What I'm Listening To: Zigging

'Head Up' by Ziggi Recado [Nayamari Music - 2026]

Not too long ago at all, we told you about the new EP release from Statian star, Ziggi Recado, "Elevation" from Oneness Records; a couple of months on, and he's already back at work with a brand new tune for his own label, Nayamari Music, 'Head Up'. Let me just say, first of all, that the riddim on this tune is ABSOLUTELY SUBLIME! THIS THING IS GOLD! A quick glance through the credits reveals a pair of familiar names which would well explain the quality of the musicianship here as both Jah David [Zion High Productions] & Tippy I [I Grade Records] are amongst the players of instruments behind 'Head Up' - giving it at least a baseline of expectations (and results). To his credit, Ziggi doesn't waste the moment and continues his winning run of form with another impressive track. This one speaking to keeping focused (and HAPPY) in the face of outside factors trying to steer your decision away. 

"Caan mess wid mi mind, dem nuh able

Walk mi own road, mi nuh follow dem fable

Mi destiny set, it written pon di cable

Dem chat plenty but di works nuh stable"

Can't imagine it's happening this year (though I'd take it if it is) but HOPEFULLY 2027 brings us a new full project from Ziggi Recado as it appears he's hitting his stride once again. 

"Brightside" by Ziggy Marley [Tuff Gong - 2026]

I've never been the biggest fan of legit Reggae star, Ziggy Marley, and his latest set, "Brightside", most certainly isn't going to change that. I did give it an honest shot but, unfortunately, "Brightside"appears to embody what I don't like about his work. There's a certain... Folk-ishness or Country-ishness about his sound that just doesn't vibe with me for some reason or another and I hear it (whatever IT may be) all over this one. That being said, I'd be pretty damn surprised if "Brightside" isn't nominated for a Grammy next year and it will be amongst the favourites to take home the trophy once again for Ziggy Marley (he'll probably win). 

"Love And Energy" by Ky-Mani Marley [Konfrontation Muzik + DubShot Records]

I've also never been the biggest fan of Ziggy's brother, Ky-Mani, though he has made music over the years that I have enjoyed (namely an album from a century or two ago, "Many More Roads") (also had a song called 'Royal Vibes' that I really liked; think it was on the "Radio" album) and he's also back with a brand new album of his own for 2026, "Love And Energy". Though I'm not really a fan and SURELY because of its length, there're things that I've enjoyed on "Love And Energy" as opposed to "Brightside". Standouts include both the openers, the title track and  'New Creature', as well as 'One Family' and 'War Inna Babylon'. Ky-Mani calls in the heavy artillery as "L&A" features a helping hand by the likes of Anthony B, Gyptian, Sizzla Kalonji, Agent Sasco, Lutan Fyah and others. I'm not going to blow it up and say IT'S FANTASTIC [it's not] (I would've reviewed if it were) but I have had a little fun with "Love And Energy" and you'll probably like this one (another damn near lock of a Grammy nominee) more than I do. 

Bomboclxxt Now Riddim [Misik Muzik - 2026]

I most certainly AM a fan of Suku from Ward 21 and his latest creation, the Bomboclxxt Now Riddim has not done a damn thing to dampen that... at least not as far as a creation. Strictly in terms of the actual riddim, itself - the Bomboclxxt Now is a winner. It is the aggressive, legit, hardcore Dancehall that you've come to expect from Suku after all of these years. What happens on it when turned over to even some very talented vocalists, however, is largely a different story. Most... MOST of the tunes on this riddim just don't work for me and, again, that isn't just from some random up and comer struggling in the moment (although there're a number of those as well). The likes of Spragga Benz, Delly Ranks, Lexxus, Kiprich, Craigy T, Bling Dawg and others all turn up with relatively flat performances across something that you would think would be right up their proverbial alleys.... but not everyone misses the mark. 

Reigning supreme is Sean Paul with the sickening 'Steal Machine', also scoring well are both Wayne Wonder and Wayne Wonder's alter ego, Supriz (Supriz actually does a little better, in my opinion) as well as Jah Izrehl who absolutely scorches with the very clever 'Seh No'. The Bomboclxxt Now also has a version 2.0, featuring some (many... like 20 of them) of the lesser known artists on the riddim, as well as Digital Riley. Actually, though you may not know most (or any at all) of their names, 2.0 is better between the two. Here, Uncle Finch, Andre Blackx, Crazy G, I-Jah Yout, Cute Axe (who!), Kwanele and others still turn up with solid offerings. 

 

"Higher Meditation" by Anthony B [Greensleeves Records - 2007]

Obviously I've found my way back to the [hard-to-believe] now NINTEEN YEARS OLD "Higher Meditation" via Anthony B's latest creation, the lovely "World Of Love". Regardless of the reason that brought me here... I'm here and "Higher Meditation" IS an excellent album, especially when you haven't heard it in awhile. The set was another product of a very powerful union between Anthony B and Frenchie & all of the fine people at Maximum Sound and was the direct descendant of the even stronger "Black History" album from a couple of years prior (before that was the SOLID "Powers Of Creation" project as well) ["Stand guard, nuh let dem hurt you!"]. These albums, in my opinion, are highlighted by HEAVY but INFECTIOUS Roots Reggae music (with a little Dancehall mixed in). It's the genuine article but it is very catchy and that's the signature Maximum Sound (if there exists such a thing) for me. That is exactly what "Higher Meditation" was. These days, a tune called 'Hold On', that I didn't remember AT ALL, is absolutely killing me ["Dutty babylon, mi nah need yuh ointment!"] along with the typical highlights, 'Just Can't Live That Way', the title track, 'One Chalice' ["ALL WHEN MI OLD AND GREY, MI STILL AH SMOKE THE HERBS EVERYDAY!"], 'Jahx5' (that song is literally called 'Jah, Jah, Jah, Jah, Jah') and of course its pair of combinations, 'Real Wariors' and 'Honour To Marcus', with Turbulence and Natty King, respectively. I'm presuming that ship has sailed but, DAMN wouldn't it be nice if Anthony B & Maximum Sound linked up again for another set! 

