"Path To Success" by Torch [Bad-Hasai Muzyk - 2026]
First up is an impressive EP from an impressive artist; both, currently, receiving an impressive amount of attention as Torch touches with "Path To Success". Torch always seems like he has something going on. It may not be "front page news" but he's always got his hands into something and I was so happy to see the early response to "Path To Success" because it appears that he may've leveled up to some degree with this one. Actually listening to it, I can see what the hype has been about. The first thing that likely jumps out at you is the artillery, in terms of guests, that Torch brings in. In just seven tunes here, Torch works alongside Junior Kelly, Gentleman and Turbulence; so, OBVIOUSLY, someone thought a lot of this project and put a great deal of effort (and money) into making it happen. All three guests turn in fine performances but, to my opinion, Junior Kelly (more on him in a second) stands the tallest as he joins on 'Perseverance', which is the single best thing that I hear on all of "Path To Success". Also check fine solo efforts, 'Don't Give Up' and 'Same Energy' (which is simply outstanding). There's some VERY impressive material on this one and I'm glad that the masses appear to agree.
The Resilience Riddim [Reggae Unite Records - 2025]
Biggup Reggae Unite Records who're back with their ambitious latest project, the Resilience Riddim. Two things about this one caught my attention even before I'd even heard anything from it: The first was the fact that included amongst the five vocal selections was one called 'Ask For' by none other than the ALWAYS welcomed (but damn near reclusive) Montserratian chanter Jah Marnyah. Anytime you attach Marnyah's name to a release, you got me! The other thing that was noteworthy was the fact that, accompanying the Resilience Riddim, was a simultaneously released dub version of the project, courtesy of Sound Guyz & Selekta Zalem. There is some BEAUTIFUL music on this combined set which is well worth a look and listen. Joining Jah Marnyah in handling the vocals are the likes of WELL ESTEEMED veteran, Prezident Brown, Teflon Young King (who is probably almost forty by now), the very young Jah Frozen and others. The Resilience Riddim is a very nice one that reached in late 2025 and figures to be on my players for a bit and should be the same for you as well.
"Rasta Should Be Deeper" by Junior Kelly [Cleopatra Records - 2025]
Kind of an odd one here but I remember seeing that Junior Kelly has a forthcoming remake of a big older tune of his by the name of 'Rasta Should Be Deeper' and I had no idea why and I also had no idea that it would be, essentially, the first single and title track off of a forthcoming album by the same name featuring several of Kelly's biggest tunes remade for someone named Cleopatra Records (had no idea who they were but they've apparently released this album on a BEAUTIFULLY packaged CD as well if you're still interested in physical media) (and you are). The remake/cover circuit in Reggae has never sat well with me. A few years ago, Luciano release such a set that turned out pretty bad. Back in da day, Bushman sang an album full of old Peter Tosh tunes and I was never a fan of Sanchez' CONSTANT singing of other people's songs with a Reggae washing. HOWEVER, perhaps (probably) due to the fact that I had no expectations AT ALL... "Rasta Should Be Deeper" was better than I was expecting... at least on the Reggae side. Along with redoing some of his own material such as the title track, 'Baby Can We Meet' and, of course 'Love So Nice'. Kelly also does some covers from other artists such as Bob's 'Could You Be Loved', 'Red Red Wine' from UB40 and Eddy Grant's 'Electric Avenue'. Now those??? They're pretty awkward at times but I'm still relatively happy with the Reggae side of "Rasta Should Be Deeper" (and biggup Eddy Grant).
"Tippy I Meets Nonpalidece: Hecho En Jamaica DuB" by Nonpalidece [Impronta Music - 2026]
Nonpalidece from out of Argentina teams up with the brilliant Tippy I of I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings to make one GORGEOUS piece of music (actually seven pieces) on "Hecho En Jamaica DuB". I won't make this too complicated: If you're looking for some really nice background (and I'm someone who plays music in my house when no one [HUMAN] is here because I think that the plants enjoy it) music, here's your perfect choice. If you want something just to relax to, here's your perfect choice. You want just some NICE sound?? HERE YOU GO! "Hecho En Jamaica DuB" is ABSOLUTELY LOVELY! Along with the instrumentals and production, you'll also recognize some of the vocalists as the likes of Lutan Fyah, Micah Shemaiah, Mykal Rose, Alborosie and others are featured as are the great Bongo Herman & the immortal Sly Dunbar.
"Better Days" by Chuck Fenda [5th Element Records - 2004]
I'll spare you the details (at least for now) but Chuck Fenda has been back on my radars as of late courtesy of one Jah Garvey (something coming soon) and, STILL, in my opinion Fenda's finest piece of work and the one I most often go back to is his BEAUTIFUL 5th Element produced set, "Better Days" (I hesitate to call it his debut album but I actually think it is). "Better Days" was absolutely loaded and it represented a version of Chuck Fenda who was well within his ascendancy so it was STACKED with big tunes. The biggest draw would have been 'I Swear' ["GIVE I STRENGTH, OH JAH, SO I CAN GO THROUGH! NEVER PRAISED NO ONE LIKE I PRAISED YOU!"] but there was the title track, there was 'The Prayer', 'Jah Sight', 'Mama', 'Serious Times' (which also had a nice run, if I recall correctly), 'Haffi Win' and the MAMMOTH 'Better Days'. Some of this album, I'll admit, hasn't aged necessarily the best (there's a song, 'Show Love' with Luciano, which isn't very good at all, listening to it now) but its heavy class remains just that. CLASS.
