Signatures Vol. XII: Reggae Random

Okay so, I was working on a few ideas for what would be next on the Signature series (it is EASILY one of the most enjoyable things that I write as it, primarily, involves me going through a lot of old music that I really, REALLY love) and I had some good ones. While I'll tell you about a couple of the others in the notes for this (right down there ↓ in small print) the one I'm going on today is probably the most fun and less stressful to write. Today we get random: HERE ARE FIFTEEN RANDOM SONGS THAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Signatures: Reggae Random

{Note: The only rule is that no one artist would be repeated}

{Note 2: If it works out right, there'll also be Dancehall & Soca versions}

{Coming soon: Bushman, Vybz Kartel & Destra}

[BOOM!}

1. 'King Selassie H.I.M.' by Tarrus Riley

Never before. I spend a great deal of time talking about people like Norris Man, Chezidek and others: UNCONVENTIONAL TALENTS. These are individuals who offer a very different style but one which is largely effective and downright stunning when at its best. However, with that being said, there is definitely room for.... refinement. "Refinement" would be someone like Tarrus Riley. If someone had a sound signifying that they had no greater purpose on this planet than to sing this music, it would be Riley and, arguably, the single greatest demonstration of this  EN skill would be in one of the best songs I have ever heard, 'King Selassie H.I.M.'. TEAR! You're likely to find similarly organized songs throughout this list (I know at least one because I've already written it) but you'll have a damn near impossible task in locating one -- on or off this list -- which was as PRISTINE & FLAWLESS as this diamond of a praise. 

2. 'I Have My Goals' by Anthem

Wicked ahgo fall. You remember this song??? Chances may be fairly high that, if you ever were familiar with a band (which may or may not still exist) by the name of Anthem from out of who knows where, you probably do remember 'I Have My Goals' over everything else they've done. I don't know if they still exist and, if they do, under what form. I don't recall where they were from (I want to say Connecticut, US for some reason) but full credit goes to the band for blessing us all with this SWEET uplifting and inspirational piece from many years ago now. Take a listen. 

3. 'Health & Strength' by Warrior King

My Father's work. My Father's work. TEARS! I can safely say at this point that I missed on Warrior King. He's made some fine music  but, to be honest, I expected him to enter a level of the music that he has not and, almost surely at this point, never will. A lot of those very high expectations were built upon the work that would go into his 2002 debut album, "Virtuous Woman" (I have a signed copy of that album around here somewhere and the second one too). While the title track there remains his biggest hit to date (unless I'm REALLY forgetting about something) what his actual BEST SONG has been is of even less question (and, in retrospect, that album had some SERIOUS songs on it alongside 'Virtuous Woman'. 'Never Go Where Pagans Go', 'Breath Of Fresh Air' ["ANYWHERE THERE'S LIFE, YOU KNOW MY PEOPLE WILL BE THERE!"], 'Love Jah and Live', 'Empress So Divine', 'JAH IS ALWAYS THERE'.... and I could go on and on) ('Rough Road', 'It's Been Awhile'). Song #14 on "Virtuous Woman" is the mighty 'Health & Strength' and that song, for me at least, puts "virtually" everything that Warrior King does well at its optimum. It is melodic and beautiful to hear and it also carries a high level of substance to it as well; this time combining the enjoyment of the lovely things the world has to offer with a sense of hard work and accomplishment. I don't find myself looking up much of WK's output these days which is too bad and that's too bad because of the skyscraper of talent this man has as is crystal clear by a song like 'Health & Strength'. 

4. 'Before I Lose My Strength' by Akae Beka

All for The Most High, Jah. Here's an interesting one. On the very first edition of this series, we featured Akae Beka and there were several REALLY difficult choices in tunes that I cut off from the final list (to the point where I may, someday, make a vol. 2 for Akae Beka, specifically, and it wouldn't be difficult filling with another 12-15 songs). One selection was DEFINITELY 'Before I Lose My Strength' from the "Jah Grid" album. I can distinctly recall hearing this song (and most of that album) at a stage in my life where the music of Akae Beka (then Midnite) was almost entirely lost on me and the contrast of what I hear these days is absolutely ridiculous. "Jah Grid" is a borderline Modern Classic in my opinion and its finest offering, 'Enter' was on the aforementioned Signatures: Akae Beka post. Its second best?? That honour is up for debate but it settles at the glorious 'Before I Lose My Strength'. Something that I think is unintentionally beautiful about this song has stuck with me: It is delivered in a way (that may, actually, make it one of the best SANG songs that Vaughn Benjamin has ever done. That was never a specialty of his) that directly coincides with its direction. Benjamin sounds... kind of tired, doesn't it? He sounds like a man who has given almost every last drop of effort that he has in his body and before that final spill has been exhausted -- before he is at THE end of his line -- he has something to say. 

"Before I lose my strength-

All of my breath, OH JAH

A joyful song, I sing

Today & tomorrow"

5. 'On My Way To Zion' by Turbulence

Seeking The Conquering Lion. I definitely considered doing a full Signatures feature on Turbulence but the slightest bit if you want to know the signatures of Turbulence's career,  just dig up the "Rising" album and you'll probably be about 80-85% of the way there. One of the exceptions is, arguably, the single greatest tune he's ever done in my opinion, the absolutely STUNNING 'On My Way To Zion'. If ever you've had the fortune of seeing him perform this tune live (and I have) you'll know just how much you can actually FEEL this song but even the studio version of it does a fine job in capturing its presence. I've definitely had my issues with Turbulence's output over the.... best of the last decade and a half or so (and probably longer than that) but, here, he put on a downright ROYAL performance; one befitting The King.

6. 'Black Coffee' by Anthony B

No sugar. No cream. The perhaps surprising standout from the self-prouduced 2001 VP released "That's Life" set, 'Black Coffee' was an absolutely GORGEOUS and SMOOTH tune giving praise and honour to the beautiful Black women of the planet ["Here's my token of appreciation"] from the great Anthony B. For as popular as he is (for good reason), coming across compilations of Anthony B's work isn't the most difficult thing but you probably won't find this true gem of a tune that has largely gone forgotten. That is most unfortunate because it easily ranks amongst the finest love songs of his storied career.

"BLACK COFFEE, NO SUGAR, NO CREAM!

