Massive Pick: Warrior King - Virtuous Woman

Warrior King made a strong impression on reggae fans in 2001 with the release of three hit singles, “Virtuous Woman,” “Powers That Chant,” & “Breath of Fresh Air,” all of which reached #1 on Jamaican radio charts.  It wasn’t until a year later that we saw the release of his first full-length album, Virtuous Woman on VP Records. The 18-track album includes all three singles and a bunch of other worthwhile hits.  With the perfect combination of his youthful voice and conscious lyrics, the album is uplifting, with ‘love,’ ‘education,’ &  ‘positivity’ being the message.  Many of the tracks are revitalized versions of original riddims including “Virtuous Woman,” a modern version of Culture’s 'Zion Gate' riddim, “Education is Key,” a modern version of Gregory Isaacs’ 'Storm' riddim, & “Empress So Divine,” a modern version of the vintage Heptones’ 'We Are In The Mood' riddim.  Warrior King shows his consistency throughout the whole album so check it in its entirety, but a few of my other favorites besides the big three include “Rough Road,” “Health & Strength,” & “It’s Been A While.”
-KT

 1.  Power To Chant

 2.  Never Go Where Pagans Go

 3.  Jah Is Always There

 4.  Africa Shall Be Free

 5.  Breath Of Fresh Air

 6.  Boast Not Myself

 7.  Love Jah And Live

 8.  Rough Road

 9.  Education Is Key

10.  Baby Don't Worry

11.  Empress So Divine

12.  Virtuous Woman

13.  Oh Mama

14.  Health And Strength

15.  What's Going On

16.  It's Been A While

17.  Make Me Feel

18.  Mama (Remix)

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Nine To Five Riddim

Breadback Productions released the Nine To Five Riddim in August 2010 with a few more tight tracks to add to your collection.  Delly Ranks provides the title song with "9 to 5" with a chorus that will be tough to get out of your head after a few listens.  Lutan Fyah once again shows his consistency with "Jamaican Girl" and Warrior King's "Experience Teaches Wisdom" is my favorite of them all.  Other notable tunes are "Know Your Friend" by Bobby Hustle and "Don't Wanna Leave" by Dway.
-EB

 1.  Bobby Hustle- Know Your Friends

 2.  Classical  Eska- Sorry

 3.  Delly Ranx- 9 To 5

 4.  Dway- Don't Wanna Leave

 5.  ZJ Liquid- Hold A Vibe

 6.  General Degree- Love Mi

 7.  Lukie D- Share Him

 8.  Lutan Fyah- Jamaican Girl

 9.  Norris Man- My People

10.  Teflon- Oh Yeah

11.  Warrior King- Experience Teaches Wisdom

12.  Breadback Productions- 9 To 5 Riddim Version

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Legal Riddim

Off the Renaissance label from 2007, the Legal Riddim grabs your attention from the beginning, building with a soothing guitar loop over which Da'Ville sounds great on "In My Arms," and when you hear that bass drop, you know what's coming!  Great messages on this one and Da'Ville is just the start.  Sean Paul gives the love up to his mother 'straight from his heart' on the track titled "Mama I Love You."  Peter Morgan professes 'war is not the answer' on the tune "Why" along with the help of his brother, Laza from LMS, and the rest of the Morgan Heritage family band.  To top these big ones off, Gentleman joins IN and stands OUT on his tune "Serenity."  Make sure you don't miss Anthony B on "Good Life" too.
Life Is For Living! No Killing.
Check the Tunes!
-BenJammin'

