Coming Soon #50: KABOOM!

Coming Soon

"Working Wonders" by Mark Wonder [Oneness Records]

'Guiding Light' featuring Sizzla Kalonji

Hopefully we'll get to tell you tomorrow about the wonderful works Achis Reggae favourite, the German based Oneness Records, have kicked off 2012 with, but until then, I'm going to let you know about what they have coming forth and what they do have is an album which I am SO looking forward to. It's the latest set from one of the strongest Roots Reggae artists in the world today, the blazing Mark Wonder, "Working Wonders". A little while ago, the label dropped the initial single from the project in the form of the sterling 'Guiding Light' which featured the singer alongside the legendary Sizzla Kalonji and while that apparently is the only combination to be found here, just listening to the clips - I can tell that this is going to be a really POWERFUL album. You probably won't hear it from too many others, but definitely this one comes as one of the most anticipated of 2012 for me and I CANNOT WAIT (!) to get my ears on it!

Potential Rating: 5/5???

CD + Digital

Releases on June 29

"Gimme What's Mine"  by Chantelle Ernandez [ReggaeLand Productions]

Speaking of big 2012s, I have to say that perhaps no one is having hot the year thus far for labels that ReggaeLand, from out of Barcelona, Spain, is currently experiencing (biggup I Dwell Records) and it's about to get even steamier as they're now set to introduce their THIRD full blown artist album of the year and do so with another favourite of ours. CUTIE Chantelle Ernandez checks in with her solo debut (I THINK) set, "Gimme What's Mine". I was under the impression that she had signed to Necessary Mayhem, but here, Ernandez' album follows a pair by veterans Malijah ["Dancin' Shoes"] and Singer Jah ["Warrior of Jah Army"] (review coming soon) and it figures to continue the winning trend set by them both. Listening through this one, it seems to incorporate a bit of R&B vibes to things and that's not a problem for me here, given Ernandez' LOVELY voice, I can listen to her sing just about anything and I'm well looking forward to the chance when this one reaches. 

Potential Rating: 4.35/5

CD [I THINK] + Digital 

**Releases Tomorrow**

"Change The World" by Macka B [Chinelo Records]

WONDERFULLY returning in just about a week is the ultra talented veteran from out of the UK, Macka B, with his latest release "Change The World". I think it's his first album in three years or so and, really, isn't the entire world just a MUCH better place with Macka B doing work and a new album from him on the shelf! This time he isn't coming alone (he never is) and instead the album, which comes on Chinelo Records (his own label, apparently), also features the likes of Luciano, Earl 16, David Hinds and Macka's neighbour, Lloyd Brown. There seems to be some really strong here and Macka B has set a level of quality for expectation that has to be respected and anticipated so, this figures to be another firebrand for his well solid catalog. 

Potential Rating: 4.35/5

CD [I THINK] + Digital

Releases on June 15

"Reggae Gold 2012" [VP Records]

I'm sure we've dealt with this one before, but thankfully a little while on, new things are up. In about three weeks' time the latest installment of the best known Reggae compilation in the world, "Reggae Gold", from VP Records is due up and this year while several things have changed, several others have stayed the same. The double disc release features a first album which, with names such as Potential Kidd, Iba Mahr and Popcaan, is a direct journey to the present and beyond. And while it does also contain the usual suspects in Busy Signal, Etana (best song on everything), Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Beres Hammond, Sean Paul and the likes, it is definitely looking like a slowly changing era for "RG". 

On the other hand is the second disc which is a mix of modern classics and . . . Older modern classics. On board there're Bounty Killer, Beenie Man & Lady Saw, General Degree, Hammond & Buju Banton, Wayne Wonder, I Wayne and Mavado (apparently 'So Special' is a classic already). So the series, which is almost exclusively aimed at newer heads, is really covering everything this year. 

