Okay so, not too long ago, we told you about the excellent new compilation from the delightfully (and perhaps even over-) active folks at Trinity Farm Music, "Heart Of One". That wonderful set officially released on the 23rd of July and in the couple of months since then, TFM has already released THREE MORE projects, including one just today and I thought I'd tell you about all three of them..... because I haven't finished my review (of an album by an artist who featured on "Heart Of One"). Let's get on it!
'Golden Globe' by Jah Rubal
Constantly appearing on Trinity Farm's releases, it should come to the surprise of absolutely no one that the characteristically frenetic Jah Rubal also recently dropped a new tune on the label, 'Golden Globe'. You almost get the feeling that Rubal enters some state of hypnosis when he makes music (not completely unlike the third vocalist here) and you'd also wonder exactly how much of what he does is actually written, versus how much of it is improvised to some degree. I would think 'Golden Globe' falls more heavily towards the latter but, in either case, it is a good tune. Also, in case you haven't notice: USUALLY Jah Rubal finds some type of a melody in his music and this is a good example of that. To no one's standard besides his own, 'Golden Globe' is pretty 'easy listening' from Jah Rubal and, again, very nice work in general.
'Works Fa Jah' by Isayah
That of Isayah's was one of the most compelling performances on the whole of the aforementioned "Heart Of One" between a pair of offerings that he had there and I was well looking forward to hearing more from him with Trinity Farm.... and it didn't take very long at all. Things have remained the same on 'Workz Fa Jah', which is GORGEOUS! There's a point in this tune where things just level up and Isayah hits a peak of focus for a downright STUNNING stretch of music.
"All the works for Jah for The Most High One
Alla the works for Jah with good intention
Alla the works for make I & I strong, right over wrong
Alla the works for break down the walls of babylon
Alla the works for Jah, hail HIS creation"
Probably the best song on this post and... if TFM wanted to put together a full album for Isayah at some point, you'd get not a single complaint out of me.
'Whole World In His Hands' by Ancient King
Finally, released today (like a few hours ago at this time), is the latest collaboration between TFM and the most dedicated Ancient King, 'Whole World In His Hnads'. Back in May, there was the lovely album, "Oath Of Akae", produced by Vaughn Benjamin for the label and this tune is the just the latest piece of work between artist and label and it is CLEARLY up to set quality. The tune is standard fare from what you're going to get from Ancient King:
"Dem build bunker and go hide it underground
DEM GO FOOL DEMSELF TO INFINITY, THINK DEM CAN HIDE"
It is ultra dedicated, kinda messy (and I mean that in a good way) and exactly what we've come to expect from Ancient King as he gives top honours to THE King. For me, 'Whole World In His Hands' represents some of the strongest recent work from Ancient King and, hopefully, we get another album for Trinity Farm at some point in the future.
Signatures. I'm currently working on the latest installment of our running series, 'Signatures', which is a feature we started to highlight some of my personal favourite songs from various artists. It's gotten a pretty solid response thus far and, after a break, we will continue it with the legendary Cocoa Tea, probably sometime later this month. I bring it up (because I absolutely love it) to lead into the fact that you can definitely take that same concept and apply it not only to a particular, individual artist but an entire label as well. It can be a little bit more difficult (and interesting to write) because you may not normally associate a certain piece of work with a label in terms of release and the choices you have to choose from may be incredibly vast but it can also be a very fruitful and satisfying experience as well. I'll bring up an example of a label that not only fits the concept of what we're doing today (they've worked with some of these artists) but one which has done PRECISELY what I think we're looking at here as well. Of course, I'm referring to I Grade Records and, by extension, the Zion I Kings. What're the signature releases of I Grade Records??? Were you to put together a list, surely it would be full of pieces from Akae Beka -- having the biggest Virgin Islands artist alongside the biggest VI label -- but I'd also include, off the top of my head, a pair of albums from Lutan Fyah and you might also come across works from the likes of Dezarie, Tuff Lion ["Ten Strings"], Pressure Busspipe and maybe even one or two others as well. Another set that I think would HAVE to be included (....and, of course, I'm now thinking about doing such a list) would be an album that we've well discusses around these parts so I won' take up too much of your time by beating it down again but, way back in 2009, IGR would release what is my opinion one of the greatest compilations of the modern era of Roots Reggae music, "Joyful Noise". Similarly, the other components of the Zion I Kings, Zion High Productions & Lustre Kings Productions, have also released compilations which are, easily, amongst some of their greatest productions. I could go on a more well known scale and start mentioning things such as "Reggae Gold" and "Strictly The Best" also - people who make Reggae music love making compilations and when they are very well done, the results can be some of the most memorable and most identifiable that they make, period.
So, were one of my favourite labels going today to release a compilation which, at least on paper, looked like pure FLAMES, they're probably going to have my full attention. That brings us back to the wonderful people at Trinity Farm Music who, once again, are doing something well worthy of a look. While I could already point to a signature release from the label (they did launch our favourite album of 2024, Akae Beka's "Living Testament"), TFM have CONSISTENTLY delivered solid work in very recent times courtesy of a very interesting batch of names (biggup Batch) and have done so at a fantastic rate. Clearly, they have no intent on slowing down AT ALL.
2018
So how do you take things even higher? Maybe [another] large compilation would do it. I can't go too far with this (well, I can (and I probably am eventually, but....), because Trinity Farm Music already has an outstanding compilation to their credit in 2018's LOVELY "Music Tree" which would have been one of their very first releases altogether. At least to my knowledge, there was never a second volume to "Music Tree" so, in its stead (kinda), 2025 now brings us "Heart Of One". The PACKED compilation checks in at nearly and hour and a half, spread over twenty-one tracks, featuring contributions by a VERY healthy variety of names. If you're following along with TFM's works, you'll see a number of their favourites building up the vocalist roster on "Heart Of One" and you'll also see some wonderful surprises as well (some of whom, I hope to see recording with the label more going forward) including some old personal favourites that we haven't seen much of it lately. For me, when it comes to compilations (especially on riddim albums which're far more rare these days than they used to be) one of the things that stand out most immediately is who is on board. I've actually made comments about that exact thing in the past and have had producers message me saying what happened or how certain things came about and it's all very fascinating (one was even apologetic) but when I laid eyes on what was happening here, even prior to hearing the actual music, I was mightily impressed, once again, by TFM. I failed to see how you could even put together such an array of talents and drop something subpar and "subpar" is not what I heard when I did get to hear "Heart Of One". Also, like pretty much everything that I've listened to from TFM, the music here is very heavily Roots Reggae, but I didn't find it very.... exclusive. While I don't see it being a very good starting point for listeners new to the genre entirely, if you've only recently come to know the greatest sound on the planet (congratulations), you're going to find something here entertaining and not just because there's so damn much of it. From beginning to end, "Heart Of One" shows itself to be stellar and a FINE potential introduction to one of the best labels going today. Let's get into it!
