000]

I'll wait until next week (probably) to tell you exactly how a random quarter-century old riddim has made its way back on my players but right now I'm just going to suggest that you join me and go diving in the vault of Greensleeves riddim albums because you too may stumble upon a GEM like I did in this Ward 21 produced piece, the Volume. As was the norm at the time, the Volume was absolutely LOADED with big names as, appearing alongside the Ward themselves (they had two tracks, one, 'One More Start A War', was a combination featuring Ele & Wayne Marshall. Ele also had another solo tune, 'Fake Man', while Marshall had two other combinations, with Harry Toddler and Baby G, respectively)) were the likes of Bounty Killer, Mad Cobra, TOK, Kiprich, the oft-brilliant Madd Anju, Mr. Vegas, Lexxus and Beenie Man who, arguably, reigned supreme as he absolutely SLAUGHTERED the Volume with the stellar 'Moses Cry'. 

 

Signatures Vol. X: Skinny Fabulous

If you think about it, it's actually quite rare that you take your core group of absolute favourite artists (or favourite anything, actually) and add to them with a new member. It doesn't happen very often and it shouldn't so, when it does, it's kind of a big deal. When it comes to Soca music, my stalwarts include the likes of Destra Garcia, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons; and, unless I'm really forgetting someone (Patrice Roberts would also be in there but she was before him), the most recent addition to that group would be St. Vincent missile, Skinny Fabulous. Whatever form of the music works for you, over the course of the past fifteen years or so, Skinny has given you something to be happy about. HOWEVER, with that being said, he's also been one of the most consistent performers of Power Soca that the genre has... ever seen, producing some undeniable future classics of the TRAUMATIC variety. Today we take a look and honour the work of one of the maddest to ever do it and a personal favourite of mine: Signatures: Skinny Fabulous.

{Note: I intentionally didn't include 'Famalay' because it was on Bunji Garlin's Signatures}

{Note 2: I intentionally did not include 'Duracell' because I hate that damn song}

{Coming Soon: Pressure Busspipe, Destra & Randoms*}

1. 'Garn'

We bionic. Typically, I reserve the first slot on these things for the biggest hit and 'Garn' most certainly isn't that but it finds its place at the head because it has probably been my absolute favourite Soca song for nearly four years now (ridiculous how quick that time has gone). Wetty Beatz lent Skinny Fabulous their ridiculous One Piece Ah Riddim (Anime heads (of which I am not) should recognize that) and to them was returned a simply impossible to ignore tune in 'Garn'. Along with it being so catchy and infectious, whether you realize it or not, for what 'Garn' is, it is pretty strong lyrically as well and while I won't yet proclaim it my single favourite Skinny Fabulous song ever, it surely has a seat at the table. Quite possibly THE greatest workout song I have ever heard in my entire life. 

2. 'Come Home' featuring Nailah Blackman

I've been waiting. Lest you ever think that a certain level of CLASS and REFINEMENT is non-existent within the madness, there's a tune like this one. 'Come Home' featured the lovely vocals of Nailah Blackman who linked with Skinny Fabulous a POLISHED piece of chaos. There was melody and harmonies and all of that good stuff but there was also insanity. There were people bouncing off the walls and circus animals and big trucks without steering wheels. Unless I'm REALLY overlooking something, 'Come Home' is my choice as the best combination Skinny's ever done and another song which has a case to be made of being my favourite from him of all time. The song was a celebration of the full return of Carnival which was on 'hiatus' for a while but returned to us all in grand fashion.

3. 'Head Bad'

We not leaving. In what would be the first of five (or six) Soca Monarch victories, Skinny Fabulous would walk higher ground with the MAMMOTH shot that was 'Head Bad'. This is one of those songs that finds its footing and the core of its GREATNESS in the ridiculous, chaotic madness that is Power Soca but... you also hear a melody in there, don't you? You hear it in there somewhere and it is beautiful! It's also kinda overwhelming and COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS... but it's beautiful and you know it!

4. 'No Other Way'

Weapon of party destruction. I made a rule that I'm trying my best to adhere to: That I won't let these things go above fifteen tracks and after my final review for this one, I remembered that I had forgotten 'No Other Way'. I had to remove 'Mental Home' (WHICH I LOVE) but it had to go. 'No Other Way' was a damn onslaught. It was unrelenting and it was SPECIAL. There's a point in this song where Skinny's bombarding the riddim (the lovely Tribe Riddim from Precision) with the chorus and it's TOO MUCH. It just is... BUT WHO CARES! It had to be on this list. There simply is no other way. 

5. 'Godzilla'

Destroying everything. Along with Wetty Beatz and Stadic, Skinny Fabulous took the concept of "destroying the road" to new, LITERAL, levels by channeling the legendary King of The Monsters, Godzilla, almost a decade ago. I remember one of the first times I heard this tune thinking that.... well, I guess you can just make a damn Soca song out of virtually anything and I was right about that (he also has one which barely missed this list called 'John Wick', because why not). The song carrying the title, as you would expect/hope, is a monster. It's heavy, it's fiery, it's kind of lumbering and it musically presents the type of pandemonium one might expect from being in the presence of a.... giant, pissed off lizard... dinosaur thing.

6. 'BTW'

I'm behaving the worst. I'm behaving the worst. I'm behaving the worst. I guess by Skinny's standards, you could actually call 'BTW' a Groovy song and that's fine. You're also going to call it brilliant. Sounding more like something out of the catalogue of someone like Machel Montano, the tune was a gorgeous laidback (compared only to everything else you'll find here) masterpiece and, RIDICULOUSLY [!], over a decade later (how on earth is this song eleven years old??!), it has not lost a glint of its lustre. One of the best songs Skinny Fabulous has ever made. 

7. 'Flatten'

FLATTEN. FLATTEN. FLATTEN EVERYTHING! Random, decade+ old tune. Didn't make much of an impact if I recall correctly: Why the hell is it on this list? If you didn't play the video then that is a viable, reasonable question. If you did, then you are not asking it. Flatten everything, everywhere. Nothing and no one is safe; not me or you. 

8. 'Act Normal'

Love this feeling. I took a song that I really like (called 'Going Off') off this list in order to make room for 'Act Normal' because it just might be the single COOLEST song that Skinny has ever done. The Prince Pronto produced tune was (and still is) Groovy Soca BRILLIANCE. This style of music has a different type of appeal to it. It can hit you in a piece joy and just accentuate the hell out of it. As opposed other songs you'll find here which're going to concuss you, wait for you to get up (or not) and then do it again, 'Act Normal' made its impact with a feather and kinda got the same results.