'Who Are We' by Turbulence [Unemployment Records - 2025]
Gotta start off with something that's definitely put a a smile on my face over the last week or so and biggup Filomuzik and Unemployment Records from out of Italy for getting the best from one of Reggae's most enigmatic figures that I've heard recently. Turbulence MOST CERTAINLY has not been one of the most consistent of artists in Reggae music but I still maintain that he sits on a gold mine of talent which places him in very thin company. Alongside the aforementioned producer and label from Southern Italy, Turbulence turns up with 'Who Are We' which is, CLEARLY, the best song I have heard from him in 2025 and... probably the best in quite a few years (off the top of my head, I would probably say from since 2021 but it could very well be even longer than that).
"Who are we, who are we-
Without His Majesty?
Who am I, who am I-
Without The Most High?
Who are we, who are we-
Without His Majesty?
Who am I, who am I-
Without Rastafari?
I'm nothing but a drowning victim waiting to be saved
Jah hand me lifeguard inna this tidal wave
Lost and confused inna this deep, dark cave
Jah hand me lantern just to light my way HOME
Rastafari say: Who do I think I am to disobey?
According to your works, that is how you get your pay
Mi ask them this without delay"
'Who Are We' is a scorchingly clever praise, backed by a GORGEOUS riddim (and notice how it changes and electrifies as the song goes along) making it not only, as I said, Turbulence's best this year but likely one of the best from anyone. BOOM.
'The Days' by Busy Signal [Zion High Productions 2025]
I'm always looking forward to seeing just who one of my (if not my absolute) favourite production units, the vaunted Zion I Kings, will work with next and I have to say I was quite shocked when I saw that next in the offering was the ridiculously gifted Busy Signal and I was also damn excited. I'll temper my HOPES (You know what I want) and just deal with what's at hand. While the link maybe surprising, the results most certainly are not. The ZIK's record is what it is, they've been amongst the most consistently high quality outfits in all of Reggae music since their inception (INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER) and, in case you haven't paid attention, Busy Signal is one of the most versatile stars the genre has ever produced. The man can literally rhyme about ANYTHING and shine whilst doing it. Their effort together, 'The Days', is a damn gem. It's a work of art... but you knew that already.
'Shout It Out' by Fikir Amlak [Saj Moor Dub - 2025]
Biggup our old friend, Saj Moor, who we told you about the last time we did one of these and is already back and this time, arguably, even stronger as the producer links up with the always active Fikir Amlak for 'Shout It Out'. I'll qualify this a bit: I haven't listened to Amlak's music a great deal over the years. Though I find myself crossing paths with his work every so often, I've never really focused much on him for one reason or another, but I have heard some of what he's done (he had a song a few years back that I REALLY liked called 'Royal Son'). So maybe you'll take that into consideration when I tell you that I'm quite confident in saying that 'Shout It Out' is the single best Fikir Amlak tune that I've heard thus far and maybe it becomes the impetus to get me to really tune him in (I'm pretty sure he has a new album now and even if he doesn't (or even if he does) the next one isn't too far away.... it NEVER is) Despite its title, 'Shout It Out' comes with this very cool and kind of building vibes to it (the riddim on this one is gold bar. Literally). It never fully ascends in terms of intensity but it remains with this gorgeous, almost mystical sound which Amlak puts to excellent usage in praise of The Almighty, while channeling the immortal Marcus Garvey.
The Tear Iron Riddim [Muscle Records - 2025]
Grrrr! Little late season madness courtesy of Muscle Records, check out the superb Tear Iron Riddim. I've been meaning to give this one its own mid-week feature post but it took me so damn long that it made more sense here. There're only five tracks on this riddim and I'm not crazy about all of them ('Jab Bull' by Island Prince is actually kind of annoying and I cannot remember the last time I called a song "annoying") but the absolute class of this thing is buried between a pair of tunes which are absolutely delicious. Greens blowtorch, Lavaman scorches everything everywhere with his 'Take Dat Down', while the queen reigns supreme as Fay-Ann Lyons provides the iron with its greatest threat, 'Show Me The Road'.
"A Piece Of The Blender: The Singles" by Everton Blender [Heartbeat Records - 1996]
I'm working on a review of an Everton Blender album so, of course, I'm going back and enjoying some of his older work so this EXCELLENT nearly thirty year old compilation is our blast from the past today, "A Piece Of The Blender". I've always appreciated how well this one was put together because it features songs such as 'World Corruption', 'Bob Marley' and 'Blend Dem' that would definitely get your attention and get your foot in the door; and when you settle in, also waiting for you were killers such as 'The Man', 'When You Wrong', 'Coming Harder' and others. I mention in the review how important I think it is for us to make sure that we pay the deserved respect to and CELEBRATE elders like the no seventy year old Blender while they're still around to be able to enjoy it. When you dig into much of his catalogue it isn't difficult because the man has given us some certified GEMS throughout his time.
"One Degree Hotter" by Machel Montano [Monk Music - 2025]
First up today (as I write this on, literally, THE morning of Carnival Monday), is Trini Soca superstar, Machel Montano, who returns with a brand new album for 2025, "One Degree Hotter" (very clever title because Montano received his degree last year). Anytime Montano reaches with... pretty much anything there is going to be a big response and, at least as far as albums go, I've been very happy to see the early attention being paid to "One Degree Hotter" has been very heavy. As usual, the project contains virtually Montano's entire season with maybe a song or two that either you haven't heard at all or that didn't get much run this year. All of his biggest efforts are here such as 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' with Bunji Garlin and Mical Teja, 'Bet Meh', 'Pepper Vine' alongside Drupatee & Lady Lava and Jus Now & DJ Private Ryan which netted Chutney Soca Monarch 2025 just last night (and is EXCELLENT), personal favourites 'Wave It' and 'Fallen Fetters' with Skinny Fabulous and Road March contender (and I may just wait a couple of days to post this, and come back to change this to RM Winner), 'Pardy' (YEP! He won). We got big names making Soca albums last year like Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and Kes but 2025 figures to be a slow year with, EASILY, "One Degree Hotter" being the biggest shot thus far.
