Jah Cure To Release New Album Next Month

Jah Cure is scheduled to release his fifth full-length album in mid June after being postponed numerous times.  Titled World Cry, it features a wide variety of sounds and featured artists.  The first single released is the slow love song "Unconditional Love" featuring Phyllisia, which has received a ton of airplay already.  There are definitely some unusual collaborations on this album such as, Tupac, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, and Shyne, so I'm interested to see how it turns out.  Here's the title track, "World Cry" featuring Keri Hilson and MDMA--doesn't sound much like a reggae song but I don't mind it.
-EB



 

Album Review: I Wayne - Lava Ground

In 2005, I Wayne made his debut on VP Records with the album, Lava Ground.  His powerful, distinct voice and conscious lyrics scored him three hit singles, "Can't Satisfy Her," "Living In Love," and the huge hit and title track "Lava Ground," (the melody later became the backing on the 'Lava Splash Riddim').  The album starts off emphasizing his sweet, high-pitched voice over just a guitar on the track "Life Seeds."  "Rastafari Liveth," features wailing rock guitars and warns about the dangers of technology, while "More Life," talks about the superiority of living naturally.  It picks up with the more roots-oriented, "Don't Worry," and "Mama And Papa," two of my favorite songs.  "Nah Draw Nil" is another roots tune and "Bleacher," off the 'Black Shade Riddim,' is a good listen as well.  Amongst those tunes are the three big hits "Lava Ground," off the 'Lava Splash Riddim,' "Can't Satisfy Her," off the 'Father Jungle Rock Riddim,' and "Living In Love," off the 'Hard Times Riddim.'  Although his high pitched style can be tiresome at times, this album is a well balanced new-age roots album.
-KT 

 1.  Life Seeds

 2.  Lava Ground

 3.  Rastafari Liveth

 4.  More Life

 5.  Bleacher

 6.  Don't Worry

 7.  Ma Ma And Pa Pa (ft. Fire Chess)

 8.  Nah Draw Nil

 9.  Touch Her Softly

10.  Ready Fe Live Up

11.  Kid Artist

12.  Living In Come

13.  Conquer (ft. Fire Star)

14.  Can't Satisfy Her (Interlude)

15.  Can't Satisfy Her

16.  Grow Proper

17.  Cool As The Breeze

18.  Keep Burning Rome (ft. Harmony)

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Invasion Riddim

Downsound/In The Streets Records released the Invasion Riddim in 2005 and saw it become an instant hit in the dancehalls and over the airwaves.  Based on the 1967 Studio One 'Pressure and Slide' riddim, which most notably featured Sugar Minott's 1976 classic "Oh Mr. D.C.," this revamped version features some serious songs.  Fantan Mojah's career took off here with his most popular tune to date, "Hungry"--try not to sing that song after a few listens.  Capleton's title track "Invasion" is solid and Fantan Mojah doubles up on this riddim with the help of Sugar Minott and Military Man with their remix of Minott's hit titled "D.C."  My favorite song is from Anthony B with the help of the sweet-voiced Dawn Penn on the chorus with "You're So Fine."  Tough to find videos for this one so you're going to have to check out the songs for yourself.
-EB    

 1.  Fantan Mojah- Hungry

 2.  Anthony B- You're So Fine

 3.  Norrisman- False Pretense

 4.  Sizzla- For The Best

 5.  George Nooks- Call On Jah

 6.  Capleton- Invasion

 7.  D.Y.C.R.- Misunderstanding

 8.  Bascom X- Praises

 9.  Fantan Mojah, Military Man & Sugar Minott- D.C

10.  Down Sound Records- Invasion Riddim Version

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Guardian Angel Riddim

The Guardian Angel Riddim was released on VP Records in 2007 as part of their 'Riddim Driven' series.  This up-tempo one-drop is masterfully produced, but there wasn't really a whole lot that I was feeling vocally.  Richie Spice's killer tune "World Is A Cycle," is one of my favorites, and brother Spanner Banner is "Solid As A Rock," on his tune, (not featured on this album).  Other than that, T.O.K's title track "Guardian Angel," is worth a listen, while Jah Cure is smooth as always on "To Your Arms Of Love," and Vybz Kartel shows he can ride a one-drop on his lover's tune "Missing You A Lot."
-KT

 1.  T.O.K.- Guardian Angel

 2.  Richie Spice- The World Is A Cycle

 3.  Da'ville- Give Thanks For What You've Got

 4.  Wayne Marshall- Give Me Strength

 5.  Million Stylez- Give Thanks For Life

 6.  Jamelody- My King

 7.  Jah Cure- To Your Arms With Love

 8.  Vybz Kartel- Missing You A Lot

 9.  Alaine- Rise In Love

10.  Voicemail- Best Days Of My Life

11.  Sanjay- Man Of My Word

12.  Christopher Martin- Take My Love

13.  Camar- Before You Go Away

14.  VP Records- Guardian Angel Riddim Version

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DOWNLOAD- Guardian Angel Riddim

Hold On Riddim

Bobby 'Digital' Dixon & the Digital B record label released one of their best riddims in the summer of 2005 with the Hold On Riddim, the remake of Half Pint's classic 1985 song "Two To One." It features an all-star lineup of Sizzla, Warrior King, Richie Spice, Fantan Mojah, Tanya Stephens and even Anthony B alongside Half Pint on the modern remake "Two To One."  Sizzla's "Words Of Divine," Warrior King's "Another Love Song," Richie Spice's "Bad Lamp, and Fantan Mojah's "King Of Kings," are all essential tunes to any reggae fan's collection.  Tanya Stephens shows off her sweet voice on "We Nah Run," while the older sounds of Louie Culture on "Safe And Secure," and Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal on "Tired Of It," are all worthy tracks as well.  For those of you who like older reggae tunes, check out the original 1985 Feel The Beat release of the Hold On Riddim, featuring Half Pint, Chaka Demus and Frankie Jones.
Big tunes, big riddim!!
-KT