Potential Rating: 4/5

CD + Digital

Releases on June 26

"Reggae Anthology: Young, Gifted & Yellow" by Yellowman [17 North Parade/VP Records]

Also on the platter from VP Records is the latest in their very useful running "Reggae Anthology" series from their equally valuable 17 North Parade imprint, which covers Dancehall royalty, King Yellowman, the masterfully titled "Young, Gifted & Yellow". Here you'll find FORTY tracks spread across two discs and I could get into them, but they're pretty much what you're expecting, so instead, I'll talk about the fact that the set also includes a DVD which, reportedly, actually contains a FULL CONCERT from the legendary DJ. Where the previous entrant on this post is definitely for new[er] fans, this one is just as strictly for the collectors.

2CD/DVD + Digital
Releases on July 17

"The Queen of Trinidad" by Calypso Rose [Maturity Productions]

"Lioness In the Jungle" trailer

VP Records (who else???) also has a hand (as a distributor) in "The Queen of Trinidad", a project featuring legendary Calypso matriarch, Calypso Rose. Again, I could talk about the CD here which features eleven very well known tunes from Rose, but of more interest (because you can get her music from absolutely anywhere at all), is the documentary which accompanies the disc, "Lioness In The Jungle", which I believe premiered last year. If you don't know a lot about Calypso Rose, you probably won't have a greater opportunity to become acquainted in our lifetimes than on this set, with this wonderful project, so don't pass up learning about TRULY one of the most special gifts that music has ever given us. 

Rated: 5/5

CD/DVD
Releases on June 19

'‘Reggae Revival' by Protoje & Romain Virgo (single) [Don Corleon Records]

And lastly coming soon this week is the official releasing of a WICKED single, 'Reggae Revival' from ace producer Don Corleon, which features his cousin, Protoje alongside the flaming Romain Virgo. It's just a big song with an old[er] school vibe linking together a couple of the most talented voices from the newest school around - with a bonafide maestro behind it. 

Digital 

Releases on June 26

In Stores Now

The Make It Gwan Riddim [Flash Hit Records] 

I've definitely been looking at this one (literally) for a few weeks now and while I haven't gotten my hands on it yet, I am planning on it. Flash Hit Records is yet another up and coming label from out of France and while I couldn't tell you of much else that they've done, I can tell you about their EXCELLENT Make It Gwan Riddim which recently reached. First of all there's the cover - anytime you can start drawing artists, I'm going to be interested - I think it's hilarious! The music behind the front, however, is no laughing matter because Flash Hit has quietly linked together one of the most interesting rosters that you're going to see this year. Pressure Busspipe and Lutan Fyah helm a cast which also features Jah Marnyah, Carl Meeks, Skarra Mucci, YT, Anthony John, Jahnett Tafari and others for this big riddim. Like I said, I haven't heard it in full, but I have a very good feeling about it, so beat me to it and pick up the Make It Gwan Riddim today. 

Digital 

The Possessed Riddim [Necessary Mayhem/Zojak Worldwide]

Next in is the latest (I think) from the aforementioned Necessary Mayhem from out of the UK, the Possessed Riddim. This riddim is more of the typical old school coloured vibes you've come to expect from the label from since their inception a few years back and they've kept it most simple this time with just four artists on board. Tarrus Riley is joined by Million Stylez and veteran vocalist Jah Mali - for yet another gem of a set from NM. 

Digital  

The Warn Dem Riddim [Cashflow Records] 

I don't even want to . . . Really talk about this one, but I feel like I should. For some reason Khago got into a bit of a dispute with Agent Sasco and you can listen to it play out on the Warn Dem Riddim from Cashflow Records. Why you would want to, however, is . . . None of my business. I don't care, do whatever you like. [I dont even know . . . ] 

Digital 

Berbice [JMD Distribution ] 

And finally, you should know that one of my personal favourite Soca artists, the versatile Berbice from out of Grenada, has just thrown his much of his catalog to the masses via a quartet of digital releases (fittingly titled "Volumes 1-4"). Of course, you'd love him to put it together a bit better (one of the covers appears to be he and his son at the latter's graduation) - but I don't care. Within the set you can find excellent tunes such as 'Hey Lady', 'Water', 'Big Up Yourself', 'Oh Girl', 'Oh Carnival', 'Tabanka', 'Demon' and, of course, one of the greatest fucking songs ever heard by anyone - 'Trafficccccccc'. 