BLACK WOMAN MI A DI KING, YOU A DI QUEEN!"

7. 'Ganja Farmer' by Marlon Asher

Stinkin rocket launcher. Undeniably one of the finest ganja tunes in the history of the music, Marlon Asher left an impact on Reggae music over twenty years ago when he dropped 'Ganja Farmer' which can still be felt to this very day (typically I say it doesn't seem THAT long ago, 'Ganja Farmer' does seem twenty years old at this point). A strong case could also be made that it is the single biggest tune Trinidad Reggae has ever produced (and there're a few strong candidates but it is definitely in the conversation) and that has an even greater reach; it probably helped a number of Asher's peers get their foot in the proverbial door and who knows who we're listening to TODAY that we may not have been exposed to were it not for this tune. And as for this tune... 'Ganja Farmer', as effortlessly as possible, burned a giant hole in the minds of anyone lucky enough to get a taste of it, courtesy of a rocket launcher. 

8. 'Rub-A-Dub Market' by Luciano

Living legend. You come to expect certain things from certain people and when they kind of break that level of expectation and confidence, the results typically aren't very good...  but that isn't always the case. When 'Jah Messenjah', the great Luciano, broke the norm with the title track from his remarkable 2011 album for Irievibrations it was wholly unexpected but NOT AT ALL unwarranted. The man has (and had even fifteen years ago) attained a level of respect and accomplishment in Reggae music that is beyond reproach. We all knew that at the time but he'd never really expressed that, musically, until 'Rub-A-Dub Market'. 

"THEM KNOW THAT PAPA LUCI IS A LIVING LEGEND"

His place already secured, Luciano would even take a next step and criticize some of his less storied peers who are not willing to work but full want to reign.

"DEM AH GWAN LIKE DEM A DI ROOT BUT DEM A DI BRANCH AND STEM"

The tune was spicy, out of the norm and a gorgeous highlight within Luciano's LOADED catalogue.

9. 'Upper Room' featuring Empress Cherisse by Anchants

No need to wonder. I don't remember much these days about Empress Cherisse and the band Anchants. I THINK she was from Trinidad but I don't remember where they were based out of by the time they sent out their 2003 project, "Merkaba". I may've lost the stories of their origins but I do know that, barring some type of dementia, I'm not going to forget their actual work because one of the songs carried by "Merkaba", 'Upper Room', has been a personal favourite of mine from the very second that I laid ears on it. 'Upper Room' is... hypnotic. It is a.... CAREFUL EUPHORIA almost reminiscent of something you get from an ultra-tuned in Dezarie and I have gleefully lost myself in it. The biblically armed track is one with at least one foot on terra firma as, in a very relatable way, Cherisse tells us that there're many things that are questionable -- literally an endless line of them -- but there is something or SOMEONE who is above it and there is no need AT ALL to wonder about HIM. 

10. 'God Bless' by Junior Kelly

Anointed & Appointed. Buried on a long forgotten (but SPICY) album from nearly a quarter-century ago by the name of "Conscious Voice" is simply one of the single greatest songs I have ever heard from anyone, Junior Kelly's DAZZLING 'God Bless'. For anyone who has this kind of rigid archetype of what Roots music is, I'd point you in the direction of this most malleable giant. 'God Bless' had its purpose and it served it. Before we get lost in the stars, the track also deserves a giant lyrical credit as well:

"Yeah, though I walk through the Valley of Death, I man will never fret

Cause Jah is by my side and HIM ah guide mi footstep

Stood firm inna mi faith

Cause Jah is very great

So why you choose to fight man and don't appreciate?-

The vibes a weh mi fling, uplift mi race and thing

BADMINDED PEOPLE DEM DON'T WORTH A THING CUZ-

They would like to see you wear a frown everyday

They would like you throw your dreams all away!

But I'm anointed and appointed by Jah

Dem ahgo fi si mi face on ya!"

With that covered... LISTEN TO THIS THING! 'God Bless' sounds GORGEOUS. It's never failed to put a smile on my face in the last twenty-three years and, apparently, Kelly knew precisely what he had on his hands because he literally observes the moment:

"CAUSE A WI GOT THE GIFT FI MAKE HEADS ROCK AND SHIFT"

Yes, sir. Yes, you do. 

11. 'Volume Of The Book' by Ras Shiloh

The whole earth shook. Veteran vocalist Ras Shiloh is probably best known for two things: The first is his massive hit, 'Are You Satisfied', while the second is the similarity of his voice to the legendary Garnet Silk and that's just fine. I would argue that the single best song that he's ever made (even over 'Are You Satisfied'), is the literally inch-perfect 'Volume Of The Book', which appeared on his 2007 Bobby Digital produced set, "Coming Home", for VP Records. I'll put it to you like this: Shiloh is known, as I said, for being very similar, vocally, to Garnet Silk - if 'Volume Of The Book' were placed somewhere in the catalogue of Silk, it would still rank very highly in my opinion. There're songs that I like more than 'Volume Of The Book' in which I will acknowledge the existence of certain flaws which may even add to their appeal but that isn't the case here. If such a thing is possible: 'Volume Of The Book' was PERFECT. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. 

12. 'I Wanna Go Home' by Alborosie

Island in the sun. I am not a fan of Alborosie's. I never have been and I almost certainly will never be. For some reason, his brand of music has just never appealed to me and though, once upon a time, I definitely did give it a shot I can honestly say that I haven't listened to much of his work, period. Something new coming from Alborosie will likely not get much of my attention. HOWEVER, with that being said there is one exception to all of this within Albo's catalogue, the complete and utter JEWEL that was 'I Wanna Go Home'. The song was just so easy and it was one of those magical times when the vibes of the tune so perfectly match the actual nature and focus of what is going on, lyrically. I wouldn't be surprised if I never found another Alborosie tune that I even kind of like but a big for 'I Wanna Go Home', he has earned and will always have my respect.