 1.  Camar (Flava)- Meant To Be

 2.  Natural Black- 9 To 5

 3.  Anthony B- Good Life

 4.  Daville- In My Arms

 5.  Nicky B- It's Been So Long

 6.  VC- It's Time

 7.  Sanjay- Lonely

 8.  Hawk- Too Many Garrisson

 9.  Gentleman- Serenity

10.  Voicemail- Looks Are Deceiving

11.  Norrisman- Life And Liberty

12.  Sean Paul- Mama I Love You

13.  Morgan Heritage (ft. Laza)- Why

14.  Lukie D- Hide In Your Eyes

15.  Tami Chynn- Sweet Love

DOWNLOAD- Legal Riddim

City Life Riddim

Recorded on 2 Hard Music, the City Life Riddim (July 2010) features a handful of tight tracks and an instrumental that you must hear.  Legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser takes over on the title track "City Life," as he rides the riddim with the smooth sounds of his sax.  This tune will definitely get you moving.  Tony Rebel's "Love Soldier" and Queen Ifrica's "Times Like These" are my other favorites but don't miss Sean Paul's "Beat of My Heart" or Tarrus Riley's "Who's Responsible."
-KT

 1.  Sean Paul- Beat Of My Heart

 2.  Elephant Man- Let Me Be The Man

 3.  Denyque- Supergirl

 4.  Natel- Miles Away

 5.  Wayne Marshall- Telepathic

 6.  Queen Ifrica- Times Like These

 7.  Assassin- Something's Gotta Give

 8.  Tarrus Riley- Who's Responsible

 9.  Tony Rebel- Love Soldier

10.  Dean Fraser- City Life

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Drop Leaf Riddim

After producing several hit dancehall riddims, Don Corleon Records made their reggae debut with a big splash in the form of 2004's Drop Leaf Riddim.  With an unforgettable guitar lick, this riddim is sure to catch your ear--not to mention the cast of talent whose voices only add to the quality.  Morgan Heritage's hit "Your Best Friend" and Jah Cure's "Longing For" are two of the most heavily played from this riddim.  Gentleman's "Intoxication," Sizzla's "Be Strong," and Anthony B's "Get You Girl" are must haves, as well as Luciano's political tune "For The Leaders."  Corleon shows his strong ties to dancehall music with two songs that I actually really like, starting with T.O.K.'s "reality" story in "Footprints" and Bounty Killer on a different vibe both singing and chanting in "It's OK."  Tanya Stephens, Maxi Priest, and Jeffrey Star round things out--so you know this riddim is solid when I just talked about every song on it.  Definitely a classic.
-EB

 1.  Gentleman- Intoxication

 2.  Jah Cure- Longing For

 3.  Morgan Heritage- Your Best Friend

 4.  T.O.K.- Footprints

 5.  Bounty Killer- It's Ok

 6.  Anthony B- Get You Girl

 7.  Tanya Stephens- After You

 8.  Sizzla- Be Strong

 9.  Luciano- For The Leaders

10.  Maxi Priest- I Believe In Love

11.  Jeffrey Star- I'm Sorry

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Album Review: Tarrus Riley - Challenges

The debut album from Tarrus Riley, titled Challenges (2004), was released on the small independent label Ya Man Music.  With production from legendary reggae saxophonist, Dean Fraser, it features songs like “Larger Than Life,” “Take Me Higher,” and my personal favorite, “Barber Chair.” The album was later re-released in 2008 on VP Records with two additional tracks, "Love Created I," (August Town Riddim), & "Save The Children." This album gives a look back at the early stages of one of reggae's current heavy hitters.
-KT

 1.  Larger Than Life

 2.  Jah Will

 3.  It's Better This Way

 4.  All Is Vanity

 5.  Who Can Stand It

 6.  Don't Give Up

 7.  I'll Be Your Friend

 8.  Other Half

 9.  Take Me Higher

10.  Ego

11.  Rasta At The Control

12.  Barber Chair

13.  Love Created I

14.  Save The Children

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Down In Jamaica Riddim

Since summer is just around the corner, here's a riddim that reminds me of sunshine, rolling down the windows, and turning up the music.  Irie Ites + Mafia & Fluxy released the Down In Jamaica Riddim in October 2007, which is a tribute to Joseph "Culture" Hill's 1978 hit "Down In Jamaica Where Garvey Come From."  Some major tunes here, starting with Suga Roy & Conrad Crystal's "Good Sensi"--the song that most resembles Culture's original.  Chezidek shows off his smooth voice in "Bad Out Deh" and Perfect is his usual creative self with "Light This Joint."  My favorite track on here is Lutan Fyah's "Bad Traffic," an example of why I love conscious reggae music.
-EB