Digital

What I'm Listening To: June

 "Children of Exodus" by Bambú Station [Bambú Station - 2012]

A mile. Don't you just LOVE it when a song that you've been listening to for awhile really just takes a 'step up' in your eyes and goes from being really good to being just a SPECIAL set?! That is what has happened for me in regards to the opener of Bambú Station's recently released new album "Children of Exodus" (isn't calling something "recently released" AND "new" kind of redundant?), 'Walk Ur Mile'. I've had a few bad nights recently (more stupid shit) and definitely one of the biggest chunks of niceness in there (along with my wonderful Wife) was that SHINING song which has easily become one of my favourites of the year altogether. The rest of the album has also stood up with tunes like 'Bonded Together', 'Leaning on Afreeka' and others, but 'Walk Ur Mile' has just done so much good for me. It might do the same for you as well, so pick up the album if you haven't already.

Digital

{See Review}

{Note: I don't know if/when they're releasing this on CD now, if they haven't already}

The Full Swing Riddim [Akom Records/Zojak Worldwide - 2012]

Also on my radars this week is something which I was going to save for the next edition of "Check It", but chose to give a promotion for today (because who knows when we'll get to that) - It's the latest creation of Akom Records from out of France - The Full Swing Riddim (it's also Bredz' favourite . . . ANYTHING these days apparently). Typically, Akom/Dub Akom deal with Roots music to my knowledge, such as the Bonafide Riddim and the wonderful Highlight & Vitamin Riddims, but the Full Swing is a mix-up because it's relatively straight forward Dancehall (a little Hip-Hop in there also, but I'd call this one Dancehall). Once again Akom has thrown together a WICKED roster of vocalists including Beenie Man, Konshens, Perfect, Turbulence in a good form ["Mi no know you, mi no hold you. Yuh a pagan, all so mi rather ride solo. Mi no junky. Mi no monkey. Turbulence a ambassador, inna every country"], Jah Marnyah and a damn interesting combination in 'Our World', which links Jah Mason with the world's angriest man, Silvercat. 

Digital  

"Mind Control" by Stephen Marley [Tuff Gong - 2007]

It's weird because I actually think that I've paid more attention to the acoustic version of "Mind Control" more than the original, but I recently got back into it (very recently actually) and in doing so, while it did confirm that I'm not the largest of Stephen Marley fans, it also confirmed that the album is just as probably much better than I gave it credit for being over the past half decade. It's mainly all about "Traffic Jam" (and will continue to be), but I'm also enjoying dealing with the title track as well as 'Iron Bars' with Spragga and Julian Marley. 

CD + Digital  

"Burnin'" by The Wailers [Island/Tuff Gong - 1973, re. 2001]

And I'm sure that if you listen to enough music you have had a moment where you CANNOT stop thinking about a particular tune and you have to dig it up and instead of doing it the easy way (I.e. looking it up and then going to find the album), you just basically BATHE in albums from that particular artist and in doing so you get distracted and . . . You find something else. That's exactly what brought me to the "Burnin'" album - looking for a Bob Marley tune which, of course, I forgot and then in its place I filled the void COMPLETELY with 'Rasta Man Chant', the lasting highlight for me. 'Get Up, Stand Up', 'Duppy Conqueror', 'Small Axe', 'Put It On', 'I Shot the Sheriff', 'Burnin' & Lootin' and others really make the point that pretty much any actual album from The Wailers is a Greatest Hits collection, whether it was intended to be or not.

CD + Digital

"Journey of 1,000 Miles" by Perfect Giddimani [Dynasty Records/VP Records - 2012]

Don't worry nor paaaaaaaaaaaaaanic!