13. '50 Push Up' by Spectacular

Hundred skip. I'm probably more open on the heels of his wicked latest release, "Stay Up", from last year but that album didn't represent the first stroke of genius made by the scathing Spectacular. Way back in 2005, the Kingston native served up his debut set, "Find Yourself" and the lasting track from it maintains its STRENGTH to this very day. '50 Push Up' was a song stressing HEALTH & FITNESS of the highest caliber. You're well familiar with Roots music singing about the importance of keeping one's soul and mind in-shape by focusing on the proper things and, of course, praising His Majesty. You'll also hear the occasional offering talking about things such as living a more natural life and putting healthy things into your body. All the more rare is what '50 Push Up' does (as its title DIRECTLY suggests).... it's still necessary for you to break a sweat sometimes to keep your body in shape and to build muscle. There's a certain simplicity to this one, beneath everything, that really helps it along and made it a favourite of mine. Time to get off your ass and do some work!

14. 'From The Beginning' by Lyricson

The powers to sing. Though I may've (I did) beat up on Lyricson's most recent album, "African Dream", I actually did so because I've been witness to the mountain of talent on which he rests his head when at his best (and he's had an EP since then called "Zodiak Vol. 2", I didn't love that one either). Demonstrated amongst his earlier work on albums such as "Keep The Faith", "Born 2 Go High" and "Messages", the incredibly gifted Guinea born vocalist's  talent can be amongst some of the very best in the entire genre when steered properly and WITHOUT A DOUBT the best example of this would come on that "Messages" set from 2012, 'From The Beginning'. WITHOUT QUESTION, 'From The Beginning' is the single best piece of music that I have EVER heard from Lyricson (there exists a chance that he's made something that I haven't heard that I would rank higher but I HIGHLY doubt it) and you could drop it into the catalogue of a handful of others with more storied careers and that would still be the case. 'From The Beginning' was FLAWLESS. 

15. 'Manifess Joy' by Arkaingelle

JOOOOOOOOOY! I may have bad news for you, if this song does not bring a smile to your face. I regret to inform you that your ability to smile is GONE! It's found something else to do with its time and it's spending most of its time at someone else's house. For the rest of us, however, the Arkaingelle THRILLED! I've spent nearly twenty years singing the praises of the SWEET 'Manifess Joy' and with good reason: It's simply one of the best songs that I have ever heard... with no qualification at all (not one of the best from Arkaingelle, from Guyana or during a certain time period. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS THAT I HAVE EVER HEARD!). I should also do something that I'm not sure that I've ever done and give credit to a beautiful background singer who almost serves as a duet partner as much as a backing vocalist (...and may just be Malika Madremana).

What I'm Listening To: Legendary Packs

'Rebel Time' by Sean Paul & Beres Hammond [Dutty Rock Productions]

"Rub-a-dub, it never feel like that"

First up this week is DEFINITELY a pair of legends linking up for one sweet piece of tune as Dancehall burner, Sean Paul, and the coolest man on the planet, Beres Hammond come together for 'Rebel Time'. Call this one unexpected but welcomed as these two deliver precisely what you'd expect from such a big union. 'Rebel Time' is just a vibe! There isn't a lot going on in terms of direction (although it does exist should you care about such a thing here (and you probably shouldn't)), but it is such a NICE piece and you knew it would be. 

"In The Mood" by Shaggy [VP Records - 2023]

Speaking of legends, I'm also taking quite a few happy spins through "In The Mood", the latest EP set from international star, Shaggy and VP Records. Apparently (like everyone else with functioning ears), Shaggy caught the Soca bug in 2023 and he's done a project in observation of the moment. I have to say that the very first time I saw "In The Mood", just the fact that it existed made me smile. THIS IS A GOOD IDEA! It also helps that, in putting things together, Shaggy also taps reigning Soca royalty as the likes of Kes, Bunji Garlin, Patrice Roberts and even Skinny Fabulous (grrr!) all make appearances alongside the 'It Wasn't Me' singer. Still, a case could be made that the single finest moment on 'In The Mood" comes with Shaggy all alone as he mines GOLD with the syrupy sweet Groovy effort, 'I Love Her'. What a lovely song that is! If you too have personally charted a bit more Soca music this year (shit, even if you haven't), you may want to check out "In The Mood". 

'High Grade' by Sizzla Kalonji [Pandemic Records & Entertainment - 2023]

Okay so, not too long ago we told you about some music from the great Sizzla Kalonji that was.... something other than stellar (new album, "Run Tingz", out now) (You don't want to hear that), so of course I've been attempting to rinse it from my mind and I've settled on this recent big tune from the artist and Pandemic Records, 'High Grade'. This one isn't rigid at all, it's very flowing and dynamic and just a very nice vibes and it shows that, although I may typically favour a version of Kalonji which is more 'traditional', that the man can touch in almost any style and make an impact with me. 'High Grade' is a boom!

"Bring it Anu" by Tamera [Ron Benjamin Music]

Something which has probably been on my radar for.... the better part of a couple of months or so that I'm just now telling you about (been busy, sorry!) is this wonderful EP courtesy of one Tamera (who used to go by Hempress Divine) and the great Ronnie Benjamin from Midnite fame, "Bring It Anu". Let me tell you something: THERE IS SOME GORGEOUS MUSIC ON THIS RELEASE. Tunes like the title track, personal favourite 'Free Your Mind Soul Body', the thumping 'Rememba' and 'Atm' absolutely soar on a set which you'll do yourself a mighty disservice if you choose to ignore it. This one I can definitely recommend to fans who have grown accustomed to.... that beautiful HEALTHY VI Reggae sound which is present throughout (and I hardly ever mention it in that way, but it stands out here so vividly).

The Jah Rise Riddim [Machete Records - 2023]

Also on deck these days is a big new riddim courtesy of Machete Records (every time I see the word 'machete' in any relation to Reggae music I immediately think about the WICKED Steve Machete), the GORGEOUS Jah Rise Riddim. With the first half of the year nearing about six weeks from its end, I have to say that the Jah Rise ranks fairly high in terms of the best compositions that I've come across in 2023 thus far. For such a beautiful creation, the vocal talent is top notch as well with several big names taking their turns on Machete's gem. Yaadcore is the least known of the lot, but he turns in a stellar set with 'Concrete Jungle' and is joined by the likes of Sizzla Kalonji, Ginjah, Lutan Fyah, Richie Spice and the reclusive Warrior King who probably provides the Jah Rise with its single finest moment, 'I-Niversal Light', which is damn  near STUNNING! BOOM! Not that there are a lot, there aren't; but literally every tune on this riddim is at least very, very good, without exception.