9. 'Pieces'

Soooooooo long we've been waiting. 'Pieces' now holds some type of significance as it (prior to #2 on this list) was Skinny's reaction to the end of the pandemic and the return of Carnival. It's another of the type of songs that might not get the credit it fully deserves for being as clever as it was but I would implore you to REALLY listen to what's going on with this song and just how wonderfully put together it was. 

10. 'Soca Defenders'

Everything gonna crack. Clearly Skinny will take his inspiration from anywhere he can get it and as you can see from 'Godzilla' (he also has a song literally called 'John Wick'), movies are fertile ground for him. For the Xpert and Wetty Beatz licked 'Soca Defenders', he would Socafy Marvel's Avengers and do the actions films more than justice. 'Soca Defenders' is one this list because it offers you nary a place to sit down and catch your breath and it is done with such quality that it was impossible for me to ignore. He has DOZENS of similarly vibed pieces and, ostensibly, this one does nothing in its sound to set it apart from those but what you hear on this damn song probably represents one of the strongest and in most infectious choruses on the whole of this list.  

11. 'The General'

Bomb ah drop. 'The General' burned a big ass hole in taking St. Vincent Soca Monarch way back in 2013 and, surely, the memory of that has something to do with its being here but... listen to this thing (and if you have already, then go back and listen to it again). 'The General' is VILE! It is nasty, grimy Power Soca but it's also kinda pleasant, isn't it? Don't you hear a hint of sweetness within all of that chaos? Take that drop of whatever it was and combine it with a song which, inherently, promotes crowd interaction on a massive level and you have a tune seemingly constructed for a brilliant performance and on one night in July a dozen years ago, Skinny Fabulous delivered one for the ages with 'The General'.

12. 'Monster'

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'MMA MONSTA! 'Monster' was a song that almost didn't make this list. When I got to narrowing things down (and decided that I wouldn't go over fifteen) I took it out and put it back in several times before finally settling on it being here. What changed? Well, while I was fleshing this out, I wasn't actually listening to anything (besides 'Garn', of course) and when I got around to actually listening to the Homebase production, nostalgia sunk her claws into me. Now over a dozen years old, 'Monster' wasn't THE maddest song Skinny Fabulous has ever done, nor was it the sweetest but it was BEAUTIFUL blend of both flavours and though you will find a piece or two which does better at blending them than it does, that unforgettable bounce which helps to propel 'Monster' along also pushed it over the edge for me.

13. 'De Beast Lehgo'

DANGEROUS! 'De Beast Lehgo' is another STERLING example of Skinny doing what Skinny does best and finding some beauty within the madness. The tune, which would net him his second overall and consecutive Vincy Soca Monarch crown way back in 2009, also started his monstrous fascination (as shown in this list with 'Godzilla' and 'Monster') and remains amongst his very best. If you really tune in 'De Beast Lehgo' what you'll notice is that, at its absolute heights, it rivals just about any song he's ever done. The pinnacle of it is EASILY some of the best work Skinny Fabulous as shown which is why  would include it on the short list of not only his best but the BEST of his best. 

14. 'Scary'

EVERYTHING TEAR DOWN! Perhaps the hardest kick in the head that Skinny has ever delivered, the utterly RIDICULOUS 'Scary' from a decade and a half ago hasn't aged well in terms of popularity and is fairly obscure these days. Just because so many have overlooked it though, it hasn't diminished even slightly in my eyes and ears. 'Scary' is an action movie with no plot at all. It's two and half hours of just.... fights and... blowing shit up. It is violent. It is vicious. There is no point of it. It is just a pure adrenaline rush of music.

15. 'Fyah Anthem'

We have ignition. Compared to a great deal of the other songs here, you could well make the case that 'Fyah Anthem' registers as nearly obscure to a degree... but I don't give a damn. What it does share with many of his greatest work is that 'Fyah Anthem' was, essentially, Skinny Fabulous clunking us all right over the head. He punched us, we fell, concussed, and when we got up we asked him to do it again. There is a countdown here (which has pretty much nothing with Skinny) which is SO DAMN COOL that it likely has a lot to do with why this song is here. 'Fyah Anthem' was scalding, it left bruises and I'm not complaining. 

Signatures Vol. VI: Bunji Garlin

It's Bunji Garlin. Soca Defender. Lyrical Genius. No intro. Let's go! 

{Next: Queen Omega & Cocoa Tea}

1. 'Differentology'

We ready. As is the norm on these features, we begin with what is likely Bunji Garlin's most recognizable tune to date, the now, ridiculously, over a dozen years old, 'Differentology'. This tune was all-conquering in its day and though I don't even think that I would rank it amongst the top five or so (maybe I would) of songs that you'll find on this list, it has a certain BRUTALLY infectious vibe to it which makes the attraction it garnered not the biggest surprise in the world. Produced by Keron Thompson, the song would also head what is, arguably [PROBABLY], Garlin's most well known album to date named after it and has aged particularly well, still being one of the genre's most popular records altogether.

2. 'Snake Oil'

In charge. Good luck to you getting the first entrant on this list, 'Snake Oil', out of your head anytime soon.... I've been working, unsuccessfully, for the better part of a couple of decades or so. 'Snake Oil' was seriously infectious and it's gone on to hold on to this delightful position within his catalogue. For those who've known it for any kind of time, it is revered not as this ALL TIME CLASSIC, but a sharpened and COOL song which, because of its kind of pulsing pace, is one of a kind from Garlin and an EXQUISITELY put together track.

3. 'Brave'

Fraid nuthin. Sometimes YOU must be the spark. That was the idea behind the explosive fifteen year old smash that was 'Brave'. It had a [VERY] specific core to Carnival and Soca but this one has big long legs. You could apply the sentiment behind 'Brave' to almost anything. It was about having courage and not being afraid to take a risk and not being afraid of failure and it was wrapped up in this high-powered package which remains some of Garlin's most impactful work ever in my opinion.

4. 'The Islands' featuring Patrice Roberts

EVERYDAY! I wish you all the luck in the world shaking this mess out of your head anytime soon (it's not going to happen for you. It just isn't). Prior to creating absolute carnage alongside Machel Montano and family (the single best tune of which was 'Rolling' and I dare you to disagree with me!) and striking gold with the CLASSIC 'Sugar Boy', Patrice Roberts would begin her push to prominence with this CANDY-like Mastamind produced tune alongside her Soca Daimyo cousin, Bunji Garlin (never used that word before, it was time to pull it out). 