Elevation by Ziggi Recado!

"Elevation" by Ziggi Recado [Oneness Records]

Let's talk about Ziggi Recado for a little while today. I used to consider myself a pretty big fan of the Statian born dynamo. I reviewed a number of his albums and even deemed one, "In Transit", to be a modern classic. I go back in my head now and I'm thinking of crazy records that Ziggi did that are still stuck in my head to this day like 'Need To Tell You This' ["GIRL I NEED TO REALLY TELL YOU THIS!"], 'Cry Murdah' ["SOMEBODY GET GUNNED DOWN IN THE STREET LAST NIGHT!"], 'Mary' ["ME AND HER CONNECT INNA PASSIONATE WAY!"], 'New Day', 'Masquerade', 'I'm Blaak', 'Guide Ova', 'All Obstacles', 'So Much Reasons'... I'm literally going through his albums and recalling just how much fun these songs were and how they went so far in making a fan out of me and this is going back... maybe fifteen, TWENTY years at this point. He started out making more Dancehall/Hip-Hop geared material and, as he matured, Ziggi would become a damn powerhouse of modern Roots to the point where he grabbed the attention of the mighty Zion I Kings, who produced a fantastic album with him by the name of "Therapeutic", a dozen years ago now. 

Somewhere along the line, however, I kind of lost touch with Ziggi's music. He'd made a few singles that I didn't particularly enjoy (which is nothing. You won't like EVERYTHING anyone is making; that's normal) and... I don't know what happened really. Maybe he was a little inactive (maybe not) or maybe I just wasn't doing a good enough of a job in paying attention but Ziggi was making music and I wasn't completely noticing and that's a problem. 

Here's a problem solver. On the third day of the second half of 2026, one of my favourite labels in the entire world, the brilliant Oneness Records from out of Germany has just released a brand new, seven-track EP from Ziggi Recado by the name of "Elevation". Ziggi had been dropping singles for the label earier this year and you figured a full project of some type was forthcoming and here it be! You already know what's going on here but let's take a look at it anyway, mini-review style. 

I'm sitting here thinking what my response would have been, years ago, had you told me that Ziggi was working with Oneness. That would have made my day.... my year, even. That is HUGE news around here even on a single but I get seven of them? THANK YOU! The first is the sublime 'Wheels Keep Turning', featuring the highly interesting Rik Jam with whom I have a bit of indirect history. Rik Jam had an album come out last year by the name of "The Genesis" that I kept meaning to get around to digging into and possibly reviewing but I never did. I've still not written the review for it (thinking about doing it now though, actually) but I have heard quite a bit of "The Genesis" andddddddddd.... it's kinda spectacular. So I was curious as to how Jam might beautify "Elevation" and he does so with an appearance on one its strongest efforts. 'Wheels Keep Turning' is a damn DIAMOND of a tune saying that judgment, whatever it may be, is coming and there's nothing that can be done stop it. Excellent start! Next we have a well recognizable 'Boom Meditation'. I've THOROUGHLY enjoyed this song from the first time that I heard it... but it may be even finer than I was giving it credit for. First of all, the riddim is GORGEOUS; that is next level infectiousness and musical intoxication. Furthermore, am I going too far in declaring it to be, PERHAPS, one of the finest vocal performances of Ziggi's career?? Forgive me for being blasphemous but some of what he does here almost sounds.... Cure-ish?? I'm hesitant to compare anyone to what is probably the single greatest voice ever given to a human being, EVER, but respect goes to where it is due and it is DUE all over 'Boom Meditation'. Oh, and the song is really good too if I haven't said that exactly just yet. 

Remember when I talked about losing touch with Ziggi's music earlier. Well, one of the tunes I fucked up and missed out on was called 'Don't Stay Far'. I'm 99.9% sure I've never heard this song from a couple of years ago at all. Like never! I'm going to call 'better late than never' and give credit to Oneness for bringing it to my attentions here because this thing is CANDY for your ears. What a sweet love-ish kind of tune this is. 'When She Loves' is somewhat similarly themed as 'Don't Stay Far' and not trailing too far behind. This is an older tune that I actually had come across at some point and I remember, largely, on the strength of that RIDICULOUS riddim. That thing is... in the stars somewhere, seriously. The song also has a nice and fairly unique message to it as well and is just solid, all the way around. 

I heard a bit of 'One Step Forward' and didn't get very far into it at all before I knew that I was hearing something special and it hasn't moved at all. This is THE best song altogether on 'Elevation' and I'll leave it at that. It is absolutely fantastic. 'Nice Ting' is the obligatory ganja tune here and it, fittingly, is a slow-burner. You may enjoy this song the first time you hear it -- you probably will -- but the.... fifth or sixth time you go through it should be even better. What changes (at least what changed for me) is the fact that this very subtle but damn lovely melody begins to develop more and more as you listen to it. The chorus, in particular, the first time I heard it, I thought it to be impressive but now.... it'd damn near special and very catchy. Finally, wrapping up "Elevation" is another tune from a few years back that I missed for some reason, 'X Amount' and it is all kinds of fun. 

"X amount ah try keep up but dem can't catch mi speed

X amount nah waan listen when mi proceed

X amount a lyrics, dem ah flow like stream 

X amount ah try stop mi but dem neva succeed

X amount a gal ah run mi dung like stampede

X amount of loving coulda never exceeed

X amount a hungry vampire waan feed

X amount of bloodsuckers, none a dem heart no clean

X amount nah like wi, that's why dem face lean

X amount a power, mi seh x amount a steam

Natural to di music a so wi keep it real 

A so wi keep it real"

"Tell dem call fi assistance 

Cah wi nuh bow down, wi putting up resistance

And if fem fire, then wi fire back in response

Ready fi spark it, ready fi blaze it inna instance

And wi no matta bout di distance

Mi fire travel wid the Almighty guidance

And this a musical fire, mi nah violent

Yes this a musical fire mi nuh....