"Standing Ground" by Akae Beka [Fifth Son Records - 2008]

Lastly (not really because I have to go back and write up Tamera's piece), I've also been listening to quite a bit of Akae Beka (as usual) and these days I'm well focused on the GEM that was the double disced set, "Standing  Ground" from Fifth Son Records back in 2008 (I've also been on quite a bit of "Momentum" as well ["DON'T ACT LIKE THE DIAMETER IF YOU'S THE RADIUS"]. The double attraction to this release has always been the same and, all of these years later it remains the same though even further buttressed with HUGE tunes such as the intoxicating title track, 'Chant Out', 'King of Kings', 'King Ting', 'Medi', 'Spruce' ["He's the holder of the principle to do right"], 'Adon-I', 'Splendence' and so many others. What got your (or at least mine) attention initially, however, was certainly the fact that "Standing Ground" was a double set (and I think it remains alone in that fact at least as far a studio album from the Akae Beka/Midnite catalogue) and packed with so much wonderful work (over an hour and half of it) and there was also the little matter of it carrying.... simply one of the greatst songs I have ever heard from anyone, the INCOMPARABLE 'Ever Was So'. Like much of the output of the legendary Vaughn Benjamin, "Standing Ground" has recently seen a re-release, this time reflecting and respecting Benjamin's shift to "Akae Beka". Absolutely not to be missed. 

WORTHY!: A review of "The Rootz Warrior" by Warrior King

Most unfortunately I think that I’ve been reviewing music for so long that it’s kind of dulled my ability, at least at times, to listen to music for the sake of… simply enjoying the music. I’m always trying to pause something and make sure I heard what I thought that I heard and how it applies to what was said two verses prior and how it matches the riddim and all of these other things I tend to do in order to make a critique. That’s fine, it’s my own fault and I’ll likely not live long enough to get rid of it but I do admit  that I LOVE moments when something is either SO pleasing or has such a powerful surge of some other type of quality which either makes it incredibly pointless or incredibly difficult to think about critically. The general example of this is, of course, Soca music. I’m less than four months away from my thirty-fifth birthday (so, sooooooooo old) and I’ve yet to be able to cure that ‘infection’ and I never will. At its absolute best, or anywhere near it, Soca is somewhere beyond an explanation. You either feel it or you don’t and nothing anyone can say can give it to you or take it away from you in my opinion. When it comes to Reggae music things are different, surely, but not entirely. Yes, the genre can be presented in a form which I feel places it beyond explanation which is why, despite occasionally dipping into the vault throughout the years, we‘ve never spent much time discussing Bob Marley or Peter Tosh, but sporadically even in those cases I kind of feel the need to explain (don’t judge me) (or go ahead… I don’t care). In others still, I just find moments where I am so wholly satisfied with what I hear, that I don’t mind keeping it to myself. Today we take a look at someone whose music hasn’t usually placed him in that category because, throughout his career, when he’s been GOOD, Reggae music has noticed the output of Warrior King and done so in a major way. Dating back to his early years as a top flight artist, he’s been someone who has not only proven to be terribly difficult to ignore for fans of the genre, but also someone whose music has played and played and played! As we get further away from, it may be more difficult to remember, but Warrior King definitely enjoyed a very nice run to prominence as one of the biggest and most productive young stars of Roots Reggae music and, even these days, when he does something big, we’re still taking notice.

…well, yeah he’s done something big again. Besides just being happy to have something new from him in 2016, I’m always excited anytime I hear news on Warrior King because it always gives me a reason to go through his past. He’s never seemed to be the most prolific of vocalists (and that is ONLY in comparison to some of his outrageously active of peers, in virtually any other genre of music, his productivity would certainly be described as ‘steady’ and deservedly so) and maybe that has helped him in some aspects - an avoidance of over-saturation, but there is some CLASSIC material that the chanter [“Jah give I the powers to chant. Jah give I the powers to chant! Jah give I the powers to chant! Mi come to give the people what they need and not what they want!”] [BOOM!] has given us through the years and I anticipate the day, whether he is there to see it or not, when history shows a grand kindness to Warrior King for his contribution to Reggae music. And I’ll be happy to do it now -- definitely two of the nicest additions to my own personal collection is a pair of signed copies of his first two albums, “Virtuous Woman” and “Hold The Faith”, from about a decade ago now.

"Virtuous Woman" [2002] & "Hold The Faith" [2005]

So! Having not written what I would describe as an ‘official’ review in over  a year, I thought that I’d come back and tell you about what I believe is the fifth official studio album from the wonderful Warrior King, “The Rootz Warrior”. Apart from his initial two releases (both came from VP Records in 2002 and 2005, respectively), there was also the ghost-like “Love Is In the Air” in 2009 which flew well beneath the radars of many fans, I’m sure, and then there was the exceedingly well-received “Tell Me How Me Sound” from a couple of years on for Tad’s Records. The former, in retrospect, was an unusual blip in his career, while the latter was nearly a pillar. Of course I’ll have to explain it to you more but, “The Rootz Warrior” is a better album than “Tell Me How Me Sound”. Personally, this album has kept me company for the better part of two or three weeks or so. I have THOROUGHLY enjoyed it and had absolutely no intent on interrupting more time laying around being sick to spend what would surely take a week to write up and figured we’d find some other way to tell you about it eventually… probably (it actually would have went into the last WILT post). However, the new album finds Warrior King linking with an old friend of ours, the enduring James Lord of Irie Sounds International, which, along with the chanter’s own Rootz Warrior Productions imprint and the magical people at Zojak Worldwide, bring “The Rootz Warrior” to fruition and to all of them I, on behalf of YOU and everyone else who is going to hear this album, say “thank you, thank you very much”. Something went through my mind immediately when I first heard the album fully and it has dominated my opinions in regard to it from ever since then. “The Rootz Warrior” is VINTAGE level Warrior King. We may not (but then again we might) come away with these type of bursting anthems such as the afore-alluded to ‘Power To Chant’ or ‘Virtuous Woman’ or ‘Never Go Where Pagans Go’ (CLASSICS! ALL OF THEM! DAMN!), but that won’t be due to the quality of the music because there is some work on this release which ranks very closely to those landmark tracks in my opinion. And as an album, it goes on to rank as the Warrior King’s finest piece of work in almost a decade and a half. Let’s deal with it!  