5. 'Fiery'

BURNING, BURNING, BURNING! Back in 2008, Garlin would have a lot of fans 'in their feels ' (do people still say that?), when he dropped his big tune of the season, 'Fiery', in honour of fallen Calypsonian, Maestro. I have always had something of a "love hate" relationship with this tune because, although it was sensational (and it still is) what tends to stand out most vividly about it is Garlin would use it to BLATANTLY STEAL Soca Monarch from his own wife who would deliver one of the greatest performances anyone has ever laid eyes on with 'Get On', and still be denied by 'Fiery'! Yes. It still pisses me off on some level, but that doesn't take away from what 'Fiery' was. It was genius and, HOPEFULLY, somewhere Maestro was listening and he was appreciative.

6. 'No Super Hero'

High demand.

"Well I'm no super hero

I'm not demon

Di gyal dem have wi in high demand

Mi doh know if you agree man

Mi gyal named Fay-Ann Lyons 

So I am she man"

It was the ultra fun Soca Strings Riddim sitting behind Garlin's lyrically enthused 'No Super Hero' which headed his album by the name of "Global" from back in 2007. The tune, like several you'll find here, is a PRIME example of some supremely high level wordplay in the midst of absolute chaos. 'No Super Hero' was underrated genius and it was the type of song that you only come across in Soca. 

7. 'Yuh Mad Or Wah'

LAVA! Though, to be perfectly honest, its quality probably doesn't earn it its spot on its list, the PRESENCE and IMPACT of 'Yuh Mad Or Wah' DEFINITELY puts it on such a collection coming from me. The tune was a shot at the curator of lava ground, I Wayne, who had once referred to Soca as "devil music". To the surprise of absolutely no one, Bunji Garlin stood up for the genre and did it in a way which was both kind of brutal also very sensible. He spoke about all of the people that, FRANKLY, Soca music feeds. How it puts money into the pockets of people who might otherwise just not have it or not have it in a peaceful way and the large role it plays in Trinidad. Like I said, 'Yuh Mad Or Wah', from a strictly musical point of view, is no where near Garlin at his best, but when Soca required someone to stand up for it against a... very odd foe, it was Garlin who took up the mantle and dealt with it, as you'd expect him to.

8. 'Carnival Tabanca'

I have it. A rather hypnotic backing, courtesy of Sheriff, played a perfect dancemate with Garlin on 'Carnival Tabanca', which would prove to be a sizable hit for all involved. All the trucks have been packed up and the road has been cleared. Carnival is gone. What you're left with is a feeling similar to losing a good friend and although this friend will be back next year (whether or not you're still here remains to be seen), you still miss them. 'Carnival Tabanca', in a delightfully CHILLED way, perfectly covered that sentiment and, perhaps, has aged as well as any other tune you will find here. 

9. 'Famalay' featuring Machel Montano & Skinny Fabulous

Jumping up together. Along with being a legit hit which would not only net Bunji Garlin his first Road March victory ever AND see Skinny Fabulous secure a very rare Road March for a non Trini artist (and he'd only previously won once in his homeland, St. Vincent), 'Famalay' was still, in a very enthused genre such as Power Soca music, a MIGHTY kick in the ass. On top of that, it had substance of unity to go along with its jump and wave and has already gone down as some of the best work either three have ever done in all of their storied careers.

10. 'Follow Me'

Know me when you see me! 'Follow Me' is in the discussion for being my single favourite song by Garlin ever. It's one of the best songs that he's ever made and, though it isn't respected on that level and never has been, from the very first time I laid ears on this thing, I was hooked! There is something powerfully and aggressively GRIMEY about 'Follow Me'. It is Power Soca of a most intoxicating blend and one of THE greatest of its kind that I have ever heard. 

11. 'Carnival Contract'

Hard like nail. 

"ME AND CARNIVAL HAVE A CONTRACT

EVERY YEAR WE GO HARD LIKE NAIL

I ON THE ROAD WITH TRUCK BIGGA THAN HUMP-BACK WHALE"

The ridiculous KNOCK of the Banx & Ranx produced riddim named after it was a MASSIVE part of my interest in 'Carnival Contract', but still only half. Atop it, Bunji Garlin GLOWED (why isn't "glew" a word???) with an idea that he was CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED to Carnival, each and every year. WHAT! In 2024, Garlin would fulfill that obligation via one of the most hard to shake songs that he has ever done. 'Carnival Contract' was simply somewhere else. It was absolutely dazzling, it still is and, although Michael Teja would have other ideas imprinted on his DNA (biggup Michael Teja), for me 'Carnival Contract' was the runaway winner for the 2024 season.

12. 'King's Arrival'

I am viking. Quite possibly THE SINGLE COOLEST song that Bunji Garlin has ever done, the woefully under-remembered 'King's Arrival' from J-Vibe was both a lyrical and musical masterpiece on a very THICK vibe. It pillaged and plundered and looted its way into my favourites and did so in a way that, though I wholly doubt you'd see it present on many other lists like such, 'King's Arrival' was one of the very first tunes I had in mind when I began putting this thing together. It was spotless.

13. 'Hard Fete'

On a hill. I have been listening to this song, pretty much nonstop, for over two years. That is the biggest compliment that I can possibly pay to 'Hard Fete' which would net Garlin his first (and to date, only) solo Road March title in 2023. Though the competition is fierce, I would probably call it my absolute favourite tune that he has done, ever. 'Hard Fete' is an intoxicant.  It is a drug. It is an addictive substance and all that good stuff. With a HARSHNESS and.... downright ABUSIVE vibe to it, 'Hard Fete' does not care about your feelings. You can hate it. You can love it. That is unimportant to 'Hard Fete'. It will treat you rudely and you will not do a damn thing about it. 

14. 'Clear De Road'

IT BLOCKED. Finally, we end things on the road, drenched in sweat and rain, courtesy of the chaotic 'Clear De Road'. I had this tune and another ('Hold A Burn') in my mind and, intentionally, wanted to force myself to choose between the two. I landed on 'Clear De Road' because there is something entirely UNCOMFORTABLE about it and I mean that in a good way. You cannot sit still while listening to this tune. It is, fittingly, disturbing and aggravating and it would have made for a PERFECT Road March tune had Mrs. Garlin not met his father-in-law that same season. 