"Reggae Frequency" by Tiwony [7 Seals/Evidence Music - 2025]
A couple of years ago, longtime favourite of ours, Gwada fire breather, Tiwony, returned with what seemed like his first new album in an eternity, "Frequency" and now, seemingly to make up for lost time, the man is back with its nearly immediate followup, "Reggae Frequency". As the title would suggest, the new album focuses more on straight Roots Reggae music where its predecessor was more varied and you definitely appreciate the effort to make such a LARGE project, spanning a couple of years. The second half is FUN, featuring helping hands from the likes of Chezidek, King Kalabash, Bobby Hustle and others with standouts including the likes of the remix of 'Long Road' (with Chezi), 'The Plug' (with Bobby Hustle and Yung Tripp), 'Chrysantémes', the mad closer, 'Dread [Reggae Frequency]b and 'Lévé' with BadSam and Jahlia.
'Future' by Sizzla & Bushman [Lockecity Music/Kalonji Music Production - 2025]
Apparently, we're not too long away from the next album release from Reggae legend, Sizzla Kalonji. Over the past few years or so, that hasn't been a very attractive thing to say as Kalonji has put out his fair share of substandard sets but if ever there were a reason to be intrigued by the forthcoming "Scrolls Of Kalonji" (besides the title being REALLY COOL), there's this first single and, on paper, MASSIVE combination 'Future'. The tune actually has the nerve to pair Sizzla with big voiced veteran singer, Bushman which, I THINK, is a first for them and comes courtesy of Lockecity. Just that, alone, well had my attention well before I laid ears on the tune and, as it turned out, the results were pretty strong as well as the two team up to push a vibe uplifting the young people of the world. If this is any indication (and DAMN, I HOPE IT IS), "Scrolls Of Kalonji" just may have a good chance to reverse recent course which would be great because I could really go for a GOOD SIzzla Kalonji album in 2025.
The Middle East Riddim [Greatest Friends/Evidence Music - 2025]
Biggup Greatest Friends Records from out of France (a label I'm most familiar with for their work with Queen Omega over the years) for their latest release, a cut of the Middle East Riddim, featuring a VERY interesting trio of singers. Last year, GFR would drop "Holding On", a solid set from King Lorenzo (who, suddenly, seems to be VERY popular these days and good for him!), which carried a tune by the name of 'Let Them Try' ["It's a rock road when you ah exalt Jah name. Heavy load, but wi nah go shame"], his tune on the Middle East. Joining Lorenzo are the mighty Chezidek and the woefully under-recorded Zareb (just wish we heard more from him), with 'It's No Crime' and 'Can't Fight Me', respectively. All three are at least very solid pieces of work, with Chezidek taking top honours in my opinion with a SWEET herbalist anthem.
"Meditation" by The Nazarenes [I Grade Records - 2012]
You can definitely owe this one to "Strength & Resilience", the latest GOLDEN album release from Lutan Fyah, I Grade Records and the Zion I Kings. In doing some backgrounding (yep, that's a verb now too) for that review, I started going back through the relationship of artist and label and got back to this somewhat forgotten GEM of an album, the baker's dozen year old, "Meditation" by Eritrean bros. The Nazarenes. Lutan Fyah would feature on 'It's Too Late' (Akae Beka also makes an appearance), during an album which is just best described these days as SOLID. There wasn't a creaking plank to be found anywhere amongst the fourteen with the biggest winners being the likes of 'Mamy Blues'... I say there wasn't a weak tune on the album and then I start naming songs. Nope! The entire album was, basically, a highlight and I'm of the thinking that YOU may've missed this one. Be that the case, go and do something about that right now because I'm done writing for the day.
"The Jamaican Situation" by Protoje [In.Digg.Nation]
First up this week is a loooooong overdue visit to the stomping grounds of our old friend, Protoje, who is back with a brand new EP project, "The Jamaican Situation". Protoje has been rolling out singles from since very early on in the year and they've now been brought together for a the very fun full set. It's always interesting listening to how Protoje works because it's ALWAYS a very natural thing. Maybe you love every single tune, maybe you don't, but you always get the feeling from the man that he has found EXACTLY what he was supposed to be doing with his life (they sound NOTHING alike, but it's similar to what I think of Damian Marley). Standouts here such as '30 Million', 'Where We Come From' (with Jahshii and IzyBeats) and the MASSIVE '80's Wild' showcase that talent at a typically high degree. And I owe Protoje a review! Hopefully can get that out before the end of the year.
'Carry It' by Bunji Garlin [Bad Beagle]
There've already been a number of really solid Soca tunes kicking up for the 2025 season and probably my early favourite, unsurprisingly, comes from the steadily FLAMING Bunji Garlin with 'Carry It'. The man has been on an absolute roll in recent seasons (which is saying a lot in his case, because he's been great for decades at this point) (Garlin's cousin, Patrice Roberts, is also doing very good so far) and it is continuing with a track looking back and at the 'good ole days' of Carnival as, arguably, Soca's Bodyguard continues to defend and UPLIFT the music and the culture like no other. TEARS! DAMN!