"Love Is In The Air" [2009] & "Tell Me How Me Sound" [2011"]

Unsurprisingly “The Rootz Warrior” album appears to be a set which features a mixture of tunes fans are likely to know with other, and presumably newer, material. And it is such a downright DOMINANT track, at least to ears, which gets things started, in the form of ‘His Majesty [He’s Worthy]’. In any realm in which common sense exists this praising tune is the finest offering on this album - it is absolutely spectacular!

“The world have seen his face

People from all different time and space

He sits upon the throne of David

Lets become members of a new race -

So all evil can be erased

His words are pure and sacred

He’s worthy

His Majesty is worthy 

He’s worthy to be praised always

He’s worthy

Haile Selassie is worthy

He’s worthy to be praised all days

He established the OAU

And for those who don’t have a clue - at the League of Nations, 1936

He prophesied World War II

Anywhere in the world He went, it was always a historic event

Best dressed Head of State, three consecutive years

He was showered with gifts and presents”

Fortunately, however, common sense has never been a strength of mine. Still, despite being my second favourite song on the album, ‘His Majesty’ SOARS and is as regal and royal of an effort as one would hope for given its subject. Next in is a tune which I think is familiar to my ears (though it may just be the horns), the also very strong ‘Stand Up In the Fyah’. This LUSH piece goes in a few different directions, but at its core what I ultimately took for it is the sense of one attempting to do the best that they can in life in all aspects. The Warrior King tackles several topics from being sure to be responsible [“You know not where you’re going because you know not where you’re from. How can an Afrikan join the Ku Klux Klan?!“] and clean and to give thanks for what you have and he finds a track between it all which makes for one very compelling tune. And speaking of tracks, the riddim on ‘Stand Up in the Fyah’ primes up after its beginnings and is subsequently DIVINE. Continuing with the theme of the opening of “The Rootz Warrior” is its third selection, ‘Rastafari Protect I’… PROBLEMS! This song is one which I think is probably going to help a whole heap of people in their journey in life as WK speaks about the basic DEPENDABLE and trustworthy nature of His Majesty and it put a SMILE on my face. It may just be the mightiest drop on the whole of the album lyrically (or just in general -- you could make that case), pinnacling, in my opinion, on a STUNNING third verse.

“Rastafari protect I from all enemies

Deliver me

He never let I down

For every sickness there’s a remedy

Burn impurity

His Majesty wear the triple crown

Keep I brave and bold

The devils seeking after my soul

They’re trying to take control

But my life is more precious than gold

All the people out there planning to destroy me like Bin Laden -

I never worry nor fret 

Yet, PROPAGANDA PROPAGATING AND STILL CAN’T I RATINGS

I AH CHANT LIFE OVER DEATH!”

And sticking right there as well, definitely check the ‘shufflin’ ‘Ain’t Giving Up’. Another big addition to this album and one which rests near its head to my ears. Here’s another composition about perseverance in life and endeavouring to maintain oneself in the face of adverse situations and conditions. It also has a sweet, SWEET backing courtesy of its well proven and trusted riddim.

Another aspect of “The Rootz Warrior” which kind of made it a very ‘comfortable’ album for me was just how well it sounds. The sonic appeal of the album isn’t this kind of mechanical and rigid type of vibe which you can get from Roots Reggae music when it isn’t done well and it appears, at least, that a conscious effort was made to give the listener something which may not wholly challenge the thought, but something which can just make you feel good! Want an example? I’ll give you three of them. First check what is my Wife’s current favourite song on the album, ‘Your Love Is Amazing’ (and as I’ve said in the past, her taste in men may be AWFUL (and it is), but she knows a good song when she hears it) which was WK‘s cut of Irie Sounds‘ In Love Riddim from a few years back. This song probably isn’t going to change the world, but it’ll put a smile on more than a few faces [“Your love keeps me warm even when I’m in the fridge. It takes me to the place where The Most High is”] and that is an important power of another kind! Later we get the outstanding ‘Watching You’ which is going to put a lot of motion in a lot of necks and feet (I said that because I’m sitting here stepping and rocking back and forth in my chair), including yours and mine. And watch last year’s golden Legends of Soul Riddim from Crawba Productions glow all across the album in the form of ‘Moonlight Bright’. I could listen to this thing all day long if I had to. It has such a nice vibe and the love song appears to have been constructed for exactly such a purpose and, like I said, it will definitely make you feel good. “The Rootz Warrior” also features a pair of mixes of previous compositions, ‘The One For Me’ and ‘Signs of The Times’, respectively. The former gets an acoustic rinsing and runs not too far behind ‘Moonlight Bright’ for its sensory appeal. ‘Signs of The Times’, on the other hand, gets a Dubstep mix and is the longest song on the entire album by nearly a minute. I’ve never been a fan of Dubstep, but I’ve been quick in the past to find out that I am in a minority when it comes to that and a credit well goes to the idea of changing things up considerably.

'Same Source'

Warrior King, himself, charts a very interesting course when he heads to The Gambia for the tribute to the country’s sitting Head of State on ‘President Yahya Jammeh’. I may be wrong, but I can’t think of any other time WK making such a musical acknowledgment and it was somewhat surprising (although certainly Sizzla Kalonji approves). But what develops consequently is nothing but a tough addition to this album. Tougher, still, are a pair of drops later on this album which help to form THE class of it in my opinion. The first is its finest moment in my opinion, the MAMMOTH ‘Same Source’. I talked about songs present on “The Rootz Warrior” which seemed to serve a primary purpose of just making the audience enjoy themselves and the music and there were pieces at the beginning which were of far more mentally gripping ilk, ‘Same Source’, at least in my opinion, combines elements of both. It is a JOY to listen to and Warrior King takes full advantage of the instant to make a grand point of unification throughout the world. It has such an easy way about it and it so wonderfully plays into the vibes of the song as, while it may be a critical message (and it is), it is something which is BASIC to humanity [“I HOPE YOU KNOW, WE’RE ALL CONNECTED!”] and something which doesn’t need to be injected into your mind because it’s already there. It just needs to be refreshed. And there’s also ‘Greater’ which is fantastic. It is the type of song which, buried way down there at track #13, may go overlooked but that’ll be your loss because ‘Greater’ may just be one of the best songs that Warrior King has ever done. 