That's why mi keep badmind in the backa mi

Burn all\ di wicked, no pardon or apology

Nah tune in to none a dem psychology 

Til I'm laid to to rest, i know they'll never get the best of mi

Well nuff a dem no rate mi and mi no rate dem

Through mi deliver nuff musical statement

But nuff love ina mi heart so mi nah hate dem

BUT MUSICALLY NOW MI AHGO TERMINATE DEM"

While 'X Amount' does have substance to it (clearly), it's REALLY just a good time. It's a celebration of music and of an extremely high level of ability. 

Overall, I think it's time I got back in the rotation and starting keeping track of what Ziggi's working on. While not the full Ziggi:Oneness Records link that I would have hoped for, "Elevation" is definitely the next best thing and it's just VERY GOOD. Yes, I took a break in recent years but looooooooooongtime I have been singing the praises of both artist and label in this case and, together, they are everything you expect them to be. Musically, "Elevation" lives up to its name; it's in the stars somewhere up there and add to it someone as capable as Ziggi Recado and I really can't see how anyone who is a fan of Reggae music in its current state won't find something here to enjoy immensely. 2026 has been very impressive so far and here's another big winner. BOOM! 

What I'm Listening To: SUMMA COME!

'Against It All' by Reemah [Rymshot Music - 2026]

First up this week is the latest from a longtime favourite of ours who is hopefully set to spend more time in the studio this year as the brilliant Reemah sets out her brand new tune, the equally sagacious 'Against It All'. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is STARVING for a new album from the Cruzan word champion and each and every time she sets out with a new release (as infrequent as it may be) she does nothing but add fuel to that fire. 'Against It All' does not become an exception as Reemah BLAZES as usual, this time along with Rymshot Music and the great Dean Pond.

"Ever bless and a respect overall

Wrong over right weh dem reject overall

It's just a vibe weh awaken overall

Cuz nuff a wolf inna sheep clothing overall"

"Ganja Farmer" by Marlon Asher [VAS Productions - 2026]

Someone who certainly hasn't been a stranger in the studio has been Trini burner, Marlon Asher, who just issued his most recent full length set, "Safe", last year. Well, the famed Ganja Farmer is back with a new EP release..... "Ganja Farmer", in celebration of the 20th anniversary of what remains his most popular song to date (I say all the time how fast it seems time flies; in this case it definitely does seem like it's been twenty years since 'Ganja Farmer' dropped. I'm almost surprised it hasn't been longer, actually). The seven track set features contributions from the likes of Masicka, Prince Swanny and Major Seven and it also carries a remastered version of its legendary namesake - and the general theme of all of the selections revolve around the same thing. I also HAVE to mention what I believe to be the single from "Ganja Farmer", 'Ganja Man', on which Marlon Asher taps the Ganjaville Riddim from our old friends at Oneness Records. That song is EXCELLENT! 

"Winner" by Norris Man [Home And Away Music]

Many many moons ago, the great Norris Man released an album by the name of "Hey Woman". It was largely built on love songs and.... well.... well it was kinda terrible. It wasn't a good album. Earlier this year (on Valentine's Day), Norris Man thought he'd take another swipe at it with "Winner" and.... well.... I can't (I could) necessarily call it TERRIBLE but "Winner" is not a good album. One or two selections here (namely 'Doors Are Open' and maybe 'That Someone') prevent this one from being a complete lost but "Winner" isn't anything that you need to hear if you haven't already. I wasn't DYING for a new album from Norris Man and he's damn sure earned the right to do whatever he wants musically (and "Winner" is released on his own Home And Away label) but, again, "Winner" is no good. 

Ziggi Recado

It seems as if I actually went quiet, for the most part, on the extraordinarily gifted Ziggi Recado. He'd turned in a few tunes that I wasn't particularly thrilled with and I didn't keep up with his output as well as I had in previous years. However, 2026 has seen a striking return to form and he's dropped a number of big tunes in its first half, alone. Arguably the biggest of them all is his WICKED latest (to my knowledge), 'One Step Forward' which I knew had the handiwork of the geniuses at Oneness Records even prior to my knowing that it was their production (I'[d recognize those horns ANYWHERE). 'One Step Forward' is brilliant and it's easily one of the finest tunes that I've heard from anyone so far this year. Ahead of that, Oneness also released the infectious 'Boom Meditation' which is another big tune (that riddim on that song is MAD!)... and you know where my mind is headed (keep making singles together...). A big new album from Recado would look LOVELY in the year's second half but until/unless then, we're all going to benefit from one of the genre's biggest talents seemingly on a course this year to destroy everything, everywhere with that quality.

Ziggi's also released a couple of songs via Nayamari Music (pretty sure that's his label), 'Same Realness' & 'Trod Straight'; both are solid but the latter, especially, is top notch. 

The I:Rob Riddim [Mizik Muzik + Billionaire Bootcamp]

And this one kinda fits both in the current and past senses as it DELIGHTFULLY popped back up on my radars a month or so ago courtesy of a new compilation album release (and I was so DAMN happy about it that I nearly slapped a review on it). You'll have to go back two decades to when a tune by the name of 'Talk' by the talented Mr. Peppa became a sizable hit (and it's probably still his biggest hit right now). The tune was produced by Ward 21 and came atop their high-tech I:Rob Riddim. Who would have known that, in early 2026, the riddim would have a remastered compilation. That's exactly what I stumbled upon and have been KILLING ever since I noticed it. I'll give top honours to Peppa here but he most certainly was not alone in scoring on the I:Rob. Bounty Killer, Spragga Benz (whose trademark 'The Pusher' is excellent), the Ward themselves who take two shots at their riddim, Vybz Kartel and even Anthony B all turn in solid offerings (as does, to a lesser degree, Mad Cobra whose 'Red Eye' is just... very strange at times) on the I:Rob Riddim.