 1.  Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal- Good Sensi

 2.  Chezidek- Bad Out Deh

 3.  Lutan Fyah- Bad Traffic

 4.  Perfect- Light This Joint

 5.  Keefaz & Baby G- On Y Croit Encore

 6.  Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal- Good Sensi Dubwise

 7.  Ras McBean- We Never Tell Dem

 8.  Glen Washington- I Couldn't Do That

 9.  Tanya Stephens- I'm Not Proud

10.  George Nooks- Break Of Day

11.  Cornell Campbell- Lickie Lickie

12.  Richie Davis- Come In Your Way

13.  Adele Harley- Love Is Faded

14.  Sylvia Tella- Skip A Dance

15.  Mafia & Fluxy Down In Jamaica Riddim Version

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Weatherman Skank/It's Raining Riddim

THIS riddim highlights the ultimate sharing of riddims between performers.  It was first heard in 1967 from Three Tops' "It's Raining," produced by Arthur "Duke" Reid on the Treasure Isle Label, it has continued skanking speakers through the '70s , '80s, '90s, and most recently with Natural Black's 2007 tune "Cry Cry Baby" produced by Lloyd ‘King Jammy’ James, Wycliffe ‘Steely’ Johnson and Cleveland ‘Clevie’ Browne.  Check out the the full cast here because there are TOO many to list.  My favorites on this riddim, and a MUST hear would be: Three Tops - "It's Raining," Clint Eastwood & General Saint - "Banana Export," and Billy Boyo- "Look How She Fat."  Don't pass by Norris Man, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice or Anthony B on this riddim either.  Wow! What a great one!!!! ENJOY!
-BenJammin'





DOWNLOAD- Weatherman Skank/It's Raining Riddim

Rub A Dub Riddim

VP Records released one of my favorite riddims of all time with the Rub A Dub (2008). It features an all-star lineup of artists including Morgan Heritage, Capleton, Richie Spice, Fantan Mojah, Anthony B & even Junior Reid. “Nothing To Smile About” is a can’t miss from Morgan Heritage, while Richie Spice’s “Di Plane Land” and Capleton’s “Same Old Story” are must listens as well. Fantan Mojah, Anthony B and Junior Reid all produce impressive tunes while the lesser-known Nezbeth and Ginjah also put forth solid tracks.  Be sure to check out the acoustic version of this riddim as well.

-KT

 1.  Etana- I Am Not Afraid

 2.  Richie Spice- The Plane Land

 3.  Capleton- Same Old Story

 4.  Morgan Heritage- Nothing To Smile About

5.  Anthony B- Striving

 6.  Nezbeth- Gunz Out

 7.  Fantan Mojah- Most High Jah

 8.  I-Octane- No Frighten We

 9.  Teflon- We're All Gonna Make It

10.  Ginjah- Never Lost My Way

11.  Junior Reid- Ain't No Stopping Us Now

12.  Eloquent- Take It With A Smile

13.  Natural Black- Love You

14.  Lymie Murray- No Reason To Change

15-  Spanner Banner- Angel's Around Me

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Massive Pick: Gentleman - Journey To Jah