“Good, better, best - nothing less

Everything I do, I’m always aiming for the highest

Cleanliness is righteousness

Who Jah Jah bless, I say no man test

Anything that’s common to man you can do

Equal capacity, we have that fi true

Don’t put no limitations pon your mind

Mi bless by The Most High, so divine

Anything that you can do, Rasta can do it too

And do it greater

Greater!

And Greater!

Any game that you can play, Rasta can play it too 

And play it greater!

Greater!

And greater!”

Finally, there is a pair of  combinations on “The Rootz Warrior” featuring a couple of really big, big names. ‘I Wouldn’t Do That’ features the legendary Beres Hammond (wouldn’t it be nice if we got a new Beres album in 2016?). This is actually a remake of an older Hammond song with Warrior King now adding his portions and making for another very soothing effort -- but I could listen to Beres Hammond sing absolutely anything and find it soothing. There is a message here in the vibes of making the not so obvious but BEST choices in life to live in a proper way. Specifically, the thought is to eschew what may seem to be the ‘best’ things in life because things that are shiny always come with a shiny price tag, whether you realize it or not. And Richie Spice runs red all over ‘Heartbreaker’. On paper, a combination featuring Warrior King and Richie Spice is all kinds of interesting and although I wouldn’t count ‘Heartbreaker’ amongst the biggest highlights on this album, it doesn’t disappoint in the end. 

Overall (2700 words + that wasn’t too bad), “The Rootz Warrior” is the best album Warrior King has done in fourteen years, in my opinion. And, as I mentioned, THE class of this album ranks alongside the very best material that he has produced at any point in his career. What really stands out, in retrospect (besides how proud I am of myself that I actually finished this thing) (and I don’t think it‘s terrible, I‘d probably give myself a 2.75/5), is just how COMPLETE this album is. I may not be in love with EVERY song on it,  but I don’t look at one area and say that it could have definitely been improved if they’d done _____. I think it is as good as it could have possibly been and saying something like that in reference to a piece of work by someone as entirely gifted as Warrior King almost always means that WHATEVER it is, is probably special. “The Rootz Warrior” well has something special about it as Warrior King reaches vintage levels on his finest album release in a very long time. Well done. 

Rated: 4.35/5

Rootz Warrior Productions/Irie Sounds International/Zojak Worldwide

2016

Digital {CD Coming soon}

Review #535

Modern Classics Vol. XXXI: "Virtuous Woman" by Warrior King

"Virtuous Woman" by Warrior King [VP Records - 2002]

'Roots Reggae Music' doesn't always fit into some 'neatly' category. Sometimes, however, it does and it does so to a degree which is just SO powerful that you have a very difficult time ignoring it. Here's an example! Back in 2002 there were two projects which dominated the attentions of Reggae fans and the Reggae listening world, both of which we have already covered in this series - Sizzla's "Da Real Thing" and "Still Blazin" from Capleton. Also in that same pack, for more of the hardcore fans (and from the same label) which would, seemingly, bring to full display one of the genre's future champions, Warrior King. At the time, one of the most talked about and lauded up and comers, Warrior King displayed a talent which captivated much of the Reggae community because of its very BRIGHT sound. He made a brand of Reggae which was, besides being packed with upful and far reaching messages, absolutely sonically captivating! He didn't push the boundaries of the music; he did push its levels and pushed himself right into spotlight of the genre along with the help of one of the most underrated producers in the music, Calibud. Eventually the album would arrived so named after his most powerful moment to date - "Virtuous Woman".

The Music

1. 'Power To Chant'

To open things up on "Virtuous Woman", Warrior King and company chose not only one of the finest tunes that the album would produce, but also unarguably the most fitting tune to get things started. Instead of IMMEDIATELY swatting the listener over the head with the main attraction/title track, WK chooses to announce his presence via the divine (literally) 'Power To Chant'. This HUGE song is as much of a 'mission statement' as it is a song giving thanks as he declares "mi come fi give the people what they need and not what they want" on behalf of His Majesty.

Best Lyric: "Jah works are spiritual food. Sweet for the soul, it gives a positive mood. Uplifting the people with the right attitude. Oh Jah give I the powers to lead the multitude"

2. 'Never Go Where Pagans Go'

In Reggae we (meaning everyone) (EVERYONE) use the "righteous" entirely too much and thus, it has very much become a tired Reggae-cliché of sorts. But I'm going to use it here again anyway. 'Never Go Where Pagans Go' is a RIGHTEOUS song between two other righteous songs on a big righteous album. Throw in that COOL Tune In track and here you have, again, one of the biggest moments to be found on this album and almost any other.

Best Lyric: "Hail The King of Kings, for he giveth all the powers. Born in Ethiopia, look, it's written in the scriptures. Who are the righteous? Hey, the are the truth seekers. Woe be onto you false leaders"

3. 'Jah Is Always There'

It's easier to go through troubling times when you know that someone is behind you helping to keep you secure and that is, essentially, the message to be found on 'Jah Is Always There'. What I really like about this one, all these years on, is just how strong the song is lyrically. Simultaneously Warrior King gives the vibe to continue persevering and trying in life, but he's also sure to make sure everyone knows that within the cover of His Majesty, security is ALWAYS present.

Best Lyric: "Wicked heart ah fight mi down. Try fi push I around. I KNOW, Jah is always there. Would rejoice if I drown or get crush by the pound. I KNOW, Jah is always there.

4. 'Africa Shall Be Free'

Warrior King does a bit of channeling of the legendary Hugh Mundell on 'Africa Shall Be Free' and after listening to this song, you're just as inspired as you were after going through Mundell's timeless track of a similar name. This tune just had a ROYAL (another overused word, I'll stop now) (no I won't) vibes to it and despite the kind of superficial take on the second verse, which I have heard before, for me this one was looking at a worldwide unification, but one ultimately observing that HOME is really HOME.

Best Lyric: "Put away the guns and those evil device. Waan hurt your sister? Why take your brother's life? Have some tolerance, you should learn to socialize, for I'm a warrior of truths and rights"

5. 'Breath of Fresh Air'

A 'Breath of Fresh Air' in almost any sense is a pretty good thing and hear, not only did the song wrap itself around the title in terms of the message; the VIBES of the tune also did the same thing. Take this one out for a casual spin and it's just an upful song. It makes you smile. It makes you feel good. Everything you would expect from someone as talented as Warrior King observing the greatest music in the world.