Did I mention that this album had twenty-one songs on it?? It's been a minute since I've done a review on an album so damn long and I don't know how I'm going to break it down and segment it but let's just get to it anyway. Getting things up and going on Trinity Farm Music's BIG compilation is a very familiar name to our eyes and ears as the Arkaingelle puts both his and one of the album's best foot forward with the outstanding 'Yaddin by the Rivers'. By the slimmest of margins (with respect to maybe two or three others (but one in particular)) The album's opener is also my single favourite that it has to offer. Arkaingelle has a song called 'Manifess Joy' which is one of the top fifty or so best songs that I have EVER heard, so it's no surprise that he takes top honours here for me, as 'Yaddin by the Rivers' is simply flooring.
"It is time now for repatriation
Gather yourself, yow, let's get it together
We've got to organize, and centralize and mobilize
We haffi dispell all their falicies and all their lies
Do you know The King Of Kings was crowned, Haile Selassie I?
Rastafari, Head Creator over I & I
Lord Of Lords, Conquering Lion Of Judah
Prince Of Peace, I wonderful Counsellor
Yes, He's the Alpha & Omega and with Menen, there's no other
The King & Queen, dem hold the ancient order
Mek I an ah yad a Mama land, lef outta babylon
No matta where you come from, Africa Fi Africans"
The Arkaingelle gives a MASSIVE grounded praise to The Almighty with this shot and it, instantly, became a favourite of mine (would have to think, but it COULD be the second finest tune that I've heard from him thus far) and were it at all possible, suddenly I was even more intrigued by "Heart Of One". Also want to give a quick credit to the music here: The impeccable aforementioned Tuff Lion is credited as being amongst the musicians on this album and I don't know if he plays on 'Yaddin by the Rivers', but I would not be surprise if it does feature his handiwork. This sound, as EASY as it is, is GORIOUS and I would well recommend that you pay a closer attention to the riddim as it develops because it does move ever so slightly and becomes even stronger to my opinion. Next up (spent all that time talking about one tune, time to get moving!) is someone whose name I have come across but, clearly, don't know as much about as I should because Dre Z Melodi DELIGHTS on his effort, 'Faith'. Just last year, Melodi dropped an album which I heard a bit of by the name of "Victory". Such release was damn difficult as it featured, amongst others, Akae Beka (twice) (and the first of the pair, 'Loving Jah' was fantastic), Fred Locks and Perfect Giddimani. It may be time to give "Victory" a closer listen because 'Faith' is damn impressive. DZM has somewhat of an unusual delivery. To my ears... he's almost sounds a bit like Ras Army but no matter a point of comparison you may want to come up with, check the golden 'Faith', another praiser but one which definitely finds its home with a VIBE. Listening to this song makes me feel good! Also, again, note the lovely musical conclusion here as well. Veteran Haile Maskel comes through for Trinity Farm Music with 'Wadada Today', which I'm going to allow my wonderful Wife to review:
"This song sounds like a cool old man singing a song"
There you go! From my point of view.... 'Wadada Today' is so DAMN BASIC but I don't mean that in a derogatory way. There is something compelling about it (beyond the great music, which I'm going to stop mentioning so much because it's the case on pretty much every song on this album, so I can save it for closing), especially in its latter stages as Maskel puts forth a very solid unification tune. Underrated and overlooked Belize born, Jah Myhrakle, has a new album out of his own by the name of "Worthy 2 B" (about six weeks old at the time of writing this), which is pretty good and I should probably review it at some point in the future. Until then, however, check his contribution to "Heart Of One", 'Take Frontline'. This GORGEOUS selection deals with ideas such as loyalty and the importance of surrounding yourself with positivity and positive, forward thinking people. EASILY one of the strongest pieces on "Heart Of One", Jah Myhrakle SHINES and does so in a very entertaining and melodic way as well. Hikari Zion, unfortunately, offers up the sole and solitary misstep on the whole of "Heart Of One". Try as I might, I could not get into his 'Luv Yu' at all. Both the pacing and what is are rather unusual and neither worked for me, ultimately (I, seriously, have no clue what is going on with that song). Righting the ship, the final two names from the opening third of the album came as total shocks and really helped to up my curiosity here. The first is Ickarus. Former (and maybe still) member of the famed Star Lion Family (which also produced both Pressure Busspipe & NiyoRah) from out of St. Thomas, Ickarus may not have had the road that some of his peers have enjoyed but OBVIOUSLY that isn't a matter of talent as he displays throughout his 'Everything Irie'.
"You've gotta nice smile, now put it on display
Do it real fast, arriba, andale
Wi no inna negative, wi no waan today
Tell dem mi serious and now mi no come to play
Put di knife down, youth, put di gun away
And hold a Bluetooth speaker from today
UPLOAD SOME AKAE BEKA POSITIVE SONG TO PLAY
And watch di moon enlight di night and sun bright di day
When you walk with a positive, it's like a spiritual armor
Some people say bad deeds does return
Some people a just does ah call it a karma"
As you would expect, a song by the name of 'Everything Irie' goes in every possible direction and I'm thinking it was just something that he Ickarus vibed for that riddim. Regardless of its origins, however, it is a big winner for the album. Whether you realize it or not, THE most identifiable name on the whole of "Heart Of One" is that of Ras Elijah Tafari. Best known for his visual artwork in album covers -- such as this one, this one, that one over there, this one and that one too and even THIS ONE HERE -- (I HAVE NOTHING IN MIND WHILE I AM WRITING THAT. I'm going to go through and fill them in later. That shows you how prolific he's been and continues to be) but here, he turns his talents to actually inside the recording studio (as far as I can tell, he's been doing it for a decade or so at this point) and offers a pair of tunes for "Heart Of One"... along with the cover, of course. The first of them, 'Same Family' MIGHT be my favourite of the two but it's very, very close. Tafari's style is fairly straight forward chanting, for the most part, though he will press it and back off from time to time and he has a pretty good command of melody as well. That is well apparent here, 'Same Family' is pleasing to listen to and it makes sense. The same could be said when Tafari returns for 'Hot Hot Hot', later on. For its part, this song has more of a HEAVY vibes to it (there's something really cool about 'Hot Hot Hot'... despite its title) as the artiste turns up the heat on those in serious need of cleansing. I give a massive credit to Ras Elijah Tafari, in general. He's one of those people who'll likely not get his full credit for it but the man has made a MASSIVE contribution to this generation of Reggae music, again, whether you know it or not.