TEARS! GIANT ONES!

Okay so, I heard this tune and I had kinda/sorta made up my mind what it was going to be about but THANKFULLY, it didn't go in the direction I was thinking it might... well it did, but it didn't STAY there. Soca stars Machel Montano & Skinny Fabulous pay a MAMMOTH [!!!] tribute to those who we've lost along the way with their big new tune, 'Fallen Fetters'. I was expecting something on the somber side and, though it does start there, an entirely appropriate amount of pandemonium does subsequently take over. THIS IS GORGEOUS MUSIC in an artform which celebrates.... pretty much every damn thing. So we will jump and wave for those who can no longer do it themselves (and then someone will jump for us when we're gone). Also HAVE to mention the prevailing lyrical statement here:

"CELEBRATE YOUR FRIENDS BEFORE THEY'RE GONE"

You don't actually have to wait! Tell someone you love them when you realize that you do! Say thank you! Call someone you haven't talked to in a bit and check up on them; see how they're doing. The season is VERY young, still, but two Machel and Skinny have already delivered one of its certain highlights. BOOOM! DAMN! 

Royals!

Okay so, I was working on a review, but because I'm old and slow as hell, it takes a bit longer these days. THANKFULLY, the Gods and Goddesses of Reggae music were nice enough to bless us with a couple of big, BIG tunes from two of our looooongtime favourites. So let's discuss talk about it because I got some stuff to do and I'm hungry.

'Resilience' by Queen Omega & Nature Makonnen [Kushite Organic Recording]

First up is a brand new tune coming from Trini Reggae Empress, Queen Omega, alongside Nature Makonnen (who produces on his Kushite Organic Recording imprint), 'Resilience'. Ohhh, what to say about this song?? 'Resilience' is.... kinda brilliant.

"Resilient to survive

Resilient to stay alive and wi nah give up the fight

Persistence is to try

Wi si that we're main target

WI SI OUR ROYAL BLOOD MAKE UP DI RED CARPET

Black people fi sell upon di black market

Anytime wi ready, tell dem wi go start it

I si wickedness dress up inna tie and jacket

And so called leaders inna big gun racket

Too much of melanin babies end up inna casket

Too much bodies wrap up inna white blanket

Like how di plantation burn

Watch di tables will turn 

Just how di phoenix return

Vatican will get turned

For di future generation - 

It is my concern"

The Queen absolutely SCORCHES this track and makes for probably one of the single best tunes that I've heard in 2024, following a 2023 campaign which saw her drop my choice as the year's single finest album altogether, "Freedom Legacy".

'Find Out' by Skinny Fabulous

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from  Queen Omega's 'Resilience' is 'Find Out' by Skinny Fabulous. 'Find Out' is most certainly NOT brilliant. It is absolute foolishness... OF THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE CALIBER! 

"FUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT!"

Riding one of the most unexpected of punchlines that I have probably ever heard on a Soca tune (I was literally SHOCKED when I heard him say that. I had to bring it back to make sure I was hearing him correctly (and were there still any question remaining, I have since found an edited version). As long as Skinny Fabulous (and a handful of others) is making music, you can be assured that someone out there, somewhere, is pushing Soca forward. Pressing buttons and seeing where the line REALLY is (there is no line).'Find Out' is blissfully, addictive NONSENSE! 

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. 

It's. The Most. Wonderful Time. Of The Year!

In case you haven't noticed (you poor, poor soul), it is late in the year and that MAGICAL time where Soca music begins to bubble and blossom as some of the genre's biggest stars begin unloading their arsenals for the forthcoming Carnival season. What happens, in good years is, despite the fact that most artists will wait a few weeks or so to release their absolute biggest tracks, we still get some very good early shots and this year, things are looking bright! I thought I'd take a minute and tell you about a few of my personal early favourites from Carnival 2024 which, if what we've heard thus far is any indication, is looking GOLDEN. Let's go.

'Anxiety' by Patrice Roberts

First up is a tune that I've told you about previously but, in a MOST UNFORTUNATE way, it's taken on an entire new life and also it does remain the single most beautiful piece of work that I've heard thus far. 'Anxiety' is the latest gem from Soca supernova, Patrice Roberts. WONDERFULLY it deals with subjects such as mental health and the overall strength of Soca music and what it does for the masses. If you do not recall or have not heard, last week we lost Ricardo Drue, who transitioned unexpectedly. Drue and Roberts were engaged and, because of that, and just due to the fact that it is absolutely fantastic, 'Anxiety' has become even more powerful and such a noteworthy song not only for Roberts and Drue, but for the entire genre going into 2024. Obviously you don't want to have such circumstances 'fueling' any release of any kind, but even prior to this, 'Anxiety' had the wheels to carry such a heavy weight. It is absolutely fantastic. 

'Devotion' by Destra

I'll name you others (including almost everyone in this same post), but make no mistake about it: My favourite Soca artist is and has always been the divine Destra and she has come out for Carnival 2024 blazing on the power of the typically brilliantly chaotic 'Devotion'. This tune is downright exhausting! IT WILL WEAR YO ASS OUT! This action movie of a song easily ranks amongst Destra's finest from any season in recent memory and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for the season (check another nice set she had not too long ago by the name of 'Rosie'. Very nice song). 

'Big Stage' by Skinny Fabulous & Olatunji

No post such as this one could be incomplete without the inclusion of Vincy blowtorch, Skinny Fabulous who has three or four new tunes about already and the best of them, to my opinion is 'Big Stage' which finds 'Godzilla' linking with Olatunji in a big way. This one actually took a bit of time to grow on me. There's sort of a unique progression to 'Big Stage', if you allow yourself to get into it. They're talking about being kids and experiencing the vibes and being bitten by that bug and how, as not only adults but adults who actually make the music, that experience has changed. The tangible result of that in terms of sound is a BEAUTIFULLY moody selection which ramps up and down in intensity throughout making for, perhaps subtly, one of the most distinctive tracks I've heard in a minute. 

'TGIM' by Lil Natty & Thunda

Speaking of distinctive tracks, take a listen to 'TGIM' by surging Grenadian duo Lil Natty & Thunda. The pair have given me a number of personal favourites in recent times such as 'Top Striker', 'Get In Your Section' and 'The Ambush' just last year (or this year, technically) and they're adding to the lot in 2024 with this offering. You've heard of people celebrating Friday as it ushers in the weekend where, presumably, you might not have to work and can go out and enjoy yourself. Natty & Thunda, on the other hand, are lifting it up for Monday, because who cares! 