Best Lyric: "A BREATH OF FRESH AIR! A BREATH OF FRESH AIR! ANYWHERE THAT'S LIFE YOU KNOW MY MUSIC WILL BE THERE!" [BOOM!]

6. 'Boast Not Myself'

The somewhat dark 'Boast Not Myself' was the first changeup on the album and one which has definitely gotten more of respect through the years. On the song WK has almost a straight deejaying delivery at times and it works for him. Of course, he never waivers on the message (can you imagine one day hearing Warrior King doing a dirty, violent song???) (biggup Norris Man) while giving the listener a slightly different look on his abilities.

Best Lyric: "What is to be done never leave it for later. Just do the work and never be a time-waster. For Rasta know seh yow, seh time ah di master. And work along and you forever ever prosper"

7. 'Love Jah & Live'

While the opener wasn't quite a straight forward praising tune, 'Love Jah & Live' is that EXACTLY and I'm going to say that it's probably become the second most underrated tune on this album. There is just something about this song that taps into a very LARGE scale of quality, at least for me. I listen to it and I FEEL rumbling. It sounds like something BIG is about to happen and by its end you realize that something BIG just did.

Best Lyric: "You know I am an optimist. I look at the brighter side of life. I'm not a pessimist. I'm not a racist, nor neither am I prejudice. I show love to all the people. Now listen to the words from my lips"

8. 'Rough Road'

Much like the tune preceding it, 'Rough Road' just has a kind of a deeper feel to it. In this case, however, I think that because of the riddim and the backup singers and just how well the song is 'dressed', it's more of an immediately appreciable quality. On its message, the song is close to 'Jah Is Always There', speaking on maintaining one's course and holding firm, but this one, like that sizable track has nothing in the way of problems distinguishing itself. It is LOVELY!

Best Lyric: "From you fail the others - Try again. And if you fail once more, you better try again. Jah say once there is life, there is a way my friend. Rastafari a di head, so wi haffi set di trend"

9. 'Education is the Key'

Put some brains in your head to follow along with 'Education Is The Key' which was, quietly, probably amongst the second tier of songs which would go on to damage from the "Virtuous Woman" album. What I'm left with here, besides the obvious (and this definitely isn't a rare subject) is WK's approach to the tune and I'll go into this more in synopsis, but "EDUCATION" in his mind isn't simply something that you learn.

Best Lyric: "'To gain more knowledge yow, you have to spread your wings', says the Minister of Education - The King of Kings"

10. 'Baby Don't Worry'

'Baby Don't Worry' was one of a few second-half love songs on the album and one which ultimately leads to the forth coming BOOM on "Virtuous Woman". Here's another tune which has gone forgotten over the years and this is just so COOL that that is really unfortunate. The Calibud produced track was an old school vibed piece done in a very modern way and proved to be a lovely addition to this album.

Best Lyric: "I'll be your lover, a friend and a brother. Jah made us one, so no one put asunder. Always remember, we're here for each other"

11. 'Empress So Divine'

Another "lovely addition" to the album and one of its best remembered songs has become 'Empress So Divine' and a most simple run through reveals exactly why, even nearly a decade later. This song was MAGIC! You may find others here that you enjoy more (and you're about to find one very shortly), but this one had a downright magnetic quality to it - Like all of WK's work at its best.

Best Lyric: "Black Woman so divine, ever looking fine. Woman you shoulda know you mek my love light shine. You're humble and so meek. Righteousness you fi seek. Want you by my side, seven days of the week"

12. 'Virtuous Woman'

I speak a great deal of 'modern classics' and how artists, songs and album will become the "classics" of the future, but here's a case where that has already happened and in a time not so far away as well. 'Virtuous Woman' the song is an undisputed classic tune. Along with being THE song which would introduce us all to such an impressing talent as Warrior King, this was just a SENSATIONAL song. It showed a level of progression which wasn't of a 'one-hit-wonder' level. The album named after it would subsequently prove that to be the case - Coming in after its absolutely HALTINGLY BEAUTIFUL (it just makes you pause a bit and smile when you hear it, don't?) headliner.

Best Lyric: "Woman to keep I strong, which is part of Jah plan. I leave my Mom & Dad - find a woman and be one. With a woman I make my bond: Perfect combination. I am a Black Man, so mi love mi Black Woman"

13. 'Oh Mama' featuring DYCR

The always interesting (and somewhat chaotic) DYCR was tapped for 'Oh Mama', the obligatory Mama tune for the album. The very colourful Dub poet pretty much changes EVERYTHING he reaches (I've grown to enjoy DYCR to an extent through the years) and, as we see on the album's closer, that was evident here. He dominates large stretches of the tune (his 'verses' were half-minutes longer than those of most people - The album's most ROUSING moment.

Best Lyric: "Mama - your love, I will recommend, to nurture and guide your grandchildren. Mama, to me, you're more than a friend. My love for you will never end. For you, Zion gates, will be opening. You've taught me true beauty lies within. Mama you're one of a kind! You're always on my mind. Mama you're one of a kind! And you are so divine"

14. 'Health & Strength'

TEARS! 'Virtuous Woman' is the tune which gave this album so much more along with 'just' its title, but as far as its actual BEST composition - Here it is! 'Health & Strength' was MASSIVE! It was just a beautiful vibes and a strong message (and one which goes along with WK's always prevailing sentiment which we'll deal with in closing) was present as well. Lyrically it was an underrated song and it has pretty much gone forgotten and overlooked since its release which is really terrible. The best song on one of the best albums you'll ever hear - TRULY a big deal.

Best Lyric: "From health and strength is there - I have to do my Father's work, my Father's work. From health and strength is there - I have to till the earth, till the earth"

15. 'What's Going On' featuring JahMali

Sweet singing JahMali joined in for what is definitely the album's recognizable track (in the 'mainstream' sense) - A remake of Marvin Gaye's classic track, 'What's Going On'. I've well grown to appreciate this one more and more over time and while I'm not sure exactly why, I'm happy that it is the case. What I'm hearing now, tangibly, is the very exciting ending to the song which I don't know if I just didn't notice before, but the stirring stretch is a big highlight on the track.