The next third of "Heart Of One" keeps the wonderful surprises coming in the form of who's on board and the quality of their output is also high. We also get a couple of names back from the first batch with their second songs on the album: Jah Myhrakle & Dre Z Melodi. Myhrakle's song, the very catchy 'By His Words' sits comfortably amongst the album's finest in my opinion, combining exactly what you're thinking of for a theme with a very clever method. DZM, on the other hand, takes a somewhat unique route on 'Keep My Health'. Although this one doesn't quite reach the heights of 'Faith' and (it's going to take a few spins to grow on you) it's fairly skeletal at times, 'Keep My Health' wins by virtue of a uniqueness and a VIBE. Staying away from it for now - musically, something very interesting happens on the tune and, again, if you have a little patience, 'Keep My Health' will glow for you. We also get a pair of CANNONS courtesy of two unexpected names for "Heart Of One" as both 'Rastafari Guide the Way' and 'Moralist' are EXCELLENT. The very simple former is by an Isayah, who I'm not entirely sure that I've come across at any point ahead of this album but it the big praising piece comes as a very welcomed introduction and, as usual, I'll immediately head off and find out what else Isayah has been up to (he'll come back and show us what he's been working on, later). The ULTRA impressive Kali Wale is the man behind 'Moralist' and though I thought I'd also have to do some background work for him, a name change actually saved me some time. Wale has a very nice singing voice (it's very LOUD and clear) and he's an even better writer.... somewhat reminiscent of an artist by the name of YahKali, with whom I am familiar, largely due to a review I wrote over a dozen years ago for an album by the name of "Powerlink" by the Amandla collective. I was impressed with YahKali's abilities back then and he and Kali Wale just so happen to be one of the same and, nothing has changed: 'Moralist' is downright MASSIVE and I could really go for a full album of this.
"System of the serial
Some win, some losers
Use language just to confuse us
Ripped from nature so dem can abuse us
Entertainment just to amuse us
And nation rise unlike no other
Giving honours to the child and the mother
Protect the innocent and respect each other
Equal rights, justice forever
System backward: Sit down - get reward
Identify the I as civally morbid
Reject your place of birth, inheritance forfeit
Another generation sorted
And nation rise, not bound to no colour
Just to pedigree, tradition and to culture
DECLARE your allegiance and start to unocover the true source of all your power
Moral, say we loyal and we noble
Royal cause we cup full, yet we joyful
Healthful, sipping sorrell, smelling floral
Inna the spiral, message viral, with we hearts full
Moral, say we loyal and we noble
Royal cause we cup full, yet we joyful
Healthful, sipping sorrell, smelling floral
Inna the spiral, message viral, with we hearts full"
Original Nine Fingers, Xkaliba, WONDERFULLY also makes an appearance here with a big piece of intelligence in 'Want More'. Though not to the same degree as the aforementioned (and soon to be mentioned again) Ickarus, we'd definitely like to hear more from Xkaliba. His style is SUPER SIMPLE. It is very basic and straight-forward but it works for him, far MORE often than not. I do enjoy 'Want More' (don't love the spelling but everything else is just fine) as the Cruzan chanter touches on the thin line between thriving and seeking the best for yourself ["Get good loving. You still want more"] versus just being DAMN GREEDY. The musically motivating 'You Can Be' comes from someone who I almost certainly have not mentioned for at least a decade, King Hopeton. Several hundreds of years ago, Hopeton released a FINE album by the name of "King Of Kings". It was a thundering introduction to the singer and although he didn't really follow up on it (he did, but none of Hopeton's subsequent work has been on the level of his debut, in my opinion), it made a fan out of me and I've at least made an attempt to keep an ear out for what King Hopeton's been up to. 'You Can Be' is another one which required some time to grow on me but it has greatly from the first time I heard it. King Hopeton also has a new collection out, "Time", which will probably be just about a week old by the time you read this. About a year ago, veteran Rob Symeonn pushed "Manners & Depression", an album, for Trinity Farm Music. He's also had other work on the label, including since the album, so it should come to no surprise - his presence on "Heart Of One", with 'Depression' (...probably would have been a surprise if he weren't on board). This song is what you're thinking it is as Symeonn warns all about the various stresses of everyday life and how to not get caught up in so many things piling up on you at once and losing your happiness. The topic is, obviously, quite crucial to him lately as the artist also pushed the similarly concentrated 'Sunshine', another single for TFM, earlier this year. 'Depression' is even stronger and a major attraction for "Heart Of One".... more on that later.
Another kinda/sorta familiar name shines during the final chunk of "Heart Of One" as both of the songs that Noble Culture contributes are found here. About twenty years ago, a Black Culture launched the Bambu Station produced well-received "Lion's Den Adversity" and, like Kali Wale, he, too, has undergone a name change and is now Noble Culture. Between his 'Refugee' & 'Not in The Mood', it is former which REALLY stands out as BC puts forth a very nice and specific social commentary about how people can feel like outsiders in their very own homes. Apart from the sake of comparison, 'Refugee' is just really strong as well. Though it doesn't quite hit those levels, 'Not in The Mood' also goes well, especially lyrically. The shortest selection here by more than twenty seconds, you do wish it were lenthier but 'Not in The Mood' does manage to make an impact in its short time. It's also very simple and nice to the ears. Our old friend, Messenjah Selah also makes an appearance with this fun time, 'Natural'. In the early days of this blog, we did a kind of running project with one of Selah's albums, "Breaking Babylon Curse", so he's had a special place on my players even since. 'Natural' is EASILY the best song that I've heard from Selah in some time and it features him dealing with how he's come to be who he is, musically, a 'sufferer' of intense, infectious Reggaemylitis.
"It's written in my blood
REGGAE YOU DO ME LIKE NOBODY DOES, NOBODY DOES"
It does all of us like that, Messenjah Selah. Take Haile Maskel, for example. He loves it so much that he comes back again to the album with 'Negust is Ruler', which is even stronger than his first effort here, 'Wadada'. I'm going to tell that though I don't feel the song needs any time to grow on you, it does take a bit to develop and, as the only over five minute piece here, 'Negust is Ruler' gets all the time it requires on that front. When it does get where it's going, it is a creepingly LOVELY praise which fits its creator (and THE Creator) perfectly as a vibe which is the best way I feel it is enjoyed. Ickarus also makes a return before ending things here with his second go on "Heart Of One" with the familiar 'To Africa'. This song actually taps the same riddim as 'Who Will Go For Us', the initial single from what turned out to be our favourite album of 2024, "Living Testament" by Akae Beka. Here, we find the chanter outlining some personal goals as he plans to visit the continent before the end of his days. This one is FUN and you can really here the passion coming through Ickarus and HOPEFULLY he makes it home! Lastly, check the ABSOLUTELY MAMMOTH 'StrucJah' from Isayah who returns to the project gloriously. Isayah beats us all down to the cellular level (the man literally talks about things like DNA and photosynthesis) (somewhere, Vaughn Benjamin approves) and you get to a place where, in its later stages, Isayah is SOARING all over 'StrucJah'.
"HIS Haile temple is the willingness of royalty
JAH GIVE US EVERYTHING WE NEED IN RIGHTEOUS ENERGY
The DNA, double helix, highest complexity
YOUR BODY IS A NATURAL ORGANISM, KEEP IT CLEAN"
DAMN! If you were, at all, unfamiliar with and unaware of Isayah's level of skill prior to "Heart Of One", you, like me, have just been placed on notice as he gives a giant word to honour the power of The Orchestrator.