The Dutty Showtime Riddim [Dutty Rock Productions/Madhouse Records]
The great Sean Paul and co. from Dutty Rock Productions are back at it with their latest creation, the Dutty Showtime Riddim. An ode to a more vintage era sound, the Dutty Showtime is a fresh take on the late 90's STATUE of a riddim from the great Dave Kelly, the Showtime Riddim (best known for.... Baby Cham's 'Gallang Yah Gal', 'Eagle and Di Hawk' by Bounty Killer, Spragga Benz with 'Wi Nuh Like', and a few others as well), which is now reborn and placed in the capable hands of modern artists. Paul, himself, takes a pair of attempts on his track, the second of which being a VERY strong combination alongside Ward 21 (Sean Paul/Ward 21 on the same tune is NUTS!) with other standouts including Buju Banton, Tarrus Riley and Chi Ching Ching, whose 'Loud' is a sleeper hit of a song in my opinion. Still, all of those talented lights are competing for the second best track on the riddim as Busy Signal ABSOLUTELY BURNS IT TO ASH [!] with his effort, 'All Dem Try'.
'Match' by Jah9 [VP Records]
It's been entirely too damn long since last we crossed paths with the brilliant in every conceivable and inconceivable way Jah9 and she has well caught my attention with her latest single release, 'Match'. We're going to call this tune... ROMANTIC? Maybe SENSUAL?? Call it what you will (it's also kinda dirty, but in an expectedly very subtle and mature way.... like I wan to... It doesn't sound like a bad time the way she puts it) (Let's just say it like that), but 'Match' is more typically CLEVER wording and structuring by one of Reggae's reigning sagest of wizards.
"Phantom War" by Lutan Fyah [Greensleeves Records - 2006]
I'll show you exactly why "Phantom War" is our 'vintage' drop these days probably in the next week or so (it's actually already finished, just wanted to do this one first) -- although you may be able to figure it out -- but out of all the older material from Lutan Fyah that I've been listening to, it's where I normally lay my roots. Going on twenty years old, I still consider it to be his single greatest album and, these days, you could even make the argument that it's done nothing but get stronger. Literally SOAKED with big tunes; from 'Wipe Those Tears' to 'Rasta Still Deh Bout', from 'Bits & Pieces' to the title track and from 'Blood Stain' ["BLOOD STAIN DEH PON YAH SHOULDERS"] to 'Screaming For The Poor': "Phantom War" was Lutan Fyah at his gritty, hard-working best.
"The Akae Beka Scrolls" [Trinity Farm Music/Go A Chant Productions]
First up is a piece that I've been LOVING for most of September as Trinity Farm Music & Go A Chant Productions link up to bring forth "The Akae Beka Scrolls". This release follows February's outstanding "Living Testament" from Akae Beka and comes with a very unique story as far as I follow it. The legendary Vaughn Benjamin completed the work on "Living Testament" and returned to the studio intending to do more work and what resulted was a Dub album which he directed and produced and became "The Akae Beka Scrolls". Despite how often I find myself saying it, I'm starting to rethink the notion that I'm not much of a Dubhead because, as I get older, I'm really enjoying the subgenre quite a bit more. Playing here, along with Benjamin, himself, are familiar names such as Kenyatta Itola, Ishence, Ras Pulse and others. There is some really strong material on "The Akae Beka Scrolls" including the downright monstrous opener 'Psalm 19', which clocks in at nearly eight minutes in length. Also check 'Psalm 72', 'Psalm 37' and the wicked closer 'Psalm 119' (probably a poor choice of words there, but so be it).
"Secret Hater" by Cali P [Senmbelek/Evidence Music]
A fun thing happened with this one: 'Secret Hater' is the latest fun release coming from looooongtime AchisReggae favourite, Cali P and I saw that he had a new tune out and I was eager to hear it and it lived up to the lofty standards set by the chanter through all these years ["Caan ramp wid di friend dem from di Netherlands. A dem will send you go a Neverland. Gwadada and di mad Nigerians - GRIND YOU LIKE CINNAMON"] (I've, literally, been writing about Cali P's music for over FIFTEEN YEARS) - of course, the presence of Suku in production doesn't hurt either. As it turns out, 'Secret Hater' is also the title track from Cali P's latest three-track EP. The set also includes 'Mi Ruff Road'. New to my ears, 'Mi Ruff Road' is a somewhat Hip-Hoppish set (never my favourite) and HIGHLY lyrical. The wordplay on this one, subtly, is damn impressive! The third track is the downright GLORIOUS previous release, 'Jah Blessing' which originally reached back in April. 'Jah Blessing' is fantastic. It's aged very well and... I feel pretty confident in calling it one of Cali P's single best tunes EVER. Very nice three tunes collected here. You know what we really want (add like ten more to it!), but maybe that's for 2025 and "Secret Hater" is a tiny reminder and display of one of the finest talents in Reggae today.
'Satta Massagana' by The Fantells [Warrior Records]
If you follow Reggae music closely, there's a chance that you've come across both the group, The Fantells as well as the legendary tune they've recently redone, 'Satta Massagana' (literally one of the greatest songs EVER) (...like ever). You'd likely know The Fantells from several big tunes they had when they were active , particularly during the 70's (personal favourite of mine being 'Where You Gonna Run'), and 2024 marks a big return for the group (with new members). Earlier this year The Fantells released an entire album by the name of "Just For You" and now they're taking on The Abysinnians classic. Despite being fairly straight forward, 'Satta Massagana', because of just how well known and DURABLE it is, can be a difficult tune to recreate and, asy ou would expect, The Fantells have made a more than decent account of a truly immortal sound and be sure to give "Just For You" a listen as well (doing it myself at the moment and enjoying).