CD + Digital 

{See Review}

Coming Soon: Reviews for the ReggaeVille Riddim, new albums from Mr. Vegas, Singer Jah and Tarrus Riley and "The Chant" by Sizzla Kalonji

'The Launch?': A review of "Soca Gold 2012"

I'm currently of the opinion that, if we haven't gotten there already, one of the years in the immediate future - meaning in the next half decade or so - will be looked upon as being a landmark one for Soca music. All signs currently point to it being a genre which is ready to explode on the more 'mainstream' market and when it does, it will do so as a COMPLETELY supported and established art form. Until then, however, we can really see the music beginning to gather more and more attention from atypical fans across the globe and, in doing so, it is a virtual state of PREPARING to reach higher heights and it's gotten [remained] damn interesting to watch and hear along the way. Of course we can [and will] get into the artists who you might expect to see as the dominant names of the music, leading it into the future (like Patrice Roberts), but if you really started to think about it, you're likely to come away with of the mind that THE single biggest name in Soca music isn't actually an artist or a song or a producer or a legend or . . . Any of those things. NO! Probably the best known Soca-ish entity to more casual fans (and there are A LOT of them) is what? Of course, it's an album and that album is called "Soca Gold" and it comes via VP Records. Not Machel Montano, not Bunji Garlin, not Bunji Garlin, not Fay-Ann Lyons (no more on them later) (NONE OF THEM), not . . .  not even Kevin Lyttle - none of them are as popular as "Soca Gold" and, if I am correct in my predictions, obviously the existing face of an entire genre which is about to see itself reach previously unseen heights has a pretty substantial responsibility to be better than it ever has before, right? Right??? Well, not necessarily. My thinking now is that, unlike its still far easier accessible (in the literal sense) cousins, Reggae & Dancehall, Soca may very well be in the position where "Soca Gold" is SO much more well known than anything else in the music, in the more conventional sense, that it can pretty much do whatever it wants - all of the time. And, when you combine that with the fact that the actual music, itself, tends to be pretty spectacular, what you really begin to see is an album which, potentially, can make stars on its own. It doesn't even matter who they might be!

"Soca Gold"

Perhaps that might explain my incredibly mixed feelings when actually looking upon the latest installment of the mineral based series, "Soca Gold 2012". I just didn't know what to expect and that surely has something to do with the nature of the music itself. If you were to ask me to sum up the quality of Soca in 2012, I don't even know that I would be able to come up with something even remotely comprehensive (ME!) (I can be comprehensive about a quarter of a verse). I like it. I think it was the worst scene in recent memory. The best songs from it would have stood well against the best of FAR better years. All of that stuff applies and I could defend it, but they all kind of go against one another.

Soca Silver 2012

And it is somewhere within that most appropriate madness that "SG 2012" draws its substance because, in the midst of all of the over thinking and prognosticating, we do have an album to deal with and, as usual, it immediately becomes a project which is going to bring out those who think it missed a lot (I think that I'm going to be one of them this year) and those who think that it's pretty good as it is (I may be one of them too).  Last year, looking back, "Soca Gold 2011", actually did fairly well in bringing it all together and while the ultimate full reaction was somewhat negative, I think that album may just belong in the lower portions of the top half of the life of the series in its quality. As for this year's addition, I'm relatively certain that I won't be saying a similar thing about it in 12-13 months, but I just as just as surely won't be slamming it into the ground either - I think it's better than most people are going to give it credit for being, but it, by no means, is anything approaching amazing. That's even more interesting when you consider that, already, 2012 has been a large time as far as Soca albums go. Not only have there been big drops from the aforementioned likes of Bunji Garlin ("iSpaniard", his first album in entirely too long), Machel Montano, Destra Garcia, Farmer Nappy (more on those last two in a minute) and others, but we've also seen movement in terms of the BIG Soca compilation. While I'm pretty sure the "Best of The Best" release has not and will not run for 2012, in its stead have been SIZABLE pieces such as the very well received "I Am Soca", the even weller (not a word) (at all) received "We Muzik Vol. 1" as well as "Champion Soca", which I think may be the literal 'descendant' of "BoTB". Neither one of these will EVER come close to being what "Soca Gold" has become and nor will any of the others, (some of) which (I'm really looking forward to) are forthcoming later in the year, but what they do is to provide a HEALTHY alternative/accompanying piece (because they're going to get this as well), for more hardcore Soca heads. And, again if I'm correct and I usually . . . well, nevermind - those compilations are also going to get a vast amount of new eyes and ears tuning in and I should also say that I cannot ever remember seeing as many Soca riddim albums in any two or three seasons that I've already seen in 2012. Soca music is ready to explode and when it does, it'll be taking all of this with it, but especially (me), "Soca Gold". But if it does manage to happen this year will the largely guaranteed first stop of all of these new fans be a fun one? Kind of. 