"THANK GOD IT'S MONDAY!

AND IT'S CARNIVAL SOMEWHERE!" 

Remember everyone: Be thankful for every moment you have because IT IS CARNIVAL SOMEWHERE!

'Richter Scale' by Fay-Ann Lyons

You knew she was coming. Aza Sefu's early efforts have been outstanding as you would expect (because they always are) and my favourite by the slimmest of margins (with respect to 'Miss Bitch') is PROBABLY 'Richter Scale'. Despite its ridiculous energy, 'Richter Scale' is fairly straight forward in its... absolute madness and it also has a more visual quality to it. You get a picture of Lyons performing 'Richter Scale' in your head and the lack of common sense it will inspire. 

"When wi pull up - well everything start break"

Everything will break and it will be fun!

'Miss Bitch' by Fay-Ann Lyons

Okay, so I kept listening to it and.... maybe 'Richter Scale' isn't better of the two. So, in order to offer you your own opportunity to make a decision, here's FAL's other great tune from the season thus far, 'Miss Bitch'. Unlike 'Richter Scale', this drop is a bit more spiraling and it goes in several different directions. What stand out, however, is the overall sound and lyrics. Backed by the golden Do You Riddim courtesy of DJ Avalanche, Lyons is sure to remind all to THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK to her. 

"I doh care how you feel about

I doh care what you think about

Just doh let it come out yuh mouth"

'Carnival Day' by Voice & Patrice Roberts

I wasn't going to mention this one but, to be fair, by all registerable levels and qualities that I use to measure how good a song is, 'Carnival Day' has it to spare. EASILY one of the finest tracks that I've heard thus far, Voice and the aforementioned Roberts come together to produce what HAS to be considered an early favourite for Road March.

'Carnival Contract' by Bunji Garlin

And then there's the boom.

"MI AND CARNIVAL HAVE A CONTRACT: EVERY YEAR WI GO HARD LIKE NAIL

I ON DE ROAD WID TRUCK BIGGER THAN HUMPBACK WHALE"

I do want to say that while I do expect something madder from reigning TnT Road March king, Bunji Garlin (and you could well say that THE tune that will receive the biggest push might be 'Forward', but I think he goes even further than that), I am just as confident in saying that whatever it turns out to be will lack the overall RIDICULOUSLY EFFORTLESS LYRICAL ASSAULT that comes in the form of 'Carnival Contract'. 

"I tell my wife, I love your vibe and you should come along

She send invites to all wi likes, now wi bout forty strong"

Also, produced by one (two, actually) Banx & Ranx, there is something about the beginning bounce of 'Carnival Contract' which every so faintly reminds me of a tune called 'Get On' by Garlin's wife, the aforementioned Sefu; literally one of the greatest songs of all time. In a class like that, it has to be top notch as Bunji Garlin, once again, SCORCHES.

I've Been Waiting: A review of B.A.D by Skinny Fabulous

Scary. Now typically, this would be the point of the review where I attempt to grab on to some interesting angle from the album that we're looking at during that particular day and reach obscure conclusions and connections to other things and go off on my beloved tangents before ascending (or descending) into the artist and music; but today I don't think that is necessary (even though, TECHNICALLY, I'm doing it right now). Nope. Instead we're going to take the more direct route to things because TODAY we have reached such a significant point in the history of this blog as one of my favourites -- and probably my absolute favourite Soca artist in recent times -- is now delivering a debut album that we have been anticipating, fruitlessly, for a VERY long ass time. I couldn't tell you, within even a relatively close window of time, when I began to listen to the AMAZING music of St. Vincent star, Skinny Fabulous. What I can tell you is that it was almost surely after I had become a fan of his musical 'brother' Problem Child (more on him later) ["THIS IS NOT A PARTY AND THIS IS NOT A FETE, THIS IS MAD-MAD-MADHOUSE!"] and it was years and years ago and, after refreshing for the sake of this review, I can go back nearly FIFTEEN YEARS now of ultra-familiar tunes and bona fide personal anthems that he has provided me. What I can say that struck me, especially, about his work is that, first of all, when it comes to POWER Soca music, he has very little in the way of peers. While Skinny may not pack the lyrical punch that someone like Bunji Garlin does (but.... no one does), he is very impressive with the spoken word, crafting CONCEPTS of songs which so fittingly match the genre. On top of that, you will NEVER find a powerful song that he has done which isn't impressive melodically. Even if you don't LOVE every single one of them, Skinny Fabulous makes a point of not only bashing his listeners over the head (and he will do that), but making them enjoy it at the same time by providing a fantastic tempo to go along with the bruising. Each and every season, along with others such as Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons and Destra and a few others (Mr. Killa), I am MOST keen on hearing new work from Skinny and he has rarely disappointed over the years becoming, EASILY, one of Soca's most consistent of acts. I've also had the fortune of seeing him perform on quite a few occasions on some truly big stages and I can tell you there are very few people that I have seen with THAT level of personal energy. It is DEVASTATING! It is a quality possessed by very few individuals (off the top of my head, there's Machel Montano (more on him later as well)... Lyons and.... uhmmmm) that make a similar brand of music that they can give you that energy both in person and in just hearing their music. It is ENTIRELY transferable (Garlin is different. His energy does come through but you'll find yourself coming back over and over against attempting to hear every single word that man says) (Ilah Man from out of St. Lucia may be another good example of that) and he has provided so many powerful displays throughout the years which, again, have more than made a fan out of me.