The Rebel Frequency Riddim [D Rebell Productions]
Big credit goes to D Rebell Productions and Solid Rock Sound for their golden new creation, the Rebel Frequency Riddim. When you put together a compelling group of vocalists for your riddim, you're definitely going to get my attention and your riddim being of actual quality is an added bonus and, on the Rebel Frequency, DRP have both going for them and it isn't that the Rebel Frequency has.... an overwhelming group of artists but look at this: Norris Man, Clatta Bumboo, Jah Defender, Jalifa, Daweh Congo. That is EXCELLENT! The actual sound here has a beautiful ly HEAVY old school vibes to it which everyone handles extremely well. I've mentioned some of the bigger names here, but also check efforts from the likes of Nga Han and Prince of Judah, the former of which gives 'True Rasta' which is, arguably, the single best tune on this track. Probably one of the best riddim albums of 2024 so far here.
"Home & Away" by Norris Man [Greensleeves Records - 2006]
And for the look back this week - I'm working on a feature on the great Norris Man and, in going back through his catalogue, DEFINITELY the set that has acted as somewhat of an anchor for me has been "Home & Away". So named after what is probably the chanter's second biggest hit to date (biggup 'Persistence'), my interest in "Home & Away", the In The Streetz produced album, has always centered around other songs besides the hammer. 'Seh Dem Bad', 'I'm A Free Man', 'Love Makes You Alive', 'After All' with Lutan Fyah, the absolutely GLORIOUS 'This You Must Know' and the MAMMOTH 'We Are The Creator' are all mega moments from an album which is considerably better than all of us gave it credit for being. There's another tune here by the name of 'This Day' which I barely even remember but is, SERIOUSLY, damn near perfect as well.
Ladies first this week as, headlining a number of big names is the deliciously (and I do mean DELICIOUSLY!) difficult to avoid Khalia who is back, already, with another lovely single, this time for Albion Muzic, 'Addicted'. If you've been following the work of Khalia lately, then you'll know largely what to expect from 'Addicted' as it is just another syrupy sweet piece of modern Lover's Rock which finds the vocalist tackling a classic riddim which sounds like a cut of the Queen of The Minstrel Riddim to a near perfection. Khalia is quickly cornering the market on just.... BEAUTIFUL, SENSUAL (though not necessarily sexual, although she does have her very clever moments) (it's never completely obvious, it takes a little thought) Reggae music and there's nothing wrong with that. Earlier this year she blessed us with "Stay True", her wonderful EP and I wouldn't be surprised at all if its followup (maybe even in full form) is set to follow sometime in the remaining six and a half months of 2024. 'Addicted' is sublime.
'Tear No Man Down' by Perfect Giddimani [ChinaMan Yard]
Next we have a single that definitely had to work on me quite a bit before I really began to tune it in, 'Tear No Man Down', which comes from the always welcome and always most compelling Perfect Giddimani, alongside ChinaMan Yard, who is literally out of China, as part of their Higher Grounds Riddim. Okay, I'll tell you what I heard initially that I didn't particularly care for: The.... pacing of this tune?? I write it as a question because I'm not entirely sure if I'm explaining it correctly (highly unlikely). 'Tear No Man Down' had (and still has) an unusual kinda 'hitch' to its sound to my ears (and maybe (probably) I'm the only one of that opinion but it's something that took a bit of overcoming. What helped in that is an unmistakable CHARM that the tune also carries. You know how you can talk to someone on the phone and you can still kind of HEAR them smiling when they talk? It isn't exactly the same, but there're portions of 'Tear No Man Down' which just gives the vibe that Perfect FELT REALLY GOOD IN SAYING WHAT HE IS SAYING at that given time. It radiates throughout this one and, from personal experience, I can tell you it is a quality that takes a song that I'm rating as "okay" early on and transforms it into... something maybe a little special.
'Dem A Murderah' by Anthony B [Green Lion Crew]
I probably could have put the whole of the outstanding Extra Heavy Riddim for this next one (but TECHNICALLY it hasn't released yet as a full unit) from the increasingly venerable Green Lion Crew but, instead, we're focusing on the track's finest moment (but they're all really good), Anthony B's 'Dem A Murderah', which finds the original fyah man putting the golden track to the sword... I'll probably do a track by track for the Extra Heavy when it releases. It is absolutely lovely!
'Trust H.I.M.' by Lutan Fyah [Truesounds]
A big credit goes to one Truesounds for laying down their very creative Roll Call Riddim for the great Lutan Fyah to provide vocals over and, listening to this one.... MASTERFUL! There is an infectious flute that dominates the vibes here and the Fyah uses it with this style darting back and forth in his delivery with a fittingly fiery lyrical display.
'Yeah, while you're living hail The King cause that's di thing
If you're corrupt, you get di judgment and di fyah that it brings
Dem ah put on a show fi go tek picture
Fi a while now dem skanking but now dem style it up fi wealth but that a babylon thing"
I don't know if Lutan Fyah has a bigger fan than I, PARTICULARLY OF HIS WRITING, over the years and my attraction for his words has not diminished in the slightest. At his absolute peak, the chanter from Spanish Town has VERY FEW equals.
'Nuh Afraid A People' by Pressure Busspipe [Digital One Music]
If you're stocking up a bit of frustration and need to it let out somewhere in this post, I'm sorry, no, you'll find no Soca here, but check this SCALDING tune from Pressure Busspipe and Digital One Music, 'Nuh Fraid A People'. The tune was recently (relatively recently) released as part of DOM's "Trichotomy The Album" which featured a trio of well solid Dancehall tracks (two of them, especially) and it showed a more AGGRESSIVE side of the chanter who also continued to display a level of ultra-heightened skill, regardless of the topic at hand.