As I said, there is so much in the way of BIG names which you won't find on this album and that's really too bad. Ostensibly, such an album should always attempt to showcase the absolute best and, while you do get quite a few, it always saddens me when this album reaches and there is NO Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin or Fay-Ann Lyons, particularly when one of them, Montano, had the single biggest song of the season - again. With that being said, however, there is a nice cache of names on board "Soca Gold 2012", one of which gets us started as 'De Boss', Iwer George follows up his big tune from 2011, the MASSIVE 'Come To Meh', with the not quite has huge, but still pretty good and furious 'Jab [No Pain]'. Not surprisingly, the two songs are pretty similar (if it's not broken . . . ), with last year's version obviously still be the favourite, but this tune is also very attractive, largely due to its unrelenting pace and the fact that it finds the Jab Jab addict a little hilariously pissed off that he didn't win Soca Monarch last year (I wonder what he'll do next year, because he didn't win this year either). I've got not a problem at all with this tune and the more I listen to it (even now), I like it more and more. Skipping ahead a bit, on the third tune on the album we find series staple, Lil Rick, with 'Work'. I'm not crazy about this one anymore, even after a few listens, but it's something you've come to expect from "SG" and Lil Rick as well. What's funny is that I could probably play this song for a casual fan and have it elicit a variety of emotions (the pacing of this song is just ridiculous), but if you've paying attention it's a bit on the tame side! The always interesting Swappi wraps up the opening of the album (actually, Lil Rick does), with the extremely infectious, 'Bubble On A DJ'. I don't even know if this tune qualifies as actual Soca music, it's kind of electric and techno and it's very odd and I'm not even going to call it a good song. It's DAMN infectious, however, and while it checks in at track #4, you'll be listening to something else and it will still be at the front of your fucking mind. UNDOUBTEDLY!

'Link Up' by Destra

At the head of "SG2012", for me at least, is a trio of songs which contain my personal favourite two songs from out of Trinidad this year and a very surprising blast from Vincy Mas 2011 as well. You could add a few tunes from Garlin, Montano and Patrice Roberts (also missing) to the bunch, but I don't know that I'd DECISIVELY place any of them ahead of 'Link Up' from the divinity in human form that is Ms. Destra Garcia and/or the chaotic brilliance from Blaxx for the legendary Roy Cape, 'Inna Band'. These are the tunes I look forward to hearing - when the big names do big things - and they have both been solid on players for quite awhile and won't be fading anytime soon. My choice as the single best [DUH!], goes to Destra with HUGE statement making madness which she carried wonderfully for the entire season. 

“HERE WE COME -

DOWN DE ROAD!

ANYTHING DON’T STEP ASIDE WI GO CRUSH UP UNDERNEATH WI LOAD!” 

Joining them is Vincy Soca ace and three time former Soca Monarch, (coming ten thousand strong!) Skinny Fabulous, with the frenetic 'Rumble'. If you like really FUCKED UP and ANGRY vibed Soca music, there're few greater, if any, sources for that than Skinny. The man has simply taken it over and he's done it with tunes like this which don't figure to attract more than a specific type of fan, but fortunately specificity has always been something I've excelled at. And also, while I wouldn't actually place it amongst these tunes, I was very happy to see that Skinny also had another song on this installment of the series. Of course it makes perfect sense for VP to draw 'Rave Out' as it not only features one of their artists, but it features one with a new album running right now, Busy Signal (damn Busy!). I don't enjoy this one as much as I once did, but a pair of songs from Skinny and any involvement from the until recently SCALDING (now he's . . . something else) Busy is a plus for me. 