Most recently there was Garn (not completely true anymore, but it's only been overtaken recently by a tune we're going to tell you about today), but I can seriously name you probably a couple of dozen FAVOURITES either off the top of my head or with just a little thought. Tracks such as 'Mental Home' (I have no idea why that one came up first) ["WE JUST ESCAPED FROM THE.....MENTAL HOOOOOOOME!"] (random ass ten year old tune), 'Fire Anthem', 'Pieces' ["THE FIRST PARTY WI TOUCH - IT AHGO MASH UP INNA PIECES!"], 'Soca Defenders', 'Swarm The Town', 'Act Normal', 'Famalay' with Garlin and Montano, 'BTW', 'Rock This Place', 'Head Bad', 'Going Off' [BEHAVING LIKE WE GOING OFF!"], 'Monster', 'General', 'The Cave' [" NO CELL! NO TOWER! NO BATH! NO SHOWER!"], 'GODZILLA', 'Ignorant', 'Mash Up International', 'John Wick', 'Bongokart', 'No Other Way' ["NO OTHER WAY! WI DON'T KNOW NO OTHER WAY!"], 'Duracell' (tune grew on me, I used to not like it very much), 'Brutal', 'Hurricane' and PROBABLY my favourite, 'Scary'["EVERYTHING MASH DOWN! EVERYTHING TEAR DOWN! EVERYTHING BRUK DOWN! WHEN YOU SI WI COMIN!!] .... and I left some out (like 'Reckless' w/Garlin) that I could also mention (and 'More Jab'). Each and every season he drops a new batch of tunes and that list grows, clearly making for one of the most decorated catalogues that I've ever come across in Soca music.

But there was something missing. Wasn't there? I'd looooooooooong given up hope on Skinny Fabulous making an album, though if you go back far enough on these pages, you'll find at least a couple of Most Wanted lists that we've done in wishing that he might release one in any given year. Its prospects had, literally, descended to the point of thinking it may be even less likely to come than that long rumoured next album from Lady Sweety (who has returned to us), but apparently time changes things. I read an interview with Skinny Fabulous where he said that he never saw the importance of releasing an album because he was performing constantly and making money, but that he gradually began to see its potential benefits as the digital medium became more and more popular and albums had become so much more accessible. By the end of the review he was advocating for his fellow peers to follow the same route (GOOD IDEA SKINNY!), as he sees it as only a positive and he even goes on to talk about things such as Grammy's in the future and the general development and PROMOTION of the genre. I'm biased as hell. I love albums. They're very convenient and identifiable and, when you go back through an artist's career, albums stand up as these pillar-like moments of various portions of their career. I also think it's an 'easy' (that's not the best word but it's what I'm going with) way to generate buzz. If someone pays for you to make an album, they're also going to at least make an attempt to promote it to the masses. Skinny Fabulous has mow wonderfully and OFFICIALLY exited the ranks of the album-less as his anciently awaited debut, "B.A.D [Beyond A Doubt]" comes to fruition via DSM Music and Monk Music (of the aforementioned Machel Montano) and, if I have yet to paint that picture as vividly as I possibly can: THIS IS A BIG FUCKING DEAL! Like I said, I'd given up hope and when I saw "B.A.D" in the offering, I didn't believe it, but I was extremely pleased as someone who has enough ammunition to build a few 'greatest hits' collections, gives us a proper debut. Soca albums can be tough because they typically go in only two or three directions: In very rare cases they're accounts of a particular season or two (and that's something probably only reserved for the likes of Montano, Destra and maybe you could include Nadia Batson - people who almost ROUTINELY release albums); they also, even more infrequently, could be bigger productions of labels such as VP Records and you'll see that with Garlin and Lyons most recently (I'm thinking I'm forgetting someone); and sometimes they'll come through as digital DUMPS as, presumably, someone responds to fans asking for such things (coincidentally this was recently done by fellow Vincy star, Fireman Hooper, a couple of years ago when he gave us FORTY tracks of "Fireman Hooper Classics"). Skinny seems to have chosen the first route as, despite being TWENTY-THREE tracks deep, "B.A.D" is built on fresh material and, as you would expect from such an expansive project, it covers a very large range of vibes and, by its end, serves as both a very powerful introduction to and SUPPORT for an artist destined to be (and ALREADY) one of the greatest Soca has ever produced. Let's take a listen! 

2023 just might prove to be a very crucial year for Soca music, on the whole. There may not actually be a genre MORE dependent on the in-person experience than it is and having had it removed, on a large scale, has certainly been damaging. Things should be fully back to normal this year and we've already seen several pieces marking the occasion. Skinny Fabulous is also obviously doing his part in the festivities and a large chunk of it is to be found on his brand new debut album, "B.A.D", which gets up and going with its title track, following a  very interesting Intro which features, amongst others, Bunji Garlin, Destra and Machel Montano (who mentions that the artist, born Gamal Doyle, has been a songwriter for him "for some time") speaking on behalf of Skinny who chimes in himself as well. "#BAD" is outstanding. It is a delightful demonstration of Skinny's devotion to Soca music. 

"Well I hope you know we're unruly

Know in fact we're unruly

And when Soca music goes through me-

No one cannot talk to me

I can't help myself, I have no chill

When dem tell mi stop, it's just more still

Cause I'm a bad child

I'm a Soca bad child

If you open up di mad file

I'm a Soca bad child

Di crowd I moving mad wild

I'm a Soca bad child

Since I young I was a bad, BAD child"

Well said, coming from one of Soca's most PRODUCTIVE of offspring. The tune is such a nice, predominately Groovy, and easy listen and by album's end, it well remains a definitive highlight. Next up is a tune I'm well familiar with as it was a previous single from... maybe just three or four weeks ago now, 'Tek Jam', which features young Trini veteran vocalist, Nessa Preppy. This one probably lands somewhere between Dancehall and Hip Hop (although more on the Dancehall side to my ears) and, to be honest, it has grown on me just a bit. While I won't say that I LOVE 'Tek Jam', I do see a quality in it that I didn't the first few times that I heard it. Check the pretty old-school, innuendo-latent Soca vibe of 'Sauce', featured on the fittingly named Retro Fete Riddim, courtesy of Vybez Productionz and International Stephen (who also takes executive producer credit for the album). Here, Skinny gives a shout to some of his female peers ["Yes suh. Bring something like Nessa. I waan give she pressure. I still waiting on Destra"] and women, in general, with a damn infectious sound. In terms of singles, I wasn't at all surprised to see the treatment given to this one as it is terribly difficult to get out of your head (the video is probably in here somewhere. You can give it a shot yourself. If you were looking some a little early-album chaos, check 'Big In The Dance', which taps Trini artist and radio host Viking Ding Dong to join in on the fun and that is PRECISELY what 'Big In The Dance' is. It is a lot of fun. While we haven't pressed the pedal completely to the floor, it is close enough to get that intoxicatingly POWERFUL vibe which Skinny Fabulous is so damn special at and, for his part, VDD definitely holds his own, making for one of the baddest tunes on the whole of "B.A.D". Chasing 'Big In The Dance' and having a name like 'Buss Party', I definitely envisioned (or is it enaudioed????) another mash up/jump up affair and though that wasn't at all what it ended up being, I was very happy with the clever Wetty Beatz produced (Quick Riddim) drop. I'm going to use this one to illustrate just how potent Skinny can be lyrically because I doubt that anyone else will REALLY do so, but very early on in 'Buss Party', he lays things to ruins and not be ABSOLUTELY DESTROYING it in typically Skinny Fabulous fashion but, instead, by producing one of the album's SHARPEST instances. 