The Seasons Riddim [Don Corleon Records]
Perhaps you can figure out why the roughly two decades old Seasons Riddim has come back to my radars and if you can't, I'll gladly let you know whenever I finish my next review (as it now takes me one (or TWO) weeks worth of attention to write something which, not too long ago, literally just took a few hours) (getting old..... no fun!), but I've been enjoying this set which probably should be regarded as a classic these days. The Seasons Riddim, along with the Drop Leaf helped to put its creator, Don Corleon into a different stratosphere and he went from one of the most influential Dancehall producers of his day (and that era would have been a mighty one with the likes of Steven 'Lenky' Marsden and Di Genius also shining at the time) into being the same for the entire genre of Reggae music. Absolutely saturated in hits, these days tunes like 'Love Is' from Jah Cure, Alaine's STUNNING 'No Ordinary Love', 'Thanks & Praise' by Fantan Mojah and DEFINITELY 'Far From Reality' from Natural Black rank as not only genuine hits of the time period but... really some of the finest work from those particular [well decorated] artists entire careers.... and that's what I'm listening to.
This post actually started as a post all about two tunes by the great Cali P and it morphed into what you see here (because I took too damn long to get around to it), so getting us started is... the great Cali P (and his new look), who gives us the first of a pair of big new tunes, 'Family'. Coming courtesy of Derrick Sound and Evidence Music and their golden Fight Again Riddim (which also featured big tunes courtesy of the likes of Lutan Fyah, Chezidek, Bugle, LMK and others). 'Family' is an IMMACULATE unity piece which, for me, really holds is place as it lifts up every single aspect of FAMILY. There isn't Mother and absent Father or ill-behaving child ["Family! I proud of you just like you proud of me"], it is fully-functioning and entirely beautiful UNIT. Let me tell you something with this tune and the interesting one I'm about to tell you about next.... Cali P in 2024.... yep!
'Up All Night' by Cali P [Evidence Music - 2023]
Cali P and Evidence, this time, link with Gold Up from out of Canada for the very colourful and infectious 'Up All Night'. You're likely to hear it called Dancehall (which is fair, there's elements of that), but it's probably slightly more to the Hip-Hop side, which isn't my favourite, but this one works for me. It doesn't have that.... kind of rigidity that I usually associate with the genre; it's far more free and versatile and a very nice change of pace. Like I said (though I have nothing in the way of inside information on the topic), keep an eye on (and an ear on) Cali P going into the new year with material like this.... oh and all of that other stuff he's been doing for the last 15-20 years. There's always that stuff too ["SO IF YOU LOOK FUH MI, MI RIGHT ROUND DI CORNAH!"]. BOOM!
'Keep On Moving' by Pete Lawson & Sara Lugo [Novo Sonic - 2023]
All things pause as we hit yet another traditional favourite of ours SARA LUGO [WHUTTTTTTTTTT!] who teams up with another talent originally from out of Germany (although I think 'Funky Comfort' calls France home these days), Pat Lawson, who is entirely new to me, for 'Keep On Moving'. 'Keep On Moving' has a purpose, it has a direction - in terms of progression and development in life but you'll have to work on siphoning that out just a bit because, definitely, the star of the tune is its sound. It's just a lovely vibes (especially that chorus) and, in case you haven't noticed: This is a new song from SARA FUCKING LUGO!
'Anxiety' by Patrice Roberts [Xplicit Mevon - 2023]
Ah feeling. So it's coming. If you've been paying attention, you're noticing that early entries for the 2024 Carnival season are slowly but surely rolling out and, unless I'm really forgetting someone and something, the early favourite for me comes via a most familiar and dependable source as decorated Trini super nova, Patrice Roberts recently set out and succeeded in ridding the world of some extra 'Anxiety'. I'm not going to go too deep on this one, because I'd probably end up crying and I don't feel like doing that right now; but there is an INHERENT aspect of Soca music, in my opinion, which is so powerful in dealing with just cheering someone up or mental health, in general. When the music is at its best, there is NOTHING in the world that I know of which can pull that type of feeling out of me and while you don't hear it addressed so often, lyrically, how many HUNDREDS of songs have you heard with artists talking about how much they love Carnival and Soca and how much they miss them!
"Soca mek wi stronger together!"
"Lyrical Faya" by Cali P [Pow Pow Productions - 2008]
Lastly (because why not???) I've [very] suddenly rewound the clock back a decade and a half to "Lyrical Faya", the album debut of the aforementioned great Cali P, as I tend to do maybe once a year or so. These days, as I alluded to, I'm stuck on the all kinds of wonderful SWEET Dancehall-ness of 'Right Around the Corner', but you know that despite the fact that this album was PACKED, you still have a difficult time finding a soft moment in its run. I think 'Redemption' might be the biggest remembered tune from "Lyrical Faya" but, again, there were so many as the venerable Pow Pow cracked open their vault of top notch riddims and delightfully Cali P took aim.
"Special Lady" by Junior Kelly [Muzick Vibes Records - 2023]
It has definitely been awhile from since we've last talked about Junior Kelly, at least in regards to any project he had around, so I was well pleased to not only see that he was back with a new EP, but also that it.... was actually pretty decent. "Special Lady" comes courtesy of Muzick Vibes Records from out of Argentina and features some very solid material which is what the chanter should be making. At his best, Junior Kelly is a mark of consistency in Reggae, but he... has his moods. In particular check 'Them Nah Know' and 'Stand Up' alongside Blessed and just generally give "Special Lady" a try. You might find a big tune or two.