I've alluded to it (and flat out said it) a few times throughout this review, so I'll make this brief: The music all over "Heart Of One" is kinda SPECTACULAR. It's really, really strong. In particular, I'd point you in the direction of Haile Maskel's 'Negust is Ruler'. The guitar (which may or may not be played by Tuff Lion) on that thing is GORGEOUS and it truly levels up near its conclusion. Big credit goes to Trinity Farm for making an album which sounds like this because, even if you aren't as fond of the actual songs as I am, anyone even remotely a fan of Reggae music will thoroughly be impressed by what they hear by the players of instruments here.
Overall, while I definitely set some mighty shoes for it to fill and a big path for it to follow, "Heart Of One" does just fine with it. It is excellent and it is such in a way that is very understated, for the most part. I don't think ANY vocalist on this album is going to leap out at a more casual fan. Again, THE most recognizable name here would be that of Ras Tafari Elijah and that's because of his visual art. Musically??? PROBABLY who stands out the most is Arkaingelle (Rob Symeonn and Messenjah Selah would also be in that conversation) but, as a collective, for someone like myself (and probably Yourself) this lineup is delicious and rarely is there a wrong direction taken. So, perhaps if you haven't been paying attention to the fine work Trinity Farm Music (and Go A Chant Productions) has been pushing over the past few years, "Heart Of One" represents a brilliant point to become acquainted, especially for more constant fans of the genre. One of the finest Reggae compilations of 2025 - and it ain't even close!
On foot. I guess, in some way, the case could be made that I am sitting writing and you are sitting
there reading, sorta/kinda because of Bob Marley? I would like to think that the word would have gotten out at some other point but... it didn't and a giant portion of the credit for opening the door to the general popularity of the music is still given to Bob and deservedly so. That will likely always be the case and that's just fine. We would not be as RICH as we are without the work he did. Furthermore (and far more interesting than You (and most certainly) I) who knows who we would be listening to if Marley did not kick that door open and who knows how it would sound. If making this music wasn't something that could support someone to a certain level, despite the fact that I know that we have an extremely dedicated flock of vocalists and musicians, surely at least some of them would have found something else to do in order to pay the bills, at least hampering their musical activity, if nothing else. Fortunately, however, we aren't in that situation and the one with which we are faced is entirely more pleasant as, since the door was ajar (always did like that word) a (hopefully) never ending line of others have come through. Not only that but, of course, the vibes have traveled and we've seen similar 'micro' circumstances come through as well. For example.... I don't know... let's take a quick look at the Virgin Islands, for example. When I first started listening to Reggae from out of the VI, there were two very dominant entities which garnered the lion's share of the attention, initially. At least from the outside looking in, there were the Brothers Benjamin and Midnite and then there was Jalani Horton and Bambu Station. That's who GOT US.... they had help keeping us (and they're still getting "help"). Soon, there was also Dezarie (who, arguably, belongs in that first group), Pressure Busspipe, who probably served a similar role for people younger than me and then an extremely strong line of talents such as Ras Batch & Ras Attitude, Ras Army, Danny I, NiyoRah, Raffijah, Ickarus and the rest of the Star Lion Family (I may've named them all by now). There was Ikahba, Iba, I Grade Records, a guy named Willow (biggup Ancient King) Sabbattical Ahdah, Sistah Joyce and, later, the brilliant Reemah. There was just a devastating level of talent which, for the more attentive of listeners, had already produced so much powerful material available by the time we became aware that we'd become longtime fans of many of theirs as well, almost immediately (that was out of the ones I just named, definitely that applies to Batch, Attitude, NiyoRah, Danny I, Ancient King.... I should stop). And should you doubt the impact of these artists, feel free to check the tags on this same page (this is the third review I've written for a VI artist in 2025, alone). We LOVE them and for good reason.
2013
Another name that came to prominence as part of that Virgin Islands lot was someone else who we've talked about a bit over the years, Ras Abja. Chances may be pretty good that if you are familiar with the works of Abja that you came on board via one of his most well known releases (courtesy of the aforementioned I Grade Records), "Inna Red I Hour" & "Mahogany Road" from 2003 & 2006, respectively. I go back now and do background on Abja for this review and I notice just how delightfully received those two albums were. You'll find quite a bit of material online in regards to both at the time of their release which shows just how rooted the structure already was at that point, twenty years ago now (the same goes for Army and Batch as well) (Batch almost had this... almost mystical type of interest around him at the time, if I recall correctly. A combination of the word of mouth of the quality of his first two albums and the great difficulty that it took to find either one). Since then, the St. Croix native has had his hands in a few different projects, including at least a couple of albums, an EP and a relatively steady stream of singles for varrying maestros. We last dealt with his work way back in 2013 on his "Songs Fa Jah" album from Higher Bound Productions but, as of late, Abja has definitely been re-demanding a closer look and listen.
A large chunk of the credit owed for that is to be thrown in the direction of the suddenly flaming Trinity Farm Music (in association with Go A Chant Productions, of course). I'll spare you their credentials (because I'm probably writing another review for one of their other recent releases and I'll save it for that since it's a compilation), but if you've hung around here much recently (you poor, POOR thing) then you've surely seen us cover some of their work and may've also seen me allude to material Abja and TFM have done together as well. While that does include singles (some of which we're going to be discussing shortly), at the center was an actual album released earlier this year, "Journey Of Gratitude". Not too long ago, I wrote a review for another of Trinity Farm's releases, "Oath Of Akae" from the aforementioned Ancient King and it forced me (not really) (not at all) to take a closer look and listen to "Journey Of Gratitude" which was seemingly born out of a similarly curious set of circumstances. Like Ancient King, Abja had done a number of singles for Trinity Farm prior to the album's release and.... some of them would feature on the album and some would not. Even more interesting, perhaps, is that since "Journey Of Gratitude" landed he's done MORE work with the label as well. For me, that says that artist and label enjoyed one another's company and felt that their was a great deal of musical chemistry as well and, while I can't speak to the former, in listening to the output, I would firmly agree with the latter. Like Ancient King and many of the others I've named, Ras Abja makes a very straight forward brand of Roots Reggae in the musical sense. If you're looking for 'crossover' or something more 'accessible', you will do much better for yourself turning your head in virtually ANY other direction besides his. On top of that, his style, specifically, is one which is for more seasoned fans of the genre. Abja is a chanter - pure and simple. That's what he is and I would say he falls somewhere between the Ancient King and Vaughn Benjamin. You'll rarely hear the consistent level of aggression from Akae Beka that you will get from Abja but Abja also doesn't spend a great deal of time hanging out on that kind of torrid level where AK dwells. He's a little more reserved and his style works well for him as is apparent throughout "Journey Of Gratitude" which, coincidentally -- and like "Oath Of Akae" -- is also produced by Vaughn Benjamin.