Best Lyric: "Let's bring back the love and harmony. Me for you and you for me. Let's bring back the love and harmony. We are obligated to The Almighty"

16. 'It's Been Awhile'

Absolutely delightful is this quietly very well regarded track, 'It's Been Awhile'. Yes, it's buried down here on the album, but it's probably one of the best songs on it and it also carries a vibes which is virtually guaranteed to make a listener smile. The song is just so straight forward and SIMPLE that, although the riddim is very nice, it pretty much allowed WK to do whatever he liked on the love vibes and it really comes through that he had a great deal of fun doing the song (probably most memorable is the fact that he slips in the name of his producer on the chorus).

Best Lyric: "I am an upful and I ah deal with progress. Now tell mi now woman if I ah have your interest. For I love the words you speak and I love the way you dress. I am of royal lineage, so won't you be my lioness"

17. 'Make Me Feel'

This song is another which has gone largely neglected and overlooked and another which I've grown in appreciation of as well. 'Make Me Feel' is a love song and it is one on an R&B vibes, but what happens on the song, at least to my opinion, is that WK actually manages to 'overcome' the vibes of the song. He literally gets into a portion of the song (and if you've heard it, you know what I'm talking about) where he OVERPOWERS the vibes of the song. WK's voice is one which, even today, is probably still largely untapped as far as its ceiling, but here we got a very interesting demonstration of its, perhaps, greater than expected heights.

Best Lyric: "She will always love the Rastaman. She loves I for who I am. She will always love the Boboman. Trodding with his broom in his hand. And always love the Binghiman, because I'm firm and strong"

18. 'Mama' [Remix]

And lastly is the version of the previously mentioned 'Oh Mama' (now, curiously, just called 'Mama'). I'm now fond of the 'other' version, but this tune which features WK alone is an entirely stronger one in my opinion. It's more melodic and large stretches of the song aren't turned over to a most determined DYCR (whose appeal, partially, comes from the fact that he delivers in a way which suggests that he might be in a rush!). On that one, while nice, the appeal is an INTERESTING and FASCINATING one. Here? However you want to look at it, it's just a damn good song and one giving a big praise to where it belongs. Hey Mama! Hi Mama!

Best Lyric: "The ancient way you have grown me. The beautiful things you have shown me. You taught I the power of humility. Love and affection you have given me. The bond we share will always be. Mama you know you mean the world to me"

Synopsis

There are now two things which dominate my perception of "Virtuous Woman". The first is the one which I alluded to in opening. The SOUND of the album is really, by comparison, so much more than you would come to expect from many albums of the Roots Reggae variety - even today. Warrior King, at his best, makes really CATCHY music - Attention grabbing music. This, of course, makes it very easy to listen to his music and as opposed to someone like the aforementioned Capleton who also makes very infectious music, WK does it in a way which isn't really going to get more mainstream heads interested, but it takes more established fans of the genre who are used to hearing to recognize just how much of a deviation that he is to a degree. And for a subgenre often regarded as being somewhat of the 'template' or 'cookie-cutter' variety, he manages to stand out without standing out too far (if that makes ANY sense whatsoever).

Secondly is the message of the album (DUH). Here, again, Warrior King makes a very small deviation, but one which is most glaring to big fans of the music. The music is all about UNITY and how it is attained and the benefits of maintaining it and approaching it. This is never more easily comprehended than on 'Africa Shall Be Free'.

"I look towards the future with lots of confidence

Good over evil - No waan no violence

The righteous will be rejoicing

Rejoicing!

And I know

And I KNOW

All Africa shall be free

Put away the guns and those evil device

Waan hurt your sister?

Why take your brother's life?

Have some tolerance, you should learn to socialize

For I'm a warrior for truths and rights

Listen to my words, you can even analyze

Words of wisdom will surley open up your eyes

Unity is strength - Why are we living so wide?

Division is weakness so we need not fight"

That's pretty straight forward and just well done, but WK's consistent take on the topic comes in a very refreshing way. From the most well known tune on the album named after it, to my choice as its finest moment, his idea of bringing people together starts with strengthening the FAMILY and then branching out. He does this superbly and glaringly on 'Education is the Key'.

"Knowledge makes me whole, it makes me stronger

Developing intellect, it makes me wiser

More precious than the gold and the silver

Oh! I'm appealing to the youngsters

Children, never you waste your time and fall fool

Go ahead and learn the golden rule

Mama always say 'never be stubborn like a mule'

For education does not stop inna di schools"

However, it is a concept prevalent throughout "Virtuous Woman" and really, throughout WK's entire catalog when you're dealing with the best of it. This isn't a rare concept (see 'Black Woman & Child' and hundreds of other tunes), but it is quite unusual for an artist to have this as the MAIN basis for their music. And further more, I think it's also pretty rare to have someone who has any dominant message for their ENTIRE body of work, outside of the 'fire bun' concept that is.

At the head of WK's ideal structure of unity is the 'Virtuous Woman'. Thus empowering the Woman and empowering the perception of her is very critical.

"No real man can live without a woman

Like night to day is a woman to her man

She's essential to his purpose and his mention

A good woman is a glory to her man"

The first line of this passage, taken from the title track, has always struck me as being extremely significant because what it seems to do is to essentially make a stand and a very important point and one which may be somewhat complex in actuality, but is compoundly attenuated by WK here. It reaches to the core pride of a man and very blandly and bluntly says (in a good way):

"No real man can live without a woman"

I take this to mean so many different things and I've come to add to it my own line of thinking ('no real man can live without respecting a woman') and he well shows that on other tunes such as 'Empress So Divine' and definitely 'Oh Mama' and its remix. You can even hear it present on the somewhat 'loose' 'It's Been Awhile' - Where it is about romance, but it isn't ONLY about romance.

Finally I would like to touch on 'Health & Strength' very briefly. This is another tune which follows in the concept of strengthening the family and showing (and giving birth to) unity. In this instance the method is incredibly significant and it IMMEDIATELY makes itself known on the most beautiful moment on this album.

This wonderful wonderful album, "Virtuous Woman" by Warrior King, A Bona fide Modern Reggae Classic!

Review #323