The Slow Motion Riddim [Madhouse Records - 2023]
Partially due to their infrequency and largely due to.... him being a complete and utter genius, there will always be a very rare air reserved for the work of Dave Kelly and his Madhouse Records label. The very reclusive ace is arguably THE finest creator the Dancehall has ever produced (off the top of my head, he has my vote right now based on strictly how BEAUTIFUL his tracks are) and he's blessed 2023 with his work on his latest creation, the Slow Motion Riddim. As you might suspect, the kind of slower detailed track makes for a very snug fit for most of its artists, but it is, surprisingly, TOK who takes top honours with their very clever 'Sexy Time'. Blakkmann also registers as does Busy Signal and a trio featuring Bounty Killer, Dexta Daps and, of course, Baby Cham.
"Island Hopping" by General Degree [Size 8 Records]
Of course I will always have room for General Degree and that extends to his latest creation, a four-tracked EP release by the name of "Island Hopping" on his very own Size 8 imprint (like most of Degree's work). This set won't change lives at all anywhere, but it does serve its purpose of providing a bit of light amongst the very DARK landscape of what is considered Dancehall these days (and I got that from a review General Degree did for The Gleaner). While the title track here is fun, the main attraction is definitely the hilarious 'Di Bwoy Oral' which follows a career length line of very clever such tunes from the deejay ["She waaaaan di pianist"] (these days apparently she wants something else as well). Fun times are to be had as they always are with the General.
"Dancehall Gift" by I-Octane [I-Octane]
TRASH
"Moodiraw" by Féfé Typical [DJ Kaprisson - 2021]
And for our blast from the past, we don't go too far back as also on my radars as of late has been the latest release -- just a couple of years old now -- from someone who I should definitely be listening to more, the brutally consistent Féfé Typical, "Moodiraw". The former sparring partner of longtime Achis Reggae favourite, Tiwony (big new album of his own, "Frequency", out now), from out of Martinique would deliver an absolute GEM of a set here which most certainly did not receive the attention it deserved but I'm doing my best these days to make sure anyone within earshot of my players has an AMPLE opportunity to right their previous wrongs if they overlooked it. "Moodiraw" was just outstanding. Reaching the furthest amongst the pack were winners such as 'Le pater', 'Un Bon Sound' with DJ Kaprisson, 'Ecoute-moi', 'L'emuélanine', the big BIG closer 'Corona' and the KNOCKING 'Reprends Tes Priéres'. You couldn't go wrong with anywhere you dropped in on "Moodiraw", however, and, for what it was, it was definitely one of the best Reggae albums of 2021.
First up on my radar this week is the latest release from veteran singer, Natty King and his WellOWell Production imprint, the Talent Riddim. Early last year, Natty King would deliver a brand new, very well received studio album, "Rebellution", and his flare for delivering big sets in the year's early months continue into 2023. The Talent Riddim, at its core, is a very pleasant and relatively straight-forward composition (though we never do get an actual clean version of it, so.....), but NK and company were sure to place it in the very capable hands of some extremely 'talented' vocalists, who do some very impressive things with the track. Joining 'The Man From the East' are the likes of Ginjah, Warrior King alongside Infa, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Chezidek, Perfect Giddmani and longtime Natty King associate (who, I believe, has been something of a mentor to the singer), Trinity who gives both a solo version of 'Fence' and a combination of the tune with U Brown. Though there's nothing here which I would call GREAT, the Talent Riddim is very solid from beginning to end and I think most fans of modern Roots music will thoroughly enjoy it.
"A Breath Of Fresh Air" by Freddie McGregor [Stingray Records - 2023]
Legendary singer and captain of the big ship, Freddie McGregor (who is apparently doing much better these days) is back with a brand new album and he's gone in a very familiar and FITTING direction in order to make it happen. "A Breath Of Fresh Air" finds McGregor linking with Stingray Records from out of the UK. If you know anything at all about Stingray and the McLeod Family who runs it, you know that they largely specialize in a brand of Reggae music which is well rinsed in an old school sound and is heavy on the Lover's Rock as well. So, such an outfit making an album with the 'Born A Winner', comes as a very welcomed union. I'm still going through this one (and may review it next month, actually), but early winners include the likes of 'I'm Going Home' [BOOM!], 'Work' and the closer 'Peace and Love'. When I saw McGregor had a new album about, I was definitely excited to hear it and when I found out who was behind it, it took it to another level and you should definitely take a listen to "A Breath Of Fresh Air".
{Note: Apparently "A Breath Of Fresh Air" has been slow in making its way to various digital sources, so it may/may not be currently available on your favourite, but it is out there}
'Behind The Wall' by Freddie McGregor [Rebelmadiaq Sound System & Records - 2022]
Quickly, also coming from McGregor this week is a HUGE new tune courtesy of Rebelmadiaq from out of Spain, 'Behind The Wall'. This song has ROYAL sound about it and I noticed it while going through "A Breath Of Fresh Air" and, again it's early days still, but it's probably better than anything on that album and it's probably the single best piece of work that I've heard from Freddie McGregor in quite some time.