If you go back to the "Songs Fa Jah" set, it kind runs congruently with this one as far as how it seems to have come to fruition. "Songs Fa Jah" came via one Higher Bound Productions and, during that very same year, the label would go on to release full albums from Akae Beka ["Free Indeed"], Ancient King ["Ethiopie"] and Army ["Dreadlocks Time"] ("Dreadlocks Time" was probably the best of the lot but, unsurprisingly, it's "Free Indeed" that stands out as the most popular) (album had 'Hemp Scroll' on it). So, as is the case for Trinity Farm, that album arose from the works of a delightfully active imprint delivery a new Abja album. Let's do this one in reverse: Trinity Farm Music's edition of an Abja album, "Journey Of Gratitude", actually ends with the tune for which it is named. Before we even get into the actual song, let's deal with the obvious: 'Journey of Gratitude' is just a great name! Left to my own thoughts to sort it out and I go to the direct thought of someone actually having to WORK and to DEVELOP to the point where they know how to be appreciative for what they have in life, which is all kinds of fascinating. Abja's take is a bit more broad, however (at least somewhat), as he presents "gratitude" and the display of gratitude as several different things. Abja's gratitude is humility (should be everyone's), HARD WORK, upful behaviour, intelligence and a few other things as well, beneath the umbrella of giving thanks to His Majesty. This is set atop an ultra simple and minimal riddim that I do not LOVE but does grow on you as you spin through it more and more. Abja also touches on the subject earlier on with 'Attitude of Gratitude'. In comparison to the title track, the riddim supporting this one is also very basic but this thing is BEAUTIFUL! 'Attitude of Gratitude', in general, is the stronger of the two as Abja delves deeper into the idea of gratitude, this time with an even more spiritually inclined reasoning and a song which is stronger, lyrically, than the already quite impressive 'Journey of Gratitude'. IN A SEMI-UNRELATED TWIST, Abja & TFM released a single back in January of this year by the name of 'Grateful For Life' which, oddly (as hell), does not appear on "Journey Of Gratitude" at all. It is an excellent song and you would have thought one that would have fit perfectly here (it would have) but, for some reason, it is missing. I kind of appreciate that on some level because it makes things seem like there was more of a plan that they refused to detour from and that everything you hear on the album was meant for it.... just thought you'd like to know. And because this paragraph isn't quite big enough, also check the other two efforts hanging out around the closer (told you we were going to reverse it today), 'Rasta Have Faith' & 'Brave For Life'. 'Rasta Have Faith' isn't at all what I was expecting in terms of vibe. It isn't this kind of laidback chant. It has some bite to it. The song is a plead to the masses to show some perseverance when times get hard and to keep faith in The Almighty. It does take a decidedly more social/tangible route at times and I was very impressed by 'Rasta Have Faith', in full. As for 'Brave For Life', this thing is in the stars somewhere. 'Brave For Life' was an unexpected praising tune and I don't think I've ever heard a song so categorically focused on thanking HIM for BRAVERY, such as this one. Abja, essentially, thanks His Majesty for the strength to get out of bed every morning and go about his daily works, in good times and bad ["Life bring such blinding things. Help me a sight. Help me see alright, that outta darkness comes a light"]. You won't get a tune leaping out at you with originality but, TRUST ME, it's in there and well worth the 'journey' to discover it.
This song is not on this album
While you won't find previous single 'Grateful For Life' on board, "Journey Of Gratitude" does get going with a pair of songs that you may've been familiar with prior to its release date. 'Behold The King', for once, is EXACTLY what you're supposing it is.
"Jah Hail The King
Behold HIM in His glory
As I trodding out Addis Aba' to cross to Awash, to hail Jah Rastafari, The King
Give us solace, oh Jah, in our time of suffering
Hear I when I wail and cry
Keep wi in Your bossom of splendour, oh Jah
Hail King Selassie I
I will praise His name in every song that I sing
Magnify His magnificent glory
Can hear the angels from afar, singing songs of The Emperor
Hail Jah Rastafari, THE KING
Long live The King
Behold HIM in his His glory"
Despite the fact that there is nothing really flashy or exceptional about 'Behold The King' on the surface, I am HOOKED on this tune and it's probably my second favourite on the album altogether (yes, there is one CLEARLY better). When you really tune it in, 'Behold The King' is downright flooring. 'By The Way' is something else in its own territory, playing by its own rules. Coming off as an almost... Gil Scott-Heron-esque Spoken Word piece, at times, 'By The Way' is a very powerful social commentary (I'm going to also call it a 'personal commentary') telling us not to focus too heavily on the ills of society as "Jah will find a way". The 'hole' on this one, however, goes very deep as it takes several MASTERFUL lyrical twists and turns, in its time making for, again, one of the legitimate highlights found here.
With alllll of that being said, the highest ranking tune on "Journey Of Gratitude" is 'Chanting'. Blessed with another riddim saturated in a beautiful simplicity (more on that in a second), 'Chanting' is HEAVY and Abja takes the moment to its fullest through both straightforward and more complicated routes. On one hand is that beautiful basicness:
"Chanting is healing"
While on the other, Abja, once again, goes Spoken Word
"Black is a divine cosmic principle of the universe
Since the very beginning, Blackness is fundamental, universal energy
DARK MATTER
Blackness, not darkness, is a receptor fi all colours and wavelengths in dimension of energy"
I mean... you drop something like THAT right in the middle of a tune and just keep on going. 'Chanting' is FIRE. It is literal FLAMES! Also should be mentioned that, at just south of five minutes in length, the tune is easily the longest on "Journey Of Gratitude" with the final minute or so going total instrumental as a STUNNING nice touch. As I said, though the riddim is very simple, when you hear it sans vocals, you begin to fully appreciate every little twist and turn in its sound and it also gives it more of a PRESENCE in my opinion as I can see Abja performing 'Chanting' in my head and when the riddim plays, he backs off and does exactly what I'm doing while hearing it: ENJOYING. I hesitate to call the riddim backing 'Majesty' "cute" or "adorable", but that's kind of what it is. It's just a delightful bounce and something tells me Abja would have agreed with me because 'Majesty' ends up going in so many different directions that it comes off as such a total vibe. It seems like he was just so pleased with the composition and he came up with something organically and spontaneously from the top of his head and what resulted was 'Majesty' and that's just fine! Lastly, Abja casts LOVE as far as he possibly can -- worldwide, dimension-wide -- with the DEEP 'Matuneta Luv Song'. This track is kind of Bluesy to my ears and it also comes off as slightly less planned out and orchestrated and more of an organic creation. Speaking of things organic: 'Matuneta Luv Song' is a celebration of life, of LOVE and of just a general level of positivity and it is a very solid addition to the album, particularly on the sonic side.
Overall, although checking in at just nine tracks spread out over about thirty-seven minutes, "Journey Of Gratitude" is a fairly HEALTHY set. I don't listen to it and, as I often do, come away wishing there was more (well.... I do, but only because I want more of it and not because it feels incomplete which is what I mean here). It is exceptionally well done and a solid case could, perhaps, be made that it represents some of Abja's best work to date. On top of that, for those of us who're likely to appreciate such work (more hardened fans of the genre), you will LOVE much of the subtle music on display throughout "Journey Of Gratitude". I found myself often talking about how simple it was.... while nodding my head along with what I was hearing at the time. Trinity Farm Music continues their tear with an artist, in Abja, who, though maybe you originally learned of his name through searching the work of another, has shown himself to be an extremely talented artist. Want an example? Take a listen to "Journey Of Gratitude".