Ziggi Recado & Oneness Records Reach The Eiffel Tower

Okay so, it's been a mcnute since we've last checked in on a former favourite of ours, the very interesting Ziggi Recado and could you possibly think of a way to become reacquainted than seeing the artist teaming up with a STILL favourite, Oneness Records, on a big new tune, 'Eiffel Tower'. With such a title, I had no idea where this one was headed, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that 'Eiffel Tower' is actually a DELIGHTFUL ganja tune, which features that signature crisp production from Oneness, combined with Ziggi who is in a fine form. The last time I heard from him, I can't say that he was in such a good shape, musically, but it appears that, at least for the moment, he's righted the ship, at least in my opinion. Of course you know where my mind is headed, but we won't go there just yet and, instead, just enjoy this sublime track. BOOM!

"My spliff taller than the Eiffel Tower"

What I'm Listening To: July

"Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado [Zion High Productions - 2014]

By far the album most dominant of my attention these days is the latest from Ziggi Recado, the ever-evolving and constantly developing "Therapeutic" for Zion High Productions. We brought it back not too long ago in a Rewind and I never really put it down (I could probably now rewind the Rewind with new opinions and thoughts). I always (and likely always will) point the music of Ras Batch as an example of something which is 'ahead of its time' as each and every time you listen to his work, at its best, Batch gives you something to think about which will almost certainly mean something different to you with the passage of time and if you wanted to experience that same phenomenon in a single record - here you are! As its title suggests, "Therapeutic" is a process, it isn't a one-time occurrence. It takes time. And with tunes such as 'Masquerade', 'I'm Blaak', 'Jah Mercy' and a whole heap of others -- including 'Got It Right Here' ["I want to give you something…] [BOOM!], "Therapeutic" promises to be the type of release which thrills fans years and years after its release date. 

CD + Digital

'Life We Live' by Jah Cure [Iyah Cure Music - 2014]

Also on my radars these days is a big tune from the greatest voice in the entire world, Jah Cure, 'Life We Live'. I surely haven't paid as good of attention to the Cure's music over the past year or so but, of course, his music has a kind of inherent beauty to it each and every time (because of the way he sings) and if/when he is in a good form only comes as a 'bonus'. That bonus is firmly intact on the delightful 'Life We Live' which, in my opinion, is one of his better singles in quite a while. 

Digital

Releases on July 8

[Thanks Susan!]

"Under The Magic Sun" by Third World [Cleopatra - 2014]

In June, the venerable Third World returned with a brand new album, "Under The Magic Sun". The album was done as a tribute to the band's late and great lead singer, Bunny Rugs who made his transition earlier this year and features some of their classics and most well known pieces re-recorded in his honour (including 'Try Jah Love', '96 Degrees' and 'Now They We've Found Love') as well as a full 'Livication To Bunny Rugs'. The album also features remakes of songs from different genres of music as well as, of course, the signature BIG sound of Third World.

CD + Digital

[Thanks Heather!]

"Yeah Man" by Degree [Greensleeves Records - 2001]

Moments like this will annoy me to some painful degree but as they inevitably tend to do and as I've mentioned in the past (and as is the case here), they can also make for some great journeys back. "Yeah Man", a very overlooked album from [General] Degree via the once mighty Greensleeves Records has popped back up on my players because of its second track, 'Don't Break The Rules'. We recently made a mention of the Energy Up Riddim and I finally took a second to realize that I new that thing from somewhere and had this frustrating bit of nostalgia for a moment. It was a remake of the old Energy Riddim (produced by First Name Records who also handles the remake) and my favourite song on that track was Degree's 'Don't Break The Rules' which was carried on this album. It certainly wasn't alone as the album was one of those old monsters which GS used to deliver. Checking in at TWENTY-ONE songs and more than seventy minutes long, "Yeah Man" dazzled at times with tunes such as 'Don't Break The Rules', 'Better Jamaica', the title track over the Lightning Riddim, 'Do You See What I See' and definitely what is probably my favourite song on this album, 'Stamina'. I'd still call it the best full album Degree ever did and, for what it was, it was amongst the most FUN Dancehall albums of its era which wasn't exactly thin with them. Also Degree has a new EP forthcoming which we'll surely tell you about at some point. 

CD + Digital

"What About Love" by Sara Lugo [Soulfire Artists/Oneness Records - 2011]

"There's nothing to worry about

Cause He'll be there 

I have no doubt 

In times like these, when you find yourself in trouble -

Take it easy, take it slow, don't make it double

In times like these, when you find yourself alone -

don't matter where you are, you walk in trouble zone

You feel the sky is falling on your head

Don't worry cause He said He would be there

He will guide you, trust me

He'll brighten up the dark

Shine His glory on you

Help you out when times get hard

No matter hard big your troubles may be

WITH HIM BY YOUR SIDE, THEY'RE ALWAYS TINY

You need not worry, need not struggle, need not fret

Cause all He really wants is, for you, the best!

THERE'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!

CAUSE HE'LL BE THERE!  

I HAVE NO DOUBTS!"

BOOM! I had a conversation with someone which actually led me back in the wonderful direction of the enormously gifted and flawlessly delightful Sara Lugo and her fantastic debut set from just a few years ago (this album does not seem like three years old. Maybe two at the most), "What About Love". In particular it was the song 'Nothing To Worry' and this song has absolutely been EXPLODING (like a bomb of love) [WHAT!] in my head over the course of the past couple of days. I don't know that I ever actually gave the song the musical credit that it deserved but it was a gem (and a credit from there goes to a Philipp Winter) and, for her part, Lugo made the most of it and pushed a tune which obviously I'm still finding new ways to love. 

CD + Digital

Rewind! - "Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado

"Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado [Zion High Productions]

Generally speaking, solid common sense and music aren't two things which tend to get along very well. What often seems like the obvious result and course of action when it comes to music is rarely the one taken and, likely because of that, it is impossible to even consider the potential things that we, as fans, have missed out on throughout the years. However, with that being said, when music and good brain work do link up, they can produce some truly satisfying work. In the explosive first half of 2014 we've seen it happen on a few occasions already. One of them we take a look at today as, fittingly, one of the hottest labels going today, Zion High Productions (and the Zion I Kings) teamed up with one of the biggest talents of this generation. Today we go back and REWIND! one of the biggest albums of the year, "Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado.