"Babylon kingdom, yes, it must fall
I catch them behind the wall"
The Blak Karpet Riddim [Blak Karpet Productions - 2022]
It certainly isn't the worst idea one could have when they have a big riddim - to go ahead and name it after themselves to, perhaps, some familiarity going forward in your listener-base and that is precisely what Blak Karpet Productions has done with their latest LOVELY creation, the Blak Karpet Riddim. I'll give you a perfect example of what I mean here: Though I thought I knew the name Blak Karpet, I wasn't entirely sure and a quick search revealed that they had indeed already been behind a few releases, most notably the Miracle Riddim from a couple of years back (which carried Lutan Fyah's GENIUS pandemic-inspired 'It Still Deh Deh') ["Now the vaccination and it still deh deh. Dem seh house-to-house locked and it still deh deh. Six feet social-distance and it still deh deh"]. Now, after the Blak Karpet Riddim, chances are pretty solid that I won't have the same issue going forward anytime soon! While some of their previous drops were a bit thin in terms of number of tunes, that is not an issue with the Blak Karpet Riddim as it is spread out across TWENTY-SIX TRACKS, clocking in at nearly two hours worth of big vibes. As you would expect with so much material, the list of vocalists is all over the place with big names such as Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, the aforementioned Natty King & Mr. Peppa, I Wayne, Lutan Fyah, Norris Man (more on him in just a second), Perfect, Chezidek and Turbulence all making appearances, as well as names which you may not be as familiar with such as Jerimus, Amejah (who gets two tracks and may actually be an official BKP artist), the wicked Kush Bashan, Peas Head and others who turn in fine efforts. I do have a couple of complaints that I'll register here, one being the fact that, even with THAT many tracks, they couldn't mix in an instrumental and, again, despite so many tunes and wonderful backing singers on several selections, unless I'm forgetting someone, you will not find a lead female vocalist touching the Blak Karpet Riddim, which is remarkable in a bad way. Still, for what it was, it was probably at least in the discussion for Riddim Album of The Year 2022. It was excellent (and in my younger days, I would have salivated all over the prospects of reviewing this LOADED release) (I also hear a little Satta Massagana Riddim on this one, maybe that's just me though).
The Fighters Riddim [ZionProductions Music - 2022]
Next up, we touch down in Costa Rica for a quick stop to pick up the latest from ZionProductions, the Fighters Riddim from late last year. This one caught my attention for a couple of reasons, the very first of them being the fact that it contains music from Elijah Prophet, which is always a good thing. His tune, the excellent anti-violence piece 'Stop the War', comes right off his 2022 album, "Jah Calling", which ZionProductions released last summer. After 'Stop the War', the reason I stuck around for 'round 2' of this fight was a MAMMOTH tune by the name of 'Find the Time' from veteran, Norris Man.
"I don't wanna be no suitor
I wanna be a contributor
Will make my work stand the test
My reward is life and it has to manifest
For long, hard times of tales they have told us
Find the time yeah, to study things and-
Observe all what Jah has create
Find the time yeah, look around you
Remember life is the only thing that we have left"
BOOM! 'Find the Time' has such a POWERFUL vibes around it and I went into to it not really expecting a damn thing at all and it CAUGHT ME! It is such a BEAUTIFUL song! Efforts from Rasmanuel (in Spanish) and Stefyah fill out the Fighters Riddim, but I will likely always think back to this one for one immense shot from Norris Man (and the riddim, itself, is delightful. It's very well done).
"Kingdom Call" by Indra [Reality Shock Records - 2023]
Last year, we told you about an album from Achis Reggae favourite, Mikey General, by the name of "Hold A Heights". That album came via one Reality Shock Records from out of the UK and it also featured OUTSTANDING background vocals from one Indra Rudder who, herself, now has a brand new album courtesy of RSR, "Kingdom Call". The Bajan born songstress has an ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL voice and it comes roaring through throughout this lovely debut (I THINK) release. Indra has a.... an almost Jazzy quality to her sound and, when you mix that with Reggae (you get Sara Lugo if you're lucky), the results can often be BEAUTIFUL (have I mentioned Sara Lugo???) and, "Kingdom Call" features some GOLDEN material. Standouts include 'Wake Up Call', 'Wolves', 'Cold World', the opener 'Fresh Wata' and others. Just a very curious sound on this one which, I hope, a lot of people give a shot - an excellent set.
'Hope' by Lutan Fyah [Riddim Wise - 2023]
No older entry this week, but instead a big new tune that has recently popped up on my radars from another favourite of ours as the latest from Lutan Fyah, 'Hope', is VERY nice. The song comes through well the dependable Riddim Wise from Montreal (and the press for this release actually says that the relationship between artist & label is one dating back a decade now) (it sounds like it) and is probably some of the Fyah's finest work that I've heard in a little while (and he's already been fairly active in 2023, so that is saying something). Just a beautiful vibes with a, fittingly, beautiful message and a GORGEOUS song. Take a listen for yourself and that's what I'm listening to.
"Tings ah get hard a yard and abroad
But it really doesn't matter to me
They think you gone falter, put down yah guard
But it really doesn't matter to me
When this escalate and di violence arise-
People gwan dead, mi know di bodies ahgo pile up
Still seh mi ah laze and toil
STILL AH HOLD IT OUT, MATTA OVER MIND
They demand every leverage and ah try to surprise you
One day di people ahgo rise up
They caan take di little bit a weh wi work for
Give it all your heart when a work time
Once there is life, we still got hope
We living inna difficult time, but wi still gone cope"
'Mission Impossible' by Perfect Giddimani & Lutan Fyah [Giddimani Records - 2023]
Okay so, little bonus action here that I simply felt the NEED to mention as veteran duo and favourites of ours, Perfect Giddimani & Lutan Fyah, once again team up on a big new tune, this time for the former's own Giddimani Records, 'Mission Impossible'. This one is delightful but it also has just a bit of a BITE to it as the two talented chanters do exactly what you would expect them to and deliver a quality piece. 'Mission Impossible' is a song about the importance of Rastafari in the world today on both smaller (and interpersonal) levels and grander ones as well. The results are mightily impressive, highly lyrical and a song which you should listen to... like right now. Okay, NOW, that's what I'm listening to.
"Load di chalice and di spliff
Give praise from di heart, Jah praise
I & I TRANSFORM FROM DI DEVIL
FROM DI KING, WI NO DRIFT
Dem get defeat, this a must, wi no fake
One - two, Nyahbinghi, Kette Man ah call through di earth