"Hold on dey, wait mi seh look

Anytime I step in, di whole place shook

I bring all mi money from mi bankbook

Watch gal just ah bubble up dem body like soup

Yes, I jump like a fish I hook

I teefing a whine tonight, I'm a crook

IF YOU CAAN FIND WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS SCENE YA-

I GO LEND YOU MY FETTING BOOK

Cause is a move wi feeling tonight

Enjoy wiself widout fight

So tell dem how just do it

Cuz wi just do it like Nike

Wi does mash up place and leave it flat

Every girl is wi type

So if you just hate to show yuh behaviour

Well wi just do it on site"

This one has a somewhat unusual pacing to it (I'm almost tempted to call it R&Bish) whoch does really compliment it well, but the star is DEFINITELY what is being said, so pay a level of attention which you may not have anticipated having to on a Soca album from someone besides Bunji Garlin (I told you, the man is a razor). 

Speaking of lyrics: 'Big Millions' is a slightly older tune (from last summer about) that I most certainly did not expect to see on a Skinny Fabulous album. Chimney Records supplies their Upstairs Riddim for the track as things take a decidedly Dancehall turn on "B.A.D" (which I just start referring to as the far more easily typed "BAD") (DUHHHHHHHH!). As a complete song, I don't particularly favour 'Big Millions'. You know exactly what this one is about - it' Skinny enjoying the fruits of his considerable labour, but he says some things here, occasionally, which well keep you on your proverbial toes so while you'll surely size it up (correctly) as something you've heard dozens of times, be careful to not dismiss it fully. Jamaican Charly Black comes through for the colourful 'Please Don't Call Me'. This is track looking at the final embers of a failed relationship burning away. It certainly isn't amongst the biggest winners here, but 'Please Don't Call Me' has a fun vibes to it and, again, I wasn't surprised to see it featured as a pre-album release single as well. There is a skit here, called 'Bounty Is Legend', which features SF talking about one of his greatest musical influences and idols, Bounty Killer, and from just how far back he's been a fan and the ultra-high esteem he has always held him in. The skit makes way for a tune, 'Up Dey', which features the Killer and the 'Killa' as, joining Skinny and Bounty, is none other than incomparable Greenz torch Mr. Killa. The trio does what you knew they would do (on... just a dirty song) and produce a piece of work which proves to be incredibly difficult to shake out of your head. Just look at though, Bounty Killer, Skinny Fabulous and Mr. Killa on the same track! That's almost overkill on a tune which is, I THINK, is a rematch of an original solo effort from the Killa across Tall King Productions' appetizing Gyal Up Riddim. I'm also going to mention both 'Double Bubble' and 'Perfect Touch' here (because I just wrote it with them in the next paragraph and it didn't work quite right) (little behind the scenes action there for you). The former, Skinny's cut of the pounding Big Cup Riddim from International Stephen and DJ Avalanche serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever, none at all..... besides making SOMETHING on your body move for the whole of its nearly three and a half minute duration. If it does not do exactly that - seek help my friend. 'Perfect Touch', on the other hand, impresses in an unusual way. 'Perfect Touch' sounds like something you'd hear from Vybz Kartel. It's dirty, it's highly lyrical in bursts ["Girl bend over like when you see something drop"] and it has this kind of.... STUTTER to it (Kartel, at his best (in my opinion), always sounds like he was doing three or four things at the same time. He was doing the tune, but he was looking for something and maybe cooking or WHATEVER, so instead of rolling straight through it, the vibes came in smaller groups, which I also hear on this one) (probably did a SHIT job of explaining that, but I don't care. Let's see if it survives editing) (it did!).

"Acoustic" isn't a term often associated with Soca music at all. Just thinking about it, the only musically-streamlined brand of the genre that comes to my mind is work done by Kes, here and there. Skinny Fabulous takes his shot with an acoustic version of previous release 'Apology'. The original drop came via Big Z and Vybez  for their Big Mood Riddim and was Zoukish to my ears which definitely makes for a seamless transition into this medium and, likely because of that, I can't actually tell you which version of 'Apology' I prefer. The original surely is more familiar, but this set is well growing on me (and it also helps that it features the lovely backing singing from the first). 'Apology' kicks off the second portion of "BAD" which is carries its both of its heaviest hitters. Before that, however, there're more than a couple of other very solid selections rounding out the latter stages of "BAD". For example, definitely do take a spin of all kinds of interesting 'Bang' with Walshy Fire & DJ Crown Prince. Maybe I should call 'Bang' "Soca Dub", because that is basically what it is. You hear from SF in bits and pieces, but his presence is there only to help highlight the riddim and the vibes which're the biggest star here. I was very happy that they chose to include this on the album; not only could I probably listen to it happily for a couple of hours or so, 'Bang' is a very welcomed changeup which, on an album with twenty-three tracks, is a GREAT thing. Also catching my attention was the "Bonus Track" (which comes after the hilarious Outro where an interviewer wishes Skinny all the best and then Skinny also wishes Skinny all the best), 'Stupidness Rocks'. This is a Rocked out remix of the original (just called 'Stupidness' on Marvelus' GOT Riddim of about a year ago). Again.... why do this?? I have no idea but I'm glad that they did! Ultra gifted sweet singing French sider Oswald adds some shine to the gleaming 'Girls That Like Girls 2'. If this one gets a shot at getting a run in the spotlight -- especially in terms of promoting this album -- I'd be shocked if it didn't do quite well. Coming through with that intoxicating Kompas SWING, 'Girls That Like Girls 2' would find its way to GLUE itself to minds of listeners everywhere (yes, I did just use GLUE as a verb). Team Foxx' delicious Baila Riddim underpins one of the album's COOLEST moments, 'Naked'. I'm going to go into this more right before closing, but 'Naked' is such a WELL DONE SONG! It's just so finely crafted and put together by everyone involved and the result is, like the track just behind it ('Girls Like Girls 2').... and most of the rest of "BAD", an excellent vibe and one which should draw fans to this project. 'New Gyal' comes armed with the Buddy Pass Riddim (which, MOST FRUSTRATINGLY, reminds me of something that I cannot quite recall - which is driving me absolutely crazy at the moment) and I am SERIOUSLY thinking about placing it in the next  group of songs which're represent the strongest on "BAD" because it is that good. 'New Gyal' is funny, it's petty and, again, it is damn strong!