Original Review

1. 'Masquerade'

You know what? In December, the opener of "Therapeutic", 'Masquerade' should be in a handful of tunes that will get my consideration for being my absolute favourite song of 2014. It was GOLDEN [!] and the further we get away from my first hearing the tune, the sweeter and sweeter it becomes. You'll hear dozens and probably hundreds of songs which're constructed on metaphors, lyrically, but few will reach the levels attained by this brilliant piece as Ziggi breaks down the 'extravaganza' on display in the world today on one of the strongest social commentaries that I've ever heard (which is saying a lot in Reggae music). And not to overlook the spectacular backdrop which underpins what is still the finest song on this album.

"Babylon ah recruit fi di circus

Dem ah juggle, my youth, keep di focus

THIS IS A MASQUERADE"

2. 'Got It Right Here'

It had been a minute from the last time that I'd heard 'Got It Right Here' before going back for the sake of this post and perhaps that had something to do with it… or maybe it didn't - but this song made me SMILE from the opening lines uttered until it reached its end and then more. 'Got It Right Here' is a love song and it's actually a fairly basic one, but this song is so damn sweet your ears may just pick up a cavity or two listening to it. One of the album's most immediately pleasing sets and another jewel seated on this album.

3. 'Miss Outta Road'

"Well if you got di money she will entertain

And any time she spend is never time in vain

Cause she plays di game

Inna cycle, she can't break di chain

Outta road she find nuff joy and pain

But this ghetto life is all she know -

And di block, even when business slow

Jah know how she love this business so

She no play fi let this business go

She just wanna si di interest flow"

"Years in the biz, now she's a veteran

And everyday she pon di road ah look another man

Seh she ready for whatever, not the wedding band

And from di money inna hand, then nothing never wrong

Seh she deh ya pon pace fi make a million

And di sitten weh she sell, it coulda never done

She need more and more wood fi mek di fyah bun

'No refund' -

She go so, 'no refund'

Seh she live life with no fear and she don't care

NO!

So far away, she's just somewhere out there

No! 

Seh she got di sweetest thing around

Nobody ever turn it down

She seh one day she'll wear that crown"

Did you listen to 'Miss Outta Road'? I mean really listen to it??? If you did then you, like me, have by now surely come to the conclusion that it was a lyrical masterpiece! This song, probably more than any other on the whole of "Therapeutic", has gone up so much for me and it started highly as well. Originally, I linked 'Miss Outta Road' to I Wayne's immortal 'Can't Satisfy Her' and while it is a strong comparison (biggup me), I now see this one as more of a warning to how living in a particularly bad way can overcome and overtake someone -- regardless of gender -- and while Ziggi makes his point here through a woman, it can really apply to anyone in some way. 

4. 'Talk About'

I focused on the 'star potential' of a song like 'Talk Already' and I definitely stand by it. There was just so much to like in regards to this tune and, should it ever get some type of shine, I think it could do big things. Until then, or unless then (… even after then), it sits for me as one of the most enjoyable songs on this album and it doesn't just come in as this shell of a song which is solely meant to get heads rocking (that's just one of its side effects) it has considerable substance as well. As Ziggi Recado tells everyone to just try as hard as we possibly can to mind our own damn business! 

5. 'Luv Injection'

The therapeutic 'Luv Injection' carries a similar set of circumstances to the one which it chases on this album in my opinion. A complete JOY to listen to, the tune certainly is a 'love song' but we tend to throw around phrases like that too casually (even though they do apply) (there's just a lot of songs about love) and I want to stress that  this one is of a very high quality which only need to be heard to be enjoyed on almost any level.

6. 'I'm Blaak'

'I'm Blaak' now registers as simply one of the best songs that I've ever heard Ziggi do at any stage of his remarkable career. It is GORGEOUS and a large chunk of its beauty comes in its simplicity. There's nothing really too complicated about it. There's a chorus, a half of a verse, a full verse and that's it! But the way this song is presented, as I believe I said before, is just Ziggi sitting down and opening his mind and we're sitting there listening to this most natural and organic monologue which scintillates and dazzles in a very streamlined way. Also, you can't talk about this song without mentioning the music. It is sterling and, fortunately, utilized on a tune which is pretty much impossible to forget. 

7. 'Don't Disturb'

"Hey it is such a natural thing

When Reggae music inna full swing

Spark it up, don't pack it up -

Inna di dance wi ah start it up

Hey cannabis, it is the right thing

So now the whole world legalizing 

This medicine is hypnotizing

I & I advising

Don't disturb me when I'm loading up -

My chalice cup -

Or rolling up"

'Don't Disturb' is another tune which has grown on me a bit more from the first time that I heard it (as has the album, in general, which is unsurprising) and, in this case, it is just a matter of taking in the entire song. With lyrics and especially the music, 'Don't Disturb' is a special piece for what it is. And coming from someone such as Ziggi Recado who has done special things on the subject in the past it, too, comes as no surprise. A fantastic song. 

8. 'Earthstrong' featuring Midnite

"May you live to see another Earthstrong

More life, more love destined to come your way

Another Earthstrong - give thanks and celebrate love

When they said it was for you, it came together quickly, sped on

Good sentiments and contributions voluntarily put in

That which comes from a sincere heart

So well resources give

Certainly merited and well deserved"

When you attach Vaughn Benjamin to a song, typically, that song immediately separates itself from everything else (even when its one of his own albums) (you'll have fourteen wholly DIFFERENT pieces) and although that was the case here, 'Earthstrong' is a song which is slowly going back towards the 'center' for me. You'll forgive me for reading too much into it (a habit one develops after reviewing… twenty-five or so Midnite albums worth of music in about a year) but this is a song about getting older and more experienced in life and celebrated the "odyssey" and the "journey". The combination of Ziggi and Benjamin still holds a grand importance and interest for me as, once again, common sense struck this album and did it in a major way. 