"Soca Gold 2012" also features a very nice group of songs which, although I won't call them GREAT, are pretty close and there're so many of them that they help to make up the real body of quality tunes present here. Such a tune would DEFINITELY be 'Good Time' from the ever-present Edwin Yearwood (who's been on every one of these). I kind of go back and forth with Yearwood, depending on the year I suppose, but this piece from last year was undeniably strong and, while I don't think that it generated the type of response as some of his other similar offerings in recent years, it was nearly as good as any of them and it's an utter JOY of a tune. Speaking of joy, the incomparable Alison Hinds also returns this year with the hypnotic 'Brace & Wine'. This song is relatively close to more straight forward Dancehall, which is something Hinds has done before and while I'm not all over this one, it has grown on me considerably and hopefully she sets herself on the list by delivering a new album of her own later in 2012 (that would be so nice). Jamesy P also comes close to penetrating the top lot of selections here with the characteristically really song Groovy effort, 'Grapevine' for favourites of ours, Island Traffic Entertainment. I don't spend nearly enough time speaking on the annual splendour of Jamesy P and I really should work on that because what he's done since most people really began paying an attention to him following 'Nookie' a few years back, is to 'merely' become one of the most consistent and quality dependable voices in all of Soca music - a complete GIFT of music and there seems to be not even a hint of him slowing down. That's also readily apparent on this tune on which Jamesy says that he learnt "Vincy gal have de sweetest wine" through the grapevine! BOOM! Also check the cool 'Over It' from up and comer Kimba Sorzano, as one of the title tracks from the aforementioned Farmer Nappy, 'You Make Me'. Both are really nice tunes and keep an ear out for Sorzano, who should be doing big things and also pick up the Farmer's new album, "You Make Me Surrender", today. I'll also, somewhat reluctantly, add 'No Pressure' to this lot from Nadia Batson (who looked SO GOOD this year). This is another piece where my appreciation, or lack thereof, fluctuates a great deal, but as of RIGHT NOW, I'm liking it. Don't ask me again an hour from now, however. And, definitely do check the SWEET 'Roll It' from Hypasounds, who is another one to keep an eye on for the future. 

'Good Time' by Edwin Yearwood

'Keep Talking' is easily the best of the rest, as Lil Rick joins Skinny with a second track on "SG2012". The song is a more lyrical and probably the most such outside of 'Rave Out' and it is not really something too different from the artist. He's been around for such a long time that you have come to expect him to be able to at least attempt to do almost anything, but it does work to a degree here (and how do you critique a tune where the artist already says he doesn't give a damn if you like it???). 'Don't Look Back' is a somewhat funny tune from Big Red also from out of Barbados. It's not amongst my favourites here, but Red is a talented artist, in a very unique way, so check out some of his other tunes (he had a very strange song a couple of years back named 'Action' which I really liked). A pair of big time veterans in Rikki Jai and Lady Saw team up to get drunk and discuss it on the remix for the former's 'De Drinkers Anthem'. I wasn't crazy about the original version of the song, although it did have a nice BIG sound to it and the remix falls behind even it, just a bit. Neither are BAD and the remix does up the intensity a bit, but to my opinion it's somewhat average. And lastly, and somewhat perplexingly is Inches with 'Jiggle It'. Nothing wrong with this song at all (and it's my Daughter's favourite on the album), with the exception of the fact that nothing short of a truly MASSIVE brain injury will get it out of your head (and I mean NOTHING!) - but it is two years old! I know it took awhile to spread out (remember that crazy tune from Triple Kay a few years ago, 'Sousse'? It started to mash up EVERYTHING after it was already two or three years old), but apparently someone at VP LOOOOOOVED it so much that they'd bring it back on this level. Not a HORRIBLE idea, but a surprising one, nevertheless. 