Okay so, when we last spoke to [about] the wonderfully prolific people at Trinity Farm Music, they were dealing with yet another release from the equally active Ancient King, following the [other] new album release from the determined chanter (biggup Determine), "Oath Of Akae". Next week, by the time you read this, the label is back with a BIG new compilation with a very interesting roster of vocalists that definitely caught my attention, "Heart Of One".
Who's here, exactly??? Well, there's Rob Symeonn, there's the Arkaingelle, Noble Culture, our old friend Messenjah Selah, RAS ELIJAH TAFARI [!], KING HOPETON, Jah Myhrakle, "Original Nine Fingers" Xkaliba, Star Lion Family veteran, Ickarus, and others! I mean.... that is BRUTAL and I mean that in a great way. TFM has been flaming as of late (and it continues. I'm writing this one Saturday, the 19th and, yesterday, they released 'Africa', a new tune from Abja) and a really big compilation like 'Heart Of One" presumably stacks up to be, is a damn strong addition to their catalogue in my opinion. The label... there's something about them that... I don't know.... There's something really strong about this lot. It almost comes off like their RAN by music fans - if that makes any sense at all. Trinity Farm is making moves and working with individuals that I would work with! 'Let's make an Ancient King album!', 'let's do something with.... Danny I'.
And if you think they're just kind of making cheap stuff and throwing it all against the wall to see what (if anything) sticks, I would point you in the direction of an album they did about a year and a half ago by the name of "Living Testament", by Akae Beka, which was subsequently named Album of The Year 2024 by this blog. They make REALLY good stuff as well. It isn't quantity over quality.
You can check both quantity (twenty-one tracks in all) and, likely, quality in just a few days on the 23rd of July when Trinity Farm Music returns with "Heart Of One". I will be there and so will you.... it isn't like you have anything better to do.
Okay so, something a bit peculiar occurred to me a week or two ago while I was looking through upcoming releases.... actually that's wrong: What it did was to reinforce something that I'd noticed previously as being some rather strange behaviour.
A month ago (almost exactly to the day), we told you about "Oath Of Akae", the big new album from VI veteran chanter, Ancient King. That album came through Trinity Farm Music & Go A Chant Productions, who work together frequently (and may actually be the same group, who knows). Here's the most interesting part. If you've followed Ancient King's releases over the past couple of years or so, you may've noticed that he's released a couple of singles for GAC, exclusively, NONE OF WHICH appeared on "Oath Of Akae". Going back to 2023, there was a solid combination with Abja, 'Frankincense'.
Not only did 'Frankincense' miss "Oath Of Akae", but it also did not feature on "Journey Of Gratitude", Abja's own album on TFM/GAC, earlier this year. A week prior to that album releasing, there was another Ancient King single for Go A Chant, the CONSIDERABLE 'Word Sound and Consequence' (this song is excellent).
"Meditate not upon di ugly-
Of how ugly people is
If you I-ditate on the ugly, then you draw the energy to yourself
And becoming ugly, like the spirit you have in your head"
Also in there (even a bit more perplexing), was 'Be Soulfull', which was a fully Trinity Farm Music & Go A Chant Productions. Ancient King will never be confused for being the most melodically gifted of artists, but 'Be Soulfull' did a good job in showcasing that he does have more immediately pleasing skills while not drifting away from his typical approach at all.
And all of this happened while they still, steadily, presented songs that would appear on "Oath Of Akae". Tunes such as 'Hites', 'Tender Obedience' and the album-topping 'The Earth is Egziabheer' all reached between November and February. And the work is, CLEARLY, not done. Today (literally today, while I'm writing this), Ancient King and Go A Chant have delivered yet another single, 'Egziabheer Feed Us All'.
"Hey, it's a connection
So don't turn your back on the natural food from the land
Remember, dutty food, processed GMO-
Fling dat inna garbage pan"
Hitting on a topic that he also touches on during the brilliant 'Convenient Store Tree' which does appear on "Oath Of Akae", Ancient King takes a heavy look at physical health and nutrition and while you certainly do come across similarly themed tunes from others, I don't know if anyone is currently hitting the topic this hard and definitely not with the passion and detail that Ancient King is. 'Egziabheer Feed Us All' might even be slightly stronger than 'Convenient Store Tree'; I am THOROUGHLY enjoying this tune.
With a release schedule like this, it might make you think that another Ancient King/Trinity Farm/Go A Chant release is in there somewhere, but it may not be. If that is the case, so be it. So far, just about everything that they've worked on together has been BIG and whether they're building towards another project or just keeping current, I will be listening. Just thought I'd let you know. I'm going back to bed.
Specifics. Given the nature of the type of music that we cover more times than not around these parts -- Roots Reggae -- you'd like to think that most of the makers of this wonderful sound would, in some way, be involved with its production outside of doing it as a profession. Of course, it is important that they be paid and supported for their works because EVERYTHING costs money and we want them to continue to give us more and more (and they have to make a living, after all) but you get the feeling, in dealing with a few of these people that... even if it cost them DAMN NEAR ALL OF THEIR MONEY to do, they'd still be making music for us. They just couldn't help themselves. There is a crowned king of such dedicated lot whose name I mention constantly and will get not very far at all in this review before I mention it again and I think that this man created a kingdom which will reverberate throughout Reggae music (and maybe even beyond) for a VERY long time. Though the type of music he made isn't at all intended for children (trust me, I know. However, should you meet a child that has a genuine ear for what he did, that kid may be special), I think we'll soon end up listening to musicians who were raised in households with parents who played his music non-stop. Apart from that coming class, we also have a handful of his peers who fit into a very similar category and one of my absolute favourites, both in terms of this hyper-devoted group as well as just writing about, in general (his music is a very welcomed challenge for me) is definitely Ancient King. I put the chanter (and I mean CHANTER. The man CHANTS!) into a very small group of artists from out of his native St. Croix who demonstrate a level of passion in their music that suggests that they'd go through all hell if they had to in order to spread their message. Another name who would fit in there perfectly would be Jah Rubal. I don't know how old Jah Rubal is, but if he is around in his 80's, I FULLY expect him to still be active in someway, making music. He's someone that will almost surely get much of the star shining in his direction but seems fine with that, so long as those who have ears for what he creates are able to receive it (and I really should review a Jah Rubal album one of these days). In terms of their styles, you could definitely find several similarities between Rubal and Ancient King (and I'm now wondering if they've ever actually done a song together) and they also have something else in common besides that and their origins.