As a new feature, we're going to be digging into our collection and sharing some of our favorite albums of all time with our followers.  Might as well start off with straight fire in Gentleman's 2002 release Journey To Jah.  With a ton of big names helping him along such as, Morgan Heritage, Junior Kelly, Capleton and Bounty Killer to name a few, this album is near the top of my list because of its consistency throughout.  I could literally talk about every track on the album, but I'll highlight a few and let you explore the rest.  Can't listen to "Dem Gone" enough--one of my favorite songs of all time.  "Man A Rise" with Bounty Killer is a unique combination and "Man Of My Own" featuring Morgan Heritage is a feel good tune.  Capleton lends his voice on "Fire Ago Bun Dem" and "Empress" is on the shortlist of my favorite Gentleman songs.
-EB

 1.  Dem Gone

 2.  Ina Different Time (ft. Jahmali & Daddy Rings)

 3.  Runaway

 4.  Man A Rise (ft. Bounty Killer)

 5.  Love Chant

 6.  See Dem Coming

 7.  Man Of My Own (ft. Morgan Heritage)

 8.  Leave Us Alone

 9.  Long Face

10.  Younger Generation (ft. Luciano & Mickey General)

11.  Dangerzone (ft. Junior Kelly)

12.  Empress

13.  Fire Ago Bun Dem (ft. Capleton)

14.  Jah Ina Yuh Life

15.  Children Of Tomorrow (ft. Jack Radics)

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Rebellion 2010 Riddim

Coming off the Maximum Sound record label, the Rebellion 2010 Riddim is a remake of the classic 1975 Johnny Clarke song titled "Creation Rebel."  Fantan Mojah & Johnny Clarke are the perfect combination for the remake, "Rebel With A Cause," which features Johnny Clarke's original vocals.  Tarrus Riley continues to prove he's king with his tune "Poverty Nuh Inna Fashion," my favorite on this riddim.  Chezidek & U-Roy combine for a catchy chorus on "Teach Dem" and once again Anthony B gives us another solid tune with "Hold The Faith."
-KT

 1.  Tarrus Riley- Poverty Nuh Inna Fashion

 2.  Johnny Clarke & Fantan Mojah- Rebel With A Cause

 3.  Mikey General & Luciano

 4.  Konshens- No More Tears

 5.  Gappy Ranks- Heavy Load

 6.  Anthony B- Hold The Faith

 7.  Chezidek- Teach Them (ft. U Roy)

 8.  Zareb- Can't Get Me Down

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One Love Drive Riddim

Lazeme Sound Productions dropped the One Love Drive Riddim in 2010 with a few big time tracks on it.  Anthony B puts out a solid tune to nod your head along to in "Sweet Jamaica" and Cutty Corn shows he can hang with the heavyweights in his song "Full A Herbs."  Mr. Perfect highlights this riddim as he rewinds the clock and really crosses musical boundaries with his unique take on the 1985 Simply Red song "Holding Back The Years" with his version titled "Keep Holding On."  Yes, you've heard this song before but never knew who it was...just wait for the chorus.
-EB

 1.  Anthony B- Sweet Jamaica

 2.  Singer J- We Need Love

 3.  Cutty Corn- Full A Herbs

 4.  Perfect- Keep Holdin' On

 5.  Teflon-  Jah Is My Everything

 6.  Tonya P- One Love Drive

 7.  Little Hero- Save Us

 8.  Mujo- My Love (ft. Abiona)

 9.  Dzyah- One More Time

10.  Princess Tia- Education

11.  CP Inc- Can't Take It No More

12.  Mr. Groove- Jah Love

13.  Sassanya- Pick up The Pieces

14.  Mr. Shell- Get A Buss

15.  Lazeme Music- One Love Drive Riddim Version

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Senior Riddim

We're gonna throw it back a few more years to 2007 with the release of the Senior Riddim.  Several big hitters working very well on this one including Lutan Fyah on "Red Red," Chezidek with "Leggo Dutty Babylon," and my personal favorite, Ziggi's "Fight This Struggle."  The riddim does not stop there...be sure to give Junior Kelly a listen as well as Gentleman, Natural Black, Blessed and maybe the lesser known Andy Vernon's "Step Right."
-BenJammin'