'Shiver' & 'No Pressure' by Nadia Batson

Overall, the bigger picture notwithstanding, it's a decent "Soca Gold" this year. We'll focus more on what's missing, because that's just what we do, but as for what is here, no matter how unusual it is, it's okay and it has enough BIG moments, at least for me. What I would like to see going forward is maybe VP Records would start to do a bit more with the series in the absence of some of the bigger names. I'm thinking of maybe going in the direction of "Ragga Ragga Ragga" this year - where it focused on some of the UK talents predominately, if they could do that with no Machel or Bunji or Fay-Ann, then I think that would be an excellent mix up for a season. Another idea might be to just change when "Soca Gold" releases so obviously you'd have more current songs at your disposal. In any case I do think it's time for a bit of a change, especially if/when this music begins to get a great deal more exposure. So, while you will find better Soca compilations in 2012, "Soca Gold" continues to and will continue to fly the flag for an entire genre which should be BOOMING across the globe any minute now. 

Rated: 3.25/5

VP Records

2012

CD + Digital

Review #364

Breaking News! Stevy Mahy is SEXY!

This just in! Our [incredibly lazy] sources are reporting that today, divine Gwada songstress, Stevy Mahy, has been officially declared sexy by everyone on the planet with a pair of even remotely somewhat semi-functioning eyes. [No] More details to come on this most shocking development as they arrive [because they won't]!

DAMN!

Lyrics!: Perfect Giddimani

I know that I've said this now several times, but I don't know that it's ever been more appropriate and fitting than it is today. There are just some artists whose styles and concepts have no forefathers or foremothers and are uniquely their own and when you listen to them, many times, you get 'caught up' in their dynamicity and maybe we don't focus on their foundations and actual talents as much because of it. Today we take a look at someone who, for years, has been 'catching' fans across the world and give you a chance to sift through the unplanned madness and SEE what's really going on.  We can call him one of the most unique Roots Reggae artists to EVER emerge and we can call him one of the most fiery as well, but he's also a MIGHTY writer. Here we have ten completely random pieces of phrasal pandemonium from the perfectly unpredictable - Perfect Giddimani. 

Perfect Giddimani

 -'HIM Smile'-

"I gotta picture on my wall of Selassie I smiling

Emperor Selassie I smiling!

For us

There is a picture on my wall of Selassie I smiling

Jah Rastafari smiling!

For us

It ain't no painted portrait from a fairy colour book

It is the King of Kings, His Imperial Majesty, come take a look

This is my favourite pic from out of all the pictures that HE took

I wanna know where HE was standing, what HE was thinking

It gotta be something good!

Cherish this picture, now and forever

King Rastafari, I love you so!

Much more than money

This is a treasure

Cause I never seen nobody else in the world smiling like this before!"

-'Life' w/Lutan Fyah & Gyptian-

"It's just the little things we do and the words that we say -

Will make us have a really great day

Smiling faces everywhere and the weather feels good

Everyone is happy in the neighbourhood

And I say - Children don't forget your manners

Say thanks when I give you my oranges or bananas

Be courteous and kind always

Emperor Selassie you fi always praise

Keep silent, be violence free

Never let the pagans get you angry

Memba seh yah nah fi hate nor loathe 

And tek yahself outta di mix-up crowd

I see the silver lining beyond the cloud

Youth go look a job and stop lurks pon di road

Mi neva follow fashion

My natty yah just keep on flashin 

And my turban I just keep on washin!" 

-'No Badda Mi'-

"NO BADDA MI!

DOH BADDA MI!

Yah too damn conniving

DOH BADDA MI!

Inna mi car, driving

DOH BADDA MI!

You si star arriving

DOH BADDA MI!

A little soak and ting

DOH BADDA MI!

A peer good song mi sing

DOH BADDA MI!

Mi a di handcart king

DOH BADDA MI!

Amerimakka waiting

DOH BADDA MI!

Mi nah shave nor trim

DOH BADDA MI!

No waan no gun fi sling

DOH BADDA MI!

But you go, tek weh mi knife wah peal mi pumpkin"

-'Talk Black Marcus'-

"Oh, what a might Black Prophet from St. Ann's Bay

He's the founder and the leader of the UNIA

Teach from town, go to country

England, France and Germany

They charge him for fraud in the USA-

Because he told Black people fi sail away

No history, this is I & I Black Story

Talk Black Marcus!

Walk and tell dem

Talk up Marcus!

Look how long you deh walk and ah talk

All the stones you throwed at him-

The lies you told on Him

No, you neva got Marcus weary!