Over the past few years or so, Trinity Farm Music (most [if not all] times with Go A Chant Productions, including this time) has been in a MIGHTY form. Releasing works from such names as Ras Abja, Ras Army, DANNY I (WHAT!), Rob Symeonn, Biblical, Bobo David and others, TFM has become a very familiar and frequent stop for us lately. In 2024, the label leveled up in delivering "Living Testament". Billed as the final album recorded by the legendary Akae Beka (and just in case you're COMPLETELY new and did not figure it out, Akae Beka is who I've been alluding to from the beginning of this review without actually naming him), the set would take out top honours as the finest Reggae album of the entire year, altogether; later, they launched a FINE dubbed out version of it as well. Coincidentally (for my sake) (and you'll now see how this ridiculous tangent I just went on wraps up), just a couple of months after "Living Testament" reached, Trinity Farm would also bring "Long Live The King", a full studio set from none other than the also aforementioned Jah Rubal... and I guess I should have guessed what was coming up next.
2022
Late in 2024 (the second day of November, to be exact), Trinity Farm would begin with a stream of singles via Ancient King and would continue to do so through the first quarter or so of 2025 (there's a song called 'Word Sound and Consequence Power' which is (excellent) not on what I'm going to tell you about today and it's only credited to Go A Chant... just thought you should know) in CLEAR anticipation of a forthcoming full project which is now WONDERFULLY available, the most curiously titled "Oath Of Akae". Most recently, Ancient King would work alongside Ras Elyment Records for 2022's (...does not seem like it was that long ago, AT ALL. If you told me that album came out early last year or late 2023, it would have been more believable) "Seh Selassie I" and while I wasn't surprised at all, given their history, that he would catch the attention of Trinity Farm, I was damn happy to see this album pop up and even more pleased with who was working on it. The aforementioned "Seh Selassie I" came through Ras Elyment Records and the Ancient King has also worked on albums with the likes of Adios Babylon (great name), Higher Bound Productions, Full Grown Records and, of course, I Grade Records on his well received debut, the now twenty years old "Conquering Sound". Of course, one could well make the case that, like Jah Rubal and Vaughn Benjamin, Ancient King is less dependent upon the work of production (at least as far as riddims go) due to his style to somewhat overwhelm or just talk over the track (Benjamin would not do such a thing, he just had the tendency to entirely ignore the riddim at times) (although he did improve upon that later in his career, becoming more melodically aware in my opinion), which is another trait that probably doesn't endure him to many fans, but I have to admit that it is another thing about him/them that I've come to enjoy to a degree. I've made the point in the past about Ancient King, in particular, being the type of artist whose music is going to have a very limited appeal. Fans of all levels of experience of Roots Reggae music are not automatically going to gravitate towards his sound. He'll never have be 'accused' of making the most entertaining brand of the music. HOWEVER, should you fall into the category, like me, as someone who LOVES lyrics and appreciates passion in the extreme sense of the word - Ancient King makes music for you. As a matter of fact, he's made a new album and, if you aren't doing anything, I'd LOVE to tell you all about it.
Let's talk about that title! If this review/album is not your introduction to him, then perhaps the first time that you became aware of Ancient King and his music came via his now twenty year old debut, "Conquering Sound". That set featured a tune by the name of 'Faith, Courage and A Just Cause' which featured the aforementioned Vaughn Benjamin. If you had heard AK's music prior to "Conquering Sound", maybe you heard one of his three contributions to the "Weep Not" compilation (both "Conquering Sound" & "Weep Not" were on I Grade Records, if you're interested), when he recorded under the name Willow. That same release featured several tunes from Benjamin under his own former band name, Midnite (the finest of which was probably the WICKED opener, 'Jah Umbrella', with 'Chant A Psalm' chasing it closely). Chances are decent that Benjamin and the Ancient King were AT LEAST on good terms and I, like many others, I'm sure, presumed the title to be some type of tribute to Vaughn Benjamin, who would later take on the name, Akae Beka. I still believe that to be the case, HOWEVER, subsequent research has revealed that the producer of "Oath Of Akae" is actually credited as Akae Beka, so the ties between the two CLEARLY run deep. The biblical 'Oath Of Akae' gets us started on the album named for it and the very first voice that you hear on the album just might be that of Benjamin's, reading from The Book of Enoch. The heart of "Oath Of Akae" is clear and you can head right to scripture and 'sing' along at certain points but I cannot help (because I'm an overthinker and that's just what I do) but begin to apply certain aspects of THE SONG to Benjamin as well. Regardless of how you take it in full, the title track is a solid start and entirely emblematic of what I mean about AK's style. It has a nice riddim, but he isn't too concerned with it. He's come to make his point in his chant and that is precisely what he does. The attraction for me is there: There's a passion which almost gives it a kind of a Spoken Word type of appeal. Had this one been completely sans music altogether, it would not lose any bit of its quality in my opinion. Next in is a song which helps to kick the album into a higher gear, the heavy 'Kiddus Kiddus Kiddus'. While you'll definitely get a similar vibes as the opener, here, we get a bit more of a sonic appeal as well and it is a stronger and more accurate demonstration of Ancient King's talent. That being said, however, "Oath Of Akae" reaches its highest of heights courtesy of 'The Earth is Egziabheer'.
"Seh only Selassie I love can break di barrier weh dem set up
It in Selassie I speech: The living spring it a precept
Ordinance, ethics, principle that man must his will be obedient to
MEANING YOU WILL BE OBEDIENT TO GOOD INFLUENCE
Get off yuh false pretense!
So Jah power can flow through you freely-
Like the river that move through the rock without stagnation and hesitation
The teachings deh deh inna nature, right before your eyes!
So high!
Rastaman still ah chant again
Hey, the earth is the Lord!
And the fullness that dwell therein
NOTHING NO HARD FI RECOGNIZE, PEOPLE
Tear off the veil off your eyes
Jah teach I everything, King Selassie I
His moon show HIM face in the night
Written long ago, by Enoch the immortal, it was prophesized
It's happening, whether or not you deny
Impeccable is Haile Selassie
I vow The King of Kings, which I cannot fathom
So I tread
THE HANDWRITING OF THE KING OF KINGS IS IN EVERYONE HEAD
Reticular Activating System
THE DOCTOR CALL IT RAS!"
WHAT??! BOOM! Along with being a lyrical powerhouse, 'The Earth is Egziabheer' is also solid sonically. It takes a bit of patience and some digging, but there is one NICE sounding track buried within. I spent a ton of time with this one and it's become one of my favourites from Ancient King, altogether, along with being this album's finest. Of a similar nature is DEFINITELY 'Tender Obedience' which absolutely dazzles, lyrically ["Ship without a rudder. Rudderless ship. Progress without religion, check di videoclip. Inter-woven chip, named selfie"]. This one is a shot at arrogance and anti-humility, wrapped up in a very clever praising tune and, again, a major highlight from "Oath Of Akae". That rolls PERFECTLY right into the next selection, 'Ah Who You'. This one is totally aimed at those who have forgotten and lost their place in the world and think that it is they who are in absolute control. There is a stretch around 2:40 or so in when 'Ah Who You' LEVELS UP! AK warms up and tunes in and, relatively calmly, he goes on a lyrical tirade which is amongst THE most impressive such runs that you will find here. Filling out the first half of the album is recent single, 'Hites'. The song is an adaptation (or an expansion) of a legendary quote, "The heights of great men, reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight....". Like the quote, the song is one dealing with ideas such as perseverance, patience and motivation. You've heard songs like this one (Beenie Man even had a similar one), and what I try to take from thoughts like these is the idea that IT IS OKAY TO FAIL and to screw up and make mistakes and, through doing those things (often over and over and over again), is what lays the foundation for the success you may have. It applies in the grandest of situations as well as the smallest (if you're going somewhere and you get lost, you now know not to go in the direction you just did). It is something that may be very small but no less of a necessity AT ALL.