9. 'Delete My Numba'

I was interested to see how 'Delete My Numba' might reach me these days as I hadn't heard it in a little while and when I first heard it, I just didn't think it was very good before I began to appreciate more and more of it. Now? While there is a spectacular class of songs on this album that I still can't put it near, 'Delete My Numba' Is a winner. What I really like about it is how relatable and realistic the tune is. It is a composition about falling out of love and how going through a bad relationship and the remnants of a bad relationship can just bring so much stress to every part of your life. And it isn't just this sad song dealing with gloom and things like that (although that is certainly part of the experience as well), instead you get the more familiar range of emotions such as frustration and downright mental exhaustion. I'm still working on this tune also and if we rewound it back in a few years, I wouldn't be shocked if I rated it even higher.

10. 'Jah Mercy' featuring Taranchyla & Earl 16

As I tend to do on songs that I really like (and I would hope was the intention of its creators), I've well taken 'Jah Mercy' and applied it to something which is more significant for me but in this case, I think it may've also been the full aim of this tune. To my ears, Ziggi and ZHP tapped Taranchyla and the incomparable Earl 16 to deliver a message on the power of forgiveness. I've done A LOT of stuff in my life that I've had to apologize for and I've been fortunate to have a whole heap of people (not all of them, but many of them) accept my apologies and I think that the thought here is that if THE ALMIGHTY has mercy which is "endless" for all of the things that we do, then who am I and who are you to not be able to forgive someone for what they have done. And it is acknowledged that this isn't only a state of thought or being, but a process ["educate and stimulate self-awareness"], but one worth undertaking. BOOM! 

11. 'Ras Got Love'

"When I see you inna di morning time -

Skin glistening under the sweet sunshine

In my memory you locked up inna my mind

Me and you together, spiritually intwined

When I see you inna di evening time -

Your body make physically inclined

Girl you're this African divine -

We got to combine"

In retrospect, 'Ras Got Love' stands as one of those rare love songs which has as one of its main attraction (and probably THE main attraction in this case) its lyrics. I don't see much of a way in which you couldn't call this tune one of the best written on "Therapeutic". On top of that (or behind that), is a glowing track which is perfect for the sound and though 'Got It Right Here' is as good as it is (and it is), 'Ras Got Love' is probably the single best tune of its kind on this album. 

12. 'Guide Ova' featuring Lutan Fyah

And speaking of "main attractions" ["This is a masquerade"] [WHAT!] [BOOM!], definitely my own personal spotlight was shone thoroughly in the direction of 'Guide Ova' which featured Ziggi Recado alongside the great Lutan Fyah [new album, "Get Rid A Di Wicked", in stores now] and the light didn't reveal its flaws, it revealed a nearly perfect tune. In terms of expectations, 'Guide Ova' was a microcosm for the entire album. There was no way that an album from Ziggi Recado for ZHP would flop. It was going to be great and the only question was how great ("very" was the answer). You don't link Lutan Fyah and Ziggi Recado and produce a dud of a tune and you didn't even have to actually listen to 'Guide Ova' to know that. 

13. 'Nah Know Bout U'

"Therapeutic” ends with the very stirring 'Nah Know Bout U' which still strikes me as this song that Ziggi either partially or entirely came up with 'on the spot'. It speaks highly to his talent (whether he did or made it sound like he did, in either case) that he eventually goes on to combine these thoughts under one and actually turn it into a full song. I should also speak on the music here because it, too, is somewhat impulsive and eventually ends up making for a small piece of magic at the tail of the album.

Perhaps all the common sense flowing around this album didn't quite make it to you and if that is the case - it's okay! You can start a wave of it on your own and pick up "Therapeutic" from Ziggi Recado and Zion High Productions immediately.

"Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado

If you did not pick up "Therapeutic", the brilliant latest release from Ziggi Recado for Zion High Productions, in its first week of release, then here is a bit of very good news. Originally, we believed that the album was a digital-only set, but apparently you can also find it on CD in stores now. However you get it, definitely be sure to check out the album which is one of the biggest highlights in a year which is turning out to be loaded with them. 

See Review

'No Worries': A review of "Therapeutic" by Ziggi Recado

High. When you listen to enough music and sit and wait on enough albums, you're guaranteed to have dealt with more than a comfortable amount of emotion. I've always maintained that even listening to music, if you're doing it properly, should be an emotional experience, but anticipation is one of them which can be most problematic. In the more immediate sense, and the one which we deal with today, there is the eagerness in looking forward to something that is forthcoming like a performance you are going to enjoy… or an album or something like that. For some of my absolute favourite artists, I do not always not what to expect in terms of quality when it comes to an album. At the head of that list is Sizzla Kalonji and though, occasionally, you will get to a release which is a lock to be very good (like "The Messiah" album), you often go into listening to some of his work and not really know, at all, what to expect (and I'm not complaining about that. In Sizzla's particular case, it may even be part of the draw because he's had a thousand albums). An even more glaring example would be someone like Turbulence or Norris Man. Though the latter has seemingly found a winning form in the past couple of years, in either case you almost have to find out in what type of form both are before knowing whether or not the release will be any good. At their respective bests, either is capable of turning in a truly CLASSIC release, but at another level, either is just as capable of pushing something which far below average (especially in the cases of those big talents). And although he's been stellar and as consistent as ever in recent times, Perfect Giddimani is someone else who would fall into that category but, in his particular instance, you never know what to expect from him so it has become routine to expect the unexpected. With all of that being said I do have to give credit now to a very small group who, win in comes to albums specifically, though my anticipations are always high, I don't have to worry how good the results will be in even the slightest amount. The leader of this pack would be Etana who, amongst her three albums (in my opinion) has two classics and two albums which were the best in the genre during their respective years. But also included in those ranks would be the likes of Tarrus Riley, Ras Batch, Pressure Busspipe and… not too many others. There is someone else who could release an album on a day like today, for example, and though I would really look forward to hearing it, I wouldn't have to hear it to know that it was exceptional. I'd just know it.  