The government tarnished his name

Some Christians did the same

Still, I love him SINCERELY!"

-'30 Pieces'-

"I've been around for a very long time

Cut sugar cane pon dem plantation

I've wiped all my tears, yet still I'm cry

Nuttin ever last forever but salvation

They gave I & I 30 piece of silver-

And 30 pieces of gold

But who is gonna pay reparation for my soul?

And I see dem gotta lotta money, inna dem billfold

But who is gonna pay reparation for my soul?

See I've got cuts and scars to show

I wanna run but I cannot go

Shackles and chains are all up on me

Brother man can you tell my Mother what's happening?

That I'm gonna be the next victim, of an action -

Save! Five pounds and a shilling inna bale"

-'Absolute Blessings' w/Sizzla Kalonji-

"Tell dem seh wi deh yah fi a reason, a cause and a purpose

Let your love flow!

Never you be nervous

Emperor Selassie I, The King, never desert us

Prince Emmanuel, The Priest, ever convert us"

"Empress Menen, royal and virtuous

Warriors deh pon di battlefield fi alert us"

"Remember: Be kind and courteous

A likkle more tea in the thermos" 

-'One Week'-

"To Mother Afrika, that's where I'm heading

You betta stop di war and di damn blood shedding

Give thanks for - The Royal Wedding

Hey Black people, stop unuh begging

Empress Omega, you are di Beginning

Tell Babylon seh di Bobo ain't kidding

MI NAH GO TEK YAH MONEY FI GO VOICE PON YAH SATAN RIDDIM!

Bobo Ashanti trodding while di pagans digging" 

-'My Chronic'-

"Don't worry nor panic

Cause my chronic, my chronic -

Is organic

So take a draw from it

Sweet words: Good herbs

And the sign on the room door says "Don't Disturb"

Naturally preserved

And I've gotta lot more in storage, reserved

No chemicals to harm yah nerves

Smell so good from around the curve

Authentic marijuana, mi plant and serve to Diana and Irv

Johnny! 

Hey yah!

Can I have some marijuana?

I wanna smoke it again!

Wanna smoke it again!

When I am on the corner

So gimme that Ochi kush!

From the collie bush!

If mi haffi walk pon foot, tek ride or drive or -

Pedal and push"

-'Hanging Day'-

"I was awaken, by a whiplash and the master's boots in the cane trash

And I was taken, from a distance, without no shirt or pants

I should be in Alabama

Yet still mi deh in Mississippi

As the preacher man came along-

I heard someone say it's hanging day

Hanging day

Hanging day

Hanging day

It's hanging day

They're gonna take my life away

And as I walk up to the gallows -

I saw the big rope under the canvas

I drank water, from a little glass

Before my neck was cast

And as the rope got tighter

'Softer' I would pray

I heard someone whisper -

'It's hanging - STINKIN HANGIN DAY'

Mi Great Great Grandfather dead pon di plantation

Mi Grandfather dead yah

Mi Grannie dead yah

Mi likkle and mi big bredda

Mi Great Great Grandmother dead up pon di farm

Mi Auntie dead yah

Mi Uncle dead yah

Now it's my time to move on!

{TEARS!}

-'Handcart Bwoy'-

"She get whole heap a love and joy from di handcart bwoy

A di same likkle Bobo youth weh name Fitzroy

Round a market, mi juggle pepper and pak-choi

She neva know she woulda deh wid I

I'm trodding from the mountains

Pon mi foot a pure red dirt

Crocus bag dem stitch up and di cabbage well cut

Boutta dozen i-trait pon mi shirt 

I got, peppers and ripe bananas and some peanuts

I met this princess in di market standing by di culbut

I could see dat all she need was I & I comfort

Seh she come from up a River Gut -

But she's coming home to my likkle hut

She always -

Admire when I glorify The King

And how I seal my turban each and every morning

Sipping a little water from the spring

I push my cart and dance and sing

OH WHAT A LOVING, CARING WOMAN YOU ARE!

And what I am thankful for: She neva take no money from no superstar"