 1.  Bob Andy- Almighty Dolla

 2.  Taaya- Love The Children

 3.  Natural Black- Why Can't We

 4.  Junior Kelly- Work Oh So Hard

 5.  Mark Wonder & Daddy Rings- Thank You Jah

 6.  Blessed- Dem Cyaan Save The World

 7.  Gentleman- Different Places

 8.  Lutan Fyah- Red Red

 9.  Andy Vernon- Step Right

10.  Chezidek- Leggo Dutty Babylon Ways

11.  Taffari- I Know

12.  Ziggi- Fight This Struggle

13.  Anthony Senior- Senior Riddim Version

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Major Riddim

We're going to fill in our followers on some past riddims we liked so you'll get some old mixed with the new.  One of the most popular riddims released during the summer of 2010 was the Major Riddim (Aug 2010) with solid production from Don Corleon.  Hawaiian artist J Boog drops the headline track with "Let's Do It Again" as well as Tarrus Riley killing it on "Wildfire."  Like Vybz Kartel, Wayne Marshall sounds perfect over a reggae beat with "Work Hard" and one of my favorite artists, Lutan Fyah, slowing the pace a bit with "Come Over."  The real hidden gem here is the bonus track titled "All Night Long" by Sean Paul.  Again, this is why we'd like to see certain dancehall artists do more reggae.
-EB

 1.  Cecile- Take My Heart

 2.  J Boog- Let's Do It Again

 3.  Jah Vinci- Gawn Home

 4.  Kris Kelli- Sunshine

 5.  Liquid- Fraid Fi Go Home

 6.  Lutan Fyah- Come Over

 7.  Professor- Fi R Type

 8.  Tarrus Riley- Wildfire

 9.  Wayne Marshall- Work Hard
10.  Sean Paul- All Night Long

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Lyfe Turn Riddim

Released on the Lion King Music record label, the Lyfe Turn Riddim (Feb 2011) shows just how good Collie Buddz & Sean Paul can be, especially on the same track, if they both stick to a roots reggae style.  Their track titled "On My Way Back Home" headlines the riddim, but my favorite track has to be Mitch feat. Nitty Kutchie with "Look In My Eyes."  Other tracks on this riddim worth a listen include Luciano's "Lyfe Turn Pre," Lutan Fyah's "Mr. Peace Officer," and Gyptian's "The Reason Why I Smile."
-KT

 1.  Luciano- Lyfe Turn

 2.  Anthony Cruz- Side Step Dem Trap

 3.  Gyptian- The Reason Why I Smile (ft. New Kidz)

 4.  Mitch- Look In My Eyes (ft. Nitty Kutchie)

 5.  Lutan Fyah- Mr. Peace Officer

 6.  Collie Buddz- On My Way Back Home (ft. Sean Paul)

 7.  Lion King Music- Lyfe Turn Riddim Version

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The Message Riddim

The Don Corleon record label gave us 2011's first monster riddim in The Message (Jan 2011).  There are several tunes I can't stop listening to, but the one that first caught my ear was "Rise Up" by Cecile.  After a slow buildup, the hook drops in and keeps your head nodding throughout.  Vybz Kartel shows just how talented he can be as a conscious reggae artist with "Poor People Land" and Ky-Mani represents the Marley family well with "Brave Ones."  Richie Spice continues to pump out rock solid songs with "Got To Make It" as well as Pressure with a catchy chorus in "Jah Love." 
-EB

 1.  Cecile- Rise Up

 2.  Da Professor- Words

 3.  Flyaway- Ikaya

 4.  Jah Vinci- Wicked Heart

 5.  Ky-Mani Marley- Brave Ones

 6.  Million Stylez- Brighter Days

 7.  Pressure- Jah Love

 8.  Protoje- Take Control

 9.  Richie Spice- Got To Make It

10.  Sophia Square- Love

11.  Vital- Don't Say No

12.  Vybz Kartel- Poor People Land

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