"In Transit" & "Ziggi Recado" [2008 & 2011]

Ziggi Recado. In recent years, Ziggi has shown himself to be amongst the most consistent names in Reggae music and that has definitely translated onto his albums. Most recently, back in 2011, the Statian star released his eponymously titled third studio album which was one of the finest releases from that year. The hit 'Mary' would appear on that album and, in general, it was an outstanding release. Ahead of that, Ziggi gave us "In Transit" which was, in retrospect, one of the best albums I've ever heard and has been deemed a classic on these pages. And Ziggi has a star quality about him which is shown in just how popular he's become throughout the years and, as I've said in the past, in the future when we look back at Reggae from this era, I think his is a name likely to be one of the most crucial in defining the music from this time period. 

So if someone like that were going to release a new album, surely I'd be interested and you would be as well and it probably wouldn't even matter who produced it. HOWEVER, if you were to ask me my opinion on who I would like to have helm such a project, I wouldn't get too deep into my list at all before I'd mention the name Zion High Productions. The flaming US based imprint, along with the Zion I Kings collective, has been no stranger to consistency themselves as well. Even earlier this year ZHP gave us one of the finer compilations of 2014 so far, the Jah Warriah Riddim, and that came on the heels of a glowing 2013 which brought to fruition big records from veterans Lloyd Brown ["Rootical"], Cornell Campbell ["New Scroll"] and General Jah Mikey ["Original Yard Food"]. If, under some ridiculously healthy set of circumstances, you could link Ziggi Recado and Zion High Productions that would be… a very nice thing for you to do and I would thank you. Thank you! "Therapeutic" is the brand new and fourth album from Ziggi Recado and it comes courtesy of ZHP and the ZIK. Following the aforementioned "Ziggi Recado" set, the artist split with his longtime homebase label, Rock N Vibes, and "Therapeutic" becomes the first full album that he has done with a different producer (although in between the two was a wicked pair of EP's, volumes one and two of "Liberation" for Dredda Records). Ziggi has also worked extensively for such esteemed labels as Necessary Mayhem and Special Delivery and after the news of the split I assumed that one of them (or maybe he would even produce it himself) or another of the labels he works with frequently would do his next album. Also, unless I'm overlooking something (and I usually am), the very first time Ziggi worked with either ZHP or the ZIK was on the Jah Warriah Riddim from earlier this year. So it did come as a surprise that artist and label were working together on a full release but apparently they both have very good taste. As you knew it was going to, "Therapeutic" quickly proves to be a fantastic release from beginning to end and one of the best albums from the first half of 2014. 

One of the first things that I noticed about this album was how closely its sound resembled its title. The "Ziggi Recado" album was quite varied and the brilliant "In Transit" was downright electric at times ["Shackles and chain caan stop the fyah wi ah blaze! Babylon you must get erased"] [BOOM!] but this album, for the most part, is far more laidback and it is a quality which brought another very compelling aspect to the project. The pace for Ziggi Recado's new album, "Therapeutic" from Zion High Productions is set by the sublime opener, 'Masquerade'. This tune is about as clever of a social commentary that I've heard recently (it is to social observations what 'Mary' was to ganja songs).

"Babylon ah recruit for the circus

Dem ah juggle, my youth keep the focus

This is a masquerade

Babylon ah recruit for the circus

And di puppets ah fulfill dem purpose

This is a  masquerade

The circus is in town

Everybody waan si di puppets and clowns

Perform dem act then di masses bow down

Dem applaud and make a joyful sound

Si dem pon di ass galloping through di ring

Acrobats mek yah head spin when dem swing

Seats sold out, so money generating

MIND CONTROL IT IS A SERIOUS THING

Juggle dem ah juggle and ah balance your life

Pon di tightrope and a something real nice

And here comes the circus troupe

DI EDUCATED MONKEY AH JUMP THROUGH DI HOOP

The commissioner's inna trance -

Well hypnotized by the circus dance

Si di ringleader wid di devious plans

Everything set, nothing happen by chance

Round of applause, this is the greatest show

THE DIRECTOR'S A NATIONAL HERO

There's a big show dated tomorrow:

Limited inna di front row

Dem ah patrol - 

Seeking mind, body and soul 

Intention fi fatten up dem billfold

Hey, nuff a dem a fight fi control of di greatest show dem behold"

The LUSH track underpinning 'Masquerade' is amongst the very best compositions on this album and, to my opinion, the song is the heights of "Therapeutic" and definitely one of the best songs that I've ever heard from Ziggi. It shows an incredibly high level of skill and, again, while it may come to no surprise that he is capable of such a tune, THIS is the type of song I wanted to hear on this album. Drawing the misfortune of following such a 'show' is a tune well up for the task, the BEAUTIFUL 'Got It Right Here'. The song is a love song and a wonderful one. So easy and organic (and you listen to how that riddim develops -- it picks up a keyboard and it just works so well), 'Got It Right Here' comes off perfectly with perfect blend of passion and proficiency. 'Miss Outta Road' is a tune from the same mould as I Wayne's 'One Man Can't Satisfy Her' (biggup I Wayne) and it also works well. It stands greatest, for me, as a tremendous display of skill by both vocalist and producer. The track here is excellent and Ziggi, as he does throughout this session, shines. I'll also definitely mention here the swinging 'Talk About', a big tune about people who have great difficulty minding their own business. 

"Dem quick fi report and spread nuff news pon di cornah

When it check it deeply, nuff a dem a no friend, but informah

What goes around comes right back around, dem nuh hear bout karma

Mi no watch no face, cause I know their spreading rumours!" 

I really hope that this song gets an opportunity to do some damage, because along with being very impressive from a lyrical standpoint, 'Talk About' is a very nice song to listen to even on the surface. It has a very nice vibes and I'd be surprised if people really got to here and it didn't become some type of a hit from this album. 