Try as I might (and you know I did), outside of a very direct tribute to Akae Beka, I couldn't get much out of 'It's The Rain' which begins the second half of "Oath Of Akae". It has a very easy and straight forward vibes to it and it isn't a BAD song (AT ALL), but I don't that it does much for what it is. The track following 'It's The Rain', 'Permit The Child', is one that I've probably spent more time listening to than any other on this release. I do not love it... but I suspect that I may someday. Self explanatory, 'Permit The Child' is about raising children well, setting proper examples and encouraging them to make the best choices for themselves when the time comes and, lyrically, it has its moments and the riddim (which is damn near invisible, you have to REALLY listen to this song to give some attention to the instrumentation), for what it is, is quite strong. There is something about it, however, which has kept me at arm's distance so far but I am still well working on closing that gap.
The balance of "Oath Of Akae" experienced no such 'growing pains' with me, on the other hand and is four extremely well done selections. I was going to tell you that 'Make Someone Smile' was the best of the rest. It isn't but it is still a MIGHTY effort and one featuring an abundance of good, common sense.
"To make someone smile, really make you feel good inside
Release endorphins
HAPPINESS IS A COLLECTIVE PHENOMENON, SHOULDN'T BE INDIVIDUALIZED
Need the relationship of the other side
Man seh him have two car, you no have one
Look. One fi drive
That is true happiness inside
'A man happines is to make his brother happy'-
Words of Selassie I
Away with the selfishness
About that, no badda
Nature reveal everything you can see everyday
WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER
Symbiosis
WATCH HOW THE BIRD CLEAN THE CROCODILE TEETH
People learn that to peacefully coexist"
Sometimes, keeping things as simple as you possibly can is the best route and that's exactly the course taken by Ancient King here. DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE! Go out of your way to make someone happy! It's something You (and I), unfortunately, need to be reminded of from time to time and 'Make Someone Smile' is a BEAUTIFUL gesture in the right direction. A touch stronger is 'Brake All Chains'. If you seek a bit of flames in the latter stages of "Oath Of Akae", 'Brake All Chains' is precisely what you're looking for as, most fittingly, the Ancient King delivers a history lesson not to be missed ["Mandela say when him shake Haile Selassie hand, him shake his with history!"]. The biggest monster roaming the halls of the second half of "Oath Of Akae" (as well as the second largest in full) is without a doubt the brilliant health conscious 'Convinient Store Tree'.
"I convenient store is a tree
Where I get food freshly
Jah food is 100% naturally
No 10% juice like Minute Maid, Tropicana and dem juice weh inna shop weh unhealthy
I convenient store is a tree
Where I get food freshly
Jah food is 100% naturally
No 10% juice like Minute Maid, Tropicana and dem juice weh inna shop weh nasty
WHERE THE 90% JUICE GONE?
It's artificially
Weh stay inna yuh blood and mek yuh body sickly
When you go to di bush doctor, first thing dem ahgo tell you:
Return to a herb tree
Chlorophyll identical to your hemoglobin weh deh in yuh body
So mi tell di nation dem fi don't pass no tree-
CAUSE YUH MEDICINE IS NOT IN DI PHARMACY
DAT A PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG YOU ONLY CAN GET IT IF YOU HAVE MONEY
NATURE GIVE YOU FREELY, INNA ABUNDANTLY
Proper, essential minerals provided
For the 102 minerals required for the body
You can find it in the earth, even the sea
Sea-moss, it have 92 minerals of the highest set of calcium
Mek yuh bones healthy"
I mean..... I could have kept going. The man absolutely POURS lyrics all over the track and, at least in parts, the riddim holds up well although it is ultimately overwhelmed and largely vanishes beneath the tirade. 'Convinient Store Tree', like 'The Earth is Egziabheer', is SPECIAL! Charged with sending us out is the solid 'Peace is Possible'. Musically speaking, the closer may just be the single most interesting song here with its BRIGHT (and very curious beginnings) sound and Ancient King permits it its time to shine (it also sounds distinctly louder than just about any other composition on the album to my ears. It's like they wanted you to hear it). He also seems to make an actual effort to stay on the melody it provides and, in doing so, likely makes the easiest listen on the entire project. Lyrically, 'Peace is Possible' also does well with AK present His Majesty as THE symbol of peace (almost like a role model) though I suspect that much of the audience that it reaches will stick around for the change in vibes, which is an excellent touch and a very nice way to end things.
I had an idea of something about Ancient King's music, in general, and I arrived there because of a bit of math, actually. There're twelve tracks on "Oath Of Akae", with the album topping out at fifty-seven minutes and eleven seconds. By my (surely incorrect) count, that's a roughly four minutes and forty-five second average per tune. That is HEALTHY. So my idea was to look back at some of his other sets to see if they were at a similar length. A quick look back reveals very robust runtimes for the likes of "Seh Selassie I", "Ethiopie", "Conquering Sound" and 'Swords Of Wisdom" (which actually has five tracks north of SIX MINUTES in length). My point is that, in order for Ancient King to be anywhere near his best; in order for his music to be able to get through what I THINK he would want his listeners to take from it, ANCIENT KING NEEDS TIME. He needs room to cook and to get his point across to emote and to do all of the small wonderful details that go into making his style what it is and perhaps more so (or just as much, at the very least), as anyone else going today.
Overall, while I'm going to attempt to not directly compare "Oath Of Akae" to any of its predecessors, I will say that it is stronger than MOST of them and should some heavy fan of Ancient King want to call it his best work today, I do not think that's unfair or hyperbole. I have often made the point about him that Ancient King's music isn't for everyone, not even ALL seasoned fans of the genre will have ears for it and that remains the case here (you may want to check either "Conquering Sound" or "Swords Of Wisdom" for something more digestible), true and through. What Ancient King has done, however, with "Oath Of Akae", is to put up yet another strong demonstration of exactly who he is not as a 'musician' or as an 'artiste' but as a person. I am well convinced that making this sound is as natural to Ancient King as breathing and with the way he performs it, it becomes more and more apparent each and every time I hear him. While "Oath Of Akae" may or may not be a full tribute to someone else who walked a similar path (...it is), what it is clearly is a strong album from someone who, obviously, is doing EXACTLY what he was meant to be doing.