"You think I vex cause you inside di party-

Flex wid your new man

But hey, I have a new gyal and guess what!

She pretty than you

Prettier than you

Sexier than you gyal!"

Now! I just told you about all of those songs; All of them are at least "GOOD". I'm about to tell you about four more that range even higher. The worst of these is something better than GOOD, in my opinion. 'No Relationship' has found Skinny dejected (not really) and giving up on relationships for more 'temporary' encounters ["No relationship! I want to beat and dip"].

"Yow, they gone say I tripping

They gone say I wicked

I CAN'T HANDLE DI HEAT, SO I BURNED DOWN DI KITCHEN

I ripping out di stitching

Everything I hitting

I not even choosey

It's anything I picking 

Now this year, I changing up di slogan

Different, yes, I flipping up di program

I not committing to none of dem, no man

I seh I will neva wife another gal!"

Why this song sounds like this is an absolutely mystery. It need not be THIS aggressive at all! It's frenetic and DARK and GLOOMY (it sounds like that grimy shit (and I mean that in a good way) you hear from out of Grenada sometimes) (biggup Lednek and Muddy and Dash and all of those guys) (Dash is an EXTREMELY gifted artist who you should check out if you do enjoy Skinny Fabulous' music) and not at all the type of atmosphere you would expect behind such a subject, but I think that's a major part of the attraction, for me, here. Get upset as hell [!]... when you don't really need to. That approach is more appropriate on the recent 'Behaviour Nothin', SF's contribution to the Spirit Of Carnival Project (that entire thing is excellent; featuring Montano, Garlin and Kes as well). This thing is CLEAN. It's of a more 'presentable' ilk of Power Soca and lack of morals ["She can see. Even the Prime Minister, he can see; Mi and my crew have no decency. Wi on a different frequency"] and I'm fully expecting 'Behaviour Nothin' (and everything else on that riddim) to do a considerable amount of damage this season. If it is DAMAGE and absolute carnage that you seek, then "BAD" delivers your biggest prize at track #15, with 'Danger', alongside the aforementioned Problem Child. PROBLEMS! Despite what you might think, with them clearly being such good friends and having spent so much time around one another throughout the years, you are not going to find MANY combinations between SF and PC (I'm almost certain I know of at least one other, but I cannot sing that song in my head. I'm thinking it is very old at this point) (subsequent research dates it back to 2009, 'Drinks Reach') (I REMEMBER THIS TUNE!) (BOOM!) and 'Danger' INSTEANTLY becomes the best tune that they've done together and not only because of a lack of competition. This thing is FILTHY! It needs to take a shower, dry off and then get back in the shower.

Carried by the Jab Head Riddim via Jah Head Music (Garlin also did great on that one with 'Place Open' ["Jouvert is di vacine and I ready for di strong dose. !!! di social distancing woman and dem to come close"]), which has this GIANT feel to it (when it drops in, it sounds like an emergency is happening. Like someone needs help!) 'Danger' is also THE moment on "BAD" that is THE emotional release. It is the heaviest and MOST POWERFUL experience present here; that one moment where, if you had any energy left in your body, it's time to empty that shit. It is EXHAUSTING and I love it! Did you notice that out of all the exaltation and praise that I gave to 'Danger', one very large word was missing? "BEST"??? Despite it's disgusting genius, ridiculously I cannot say that 'Danger' is THE single best song on this album because "BAD" also features what just may be one of the best ten or so tunes that I have EVER heard from Skinny Fabulous; or maybe I'm juust being a prisoner of the moment because I ABSOLUTELY FUCKING LOVE 'Come Home'! Along with Soca's granddaughter, Nailah Blackman, SF pens an apology letter to Carnival for having taken Her for granted (which we all did) and it wasn't until she left us for awhile that we realized that we had all fucked up royally (well, everyone besides Shurwayne Winchester, who told us all years ago how much he revered Her on the IMMACULATE 'Carinval Please Stay') (always look for a reason to bring that tune up). 'Come Home' is of the type as many tunes you will hear this year, paying some level of homage to Carnival and how much she's been missed, but I will be SHOCKED if anyone does as fine a job as these two.

TEARS! BUCKETS AND BUCKETS OF TEARS! ["I'm sorry! And I need you back in my life!"]

I wanted to make a brief point about lyrics on this album and in Skinny Fabulous' music, in general. I used the word "concepts" in regards to the way in which he displays his music and, at least for me, that's different than just what he says. Skinny Fabulous can make a dozen jump up and wave/mash up Power Soca songs and each can have a similar base sound (it wouldn't happen like that, I'm just making a hypothetical situation) but you'd have twelve wholly unique EXPERIENCES. They'd all be different. That's what he's been able to do SO well in his career thus far. He's been able to remain unique and REFRESHING in a way which does not interrupt the intentional 'overboardness' of his sound. It's ridiculous. It's supposed to be; but at work is a level of orchestration only displayed by the genuine greats of Soca music and not ALL of them. 

Overall, "BAD" shines! Given its girth, I had no doubt in my mind that it would, but what I worried about was just how much fluff and filler it may contain and though yes, it is probably too damn long, I don't give a shit. I was thoroughly entertained by Skinny's debut album just as I have been by his long line of singles over the past decade and a half or so and I would expect to be for the foreseeable future as well. I do have to say just how damn pleased I was that this set did materialize and did so not as a 'greatest hits' (although I'd take that as well. Some of those older tunes are hard to find at a good quality. Were someone to remaster a bunch of them at a good quality, that would be very helpful) but as a single and current unit. I also love the cover with its kind of Matrix-like appeal, presenting Skinny as a superhero (or super villian) (he'd be fine with either, I'm sure) and doing so on the digital single covers as well. For me it all helps to put it in some 'official' capacity that Skinny Fabulous, ALREADY, sits as one of the biggest champions of Soca music, "Beyond A Doubt".  

Rated: Who Cares!/5

DSM + Monk Music

2023

Digital