Speaking of potential hits, I think that any of the album's three combinations have that quality as well. It is becoming the signature of all albums from the ZIK to have big guests as, aside from I Grade Records' selections, you should also recall that the previously mentioned "Rootical" featured HUGE names such as Jahdan Blakkamoore, Pressure Busspipe and Queen Omega tuning in alongside Lloyd Brown. And once again ZHP have tapped some excellent featuring talents. The most obvious is also the first as Midnite's Vaughn Benjamin makes an appearance on the golden 'Earthstrong'. Earlier this year Benjamin had his own giant album for the ZIK and IGR, "Beauty For Ashes", and he's also shown up on the Jah Warriah Riddim and Pressure's "The Sound" release as well. To my ears at least, 'Earthstrong' is this very bright and vibrant composition and mixing Benjamin into such a composition made for a very unique sound and, obviously, one I very much appreciated as the two put on one of the best displays on this album dealing with the circle of life. And I think I hear something interesting with a background singer on this song, so big her up, whoever she may be. The praising piece, 'Jah Mercy', is another very strong selection, this one featuring both the esteemed Earl 16 and Taranchyla. I believe this may be the first link between Ziggi and the former, while the latter also appeared on volume one of "Liberation". 

"The depths of Jah mercy is endless

Forever and infinity - it has no end, yes

Mercy fi di ignorant and the thoughtless

Mercy fi di wicked, mercy fi di heartless

Yes, I & I seh progress!

Educate and stimulate self-awareness

Conscious livity a so it be [no stress]

Ever-faithful, ever-bless

I know Jah mercy, Jah mercy -

Endureth forever more"

Everyone here does very well, but I have to give a special credit towards Earl 16 whose wholly timeless voice sounds as impeccable as ever on this big tune. 'Guide Ova', the final combination on "Therapeutic", features Lutan Fyah who, like Vaughn Benjamin, has also appeared on every ZIK album from 2014 thus far (and the rumour was that he'd also have an album for IGR this year, so definitely stay tuned) and I could not wait to hear this song and it did not disappoint as two of the greatest lyricists of this generation do exactly what you'd expect on a GIANT tune giving thanks to The Almighty.

"Parasite dem waan tek a bite

Outta my soul, but dem caan out mi light

Cause The Almighty guide over, guide over

When King Selassie and His mighty horse trodding

It's like a army full of love with The Most High God within

No flesh, no ghost wi no mix up inna sin

Tell dem touch not the Lord's anointed

Coulda, coulda, coulda, coulda pagan or crab

Yet still they'll be forgiven 

HOW GREAT IS THE MERCY OF SELASSIE THE KING, HIM!

Some fall short and lose the essence and the meaning 

MAN BLESS THEM WITH HIGH-VOLTAGE REASONING"

"I & I tired of living in exile

Living inna babylon yard

Deh so weh di living too hard

Inna exile, make sure you nuh draw no bad card

Living inna babylon yard"

"Stress dem out and lef dem inna frustration

Dem cold like a ice, dem inna refrigeration

And di Nyabinghi lef dem inna paralyzation

Dem nuh know di real situation"

BOOM! Ziggi, in general, has always had a good reputation as far as working with other artists (he's worked alongside some of the best in the genre) and it is enhanced even further with the material on this album.

The remaining songs on "Therapeutic" are doing well for him also. At the head of them in my opinion is a pair of HUGE tunes which actually come in sequential order on the album, 'I'm Blaak' and 'Don't Disturb'. The former is  a downright glowing piece dealing with being proud of who you are and your heritage. The tune comes off more of a display than just a straightforward song. It almost seems like Ziggi is just saying what comes to his mind more than he is singing a song at times and the instrumentation here is also heavily featured. The song seems like just 'what happened' as opposed to being the purpose and I think that is an excellent touch. As for 'Don't Disturb', the album's obligatory ganja song, it holds the course of quality from songs like 'Mary' and others ["Joka smoka!"]. A more relaxed and confident vibes dominates the track before things explode in its latter stages on one of the more memorable musical moments from the album. Another song that I very much enjoyed was definitely the cavity-causing 'Luv Injection' which, based on its title, was a song I was very much looking forward to hearing. If there were a title track for "Therapeutic", this would be it as Ziggi deals with. A song destined to get heads nodding, 'Luv Injection' also brings the lyrical edge as well and, for what it is, it may be one of the better written tracks you'll find here and that's not something you typically say about a love song… and you may actually be able to say it twice. 'Ras Got Love' may actually an even stronger exhibition of the spoken word than 'Luv Injection'. 

"So naturally, immaculate and pure

So spiritual, she's the original cure

There to the end, you and I will endure

I'm gonna give you each and everything you ask for

Every time I see you, I want you more and more

Me and you together is the perfect score

Open your heart, baby don't close that door

I love yuh décor

Rasta got love for you

Rasta got love for you

I've got everything that you need

Rasta got love for you

Rasta got love for you

All you gotta do is receive"

The song has such a powerful vibes to it (with a KNOCK which is not to be missed) that while you may not feel it, initially, you'll soon see just how much of an impact it makes you when you can't get it out of your head (more on that in a minute). The also sweetly vibed 'Delete My Numba' deals with the other side of love and I did not like this song the first time that I heard it, but after a few listens it grew on me a lot, so give it a real chance before passing judgment. Finally, This therapy session concludes with an unusual song and another one which comes off as being very free, 'Nah Know Bout U'. I wouldn't be surprised if this tune, or at least pieces of it, were very spontaneous but Ziggi does tie it all together under this umbrella idea of self-awareness saying that he's taken care of his end, but now its time for the rest of us to do the same. 

Ziggi Recado

Overall, I just alluded to it, but I want make it crystallized here: "Therapeutic" is the type of album that gets considerably better the more you listen to it. And that's saying something large because I think that you could give it a cursory and casual listen and like it and probably like it significantly, but what is to be found after a few more spins through is an album which is even stronger and that's something that I found in even dealing with it for the sake of this review. It lines up as the type of record that, five years from now, you'll still be finding new aspects of to enjoy and I'm looking forward to it! As it stands in the present, however, it's also looking fantastic! "Therapeutic" is a laidback, seamless GEM of an album and one which fits finely into the increasingly impressive catalogue of Ziggi Recado, Zion High Productions and the Zion I Kings… but you didn't need me to tell you all of that, you knew it already, One of the year's finest. 

Rated: 4.65/5

Zion High Productions

Digital

2014

Review #509