 1.  Fantan Mojah- King Of Kings

 2.  Richie Stephens- Friends And Lovers

 3.  Sizzla- Words Of Devine

 4.  Tanya Stephens- We Nah Run

 5.  Anthony B & Half Pint- Two To One

 6.  Louie Culture- Safe And Secure

 7.  Terry Linen- Count On Me

 8.  Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal- Tired Of It

 9.  Richie Spice- Bad Lamp

10.  Digial B Records- Hold On Riddim Version

DOWNLOAD- Hold On Riddim

Ital Jockey Riddim

Sankofa Records produced the Ital Jockey Riddim in late 2009 and featured some big names along with it.  Richie Spice highlights the riddim and sounds good as usual over the one-drop with, "Don't Call Mi No Dog."  Jah Cure slows it down a notch with his love song, "You Deserve The Best" as well as Pressure with "Perfect Lover."  Capleton shows why he's the 'Fire Man' with "Nah Tek" and the real sleeper here is the legendary Cocoa Tea with conscious lyrics and a memorable chorus on "In Side Out."
-EB

 1.  Richie Spice- Don't Call Mi No Dog

 2.  Jah Cure- You Deserve The Best

 3.  Pressure- Perfect Lover
 4.  Duane Stephenson- She Wants Money
 5.  Gyptian- Eyes On The Prize

 6.  Khago- Up Hill Climb

 7.  Capleton- Nah Tek
 8.  Cocoa Tea- In Side Out

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DOWNLOAD- Ital Jockey Riddim

Album Review: Pressure - Love And Affection

Virgin Island born, Pressure, released his second full-length album titled, Love And Affection, in 2007 on Don Corleon records.  Anything produced by Don Corleon is almost guaranteed to be fyah.  The album opens with a melodic one-drop behind Pressure's conscious delivery, pleading Jah Jah to protect and "Bless The Children" of today. "Ghetto Life" is backed by the Baltimore Riddim, Corleon's take on the classic Sly & Robbie production.  The headline song, "Love And Affection," is one of my top tracks and was rightfully featured on VP Records' Reggae Gold 2007 and Greensleeves' The Biggest One-Drop Anthems 2007.  Corleon also produced, "Hear My Cry," off the Far Away Riddim and, "So Appealing," off the Love Potion Riddim.  "Be Free" features an amazing piano line alongside another one-drop that together supports the punchline, 'my people be free because the world is yours.'  Also check out "Show Love," "Africa," & "Why."
-KT

 1.  Bless The Children

 2.  Ghetto Life

 3.  Love And Affection

 4.  Touch The Sky

 5.  Hear My Cry

 6.  Be Free

 7.  Most Wanted

 8.  Personality

 9.  No Fight

10.  Boogey Man

11.  Africa

12.  So Appealing

 13.  Show Love

14.  Till Shiloh Comes

15.  Never Fall

16.  Why

DOWNLOAD- Pressure - Love And Affection

Alborosie to Release New Album!

Alborosie, Italy's hottest reggae product, is set to release his third full-length album on June 21st.  It is titled 2 Times Revolution and is said to feature 16 tracks.  Here is the first single, "Respect," featuring the legendary Junior Reid.  We'll keep you posted about this release.
-EB

Massive Pick: Sizzla - Freedom Cry (Kalonji)

Now we're getting into the real ish that sparked my interest in reggae...the stuff that reminds me of freshman year in high school.  I think I listened to this album nonstop on my "discman" for a whole year and never once got sick of it.  Freedom Cry (titled Kalonji in Europe) was released in 1998 on VP/Xterminator Records by the then 21-year old budding superstar and went on to solidify his spot as the biggest reggae performer of the mid-90's/early 2000's.  He led the way for a youthful, rebellious, cast of artists, along with the likes of Capleton and Anthony B on way to creating a style of conscious reggae music unlike any before it.  This was Sizzla's fourth full-length album at such a young age, and all of his material to that point was rock solid.  So many classics on here but I'll only name a few.  "Lovely Morning," "Til It Some More," and "Freedom Cry" all showcase his vocal range from singing the chorus to chanting the verses.  "Long Journey Bad Storm," "Real," and "Define Yourself" are all a little more upbeat, as well as the energized "Confuse City" and one of my top five Sizzla songs of all time, "Ancient Memories."  First ballot reggae hall-of-famer in his early (best) days right here.  
-EB

 1.  Real

 2.  Jah Blessings (ft. Luciano)

 3.  Dem Ah Try Ah Ting

 4.  Lovely Morning

 5.  She's Like The Roses

 6.  Saturated- Sizzla

 7.  Love Amongst Brethren

 8.  Made Of

 9.  Freedom Cry

10.  Long Journey

11.  Till It Some More

12.  Rain Shower

13.  Ancient Memories

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Real Life Riddim

The Real Life Riddim, released in 2005 on the Yellow Moon/In The Streetz record label, was based on the 1971 Lee 'Scratch' Perry song "To Be A Lover," and featured one strong tune after another.  Richie Spice starts it off with his melodic tune about leaving Babylon on "This Train," Perfect sounds just that on his caught-with-herb tune, pleading 'my herbs is' "All I've Got," and Little Hero shows he can produce hits with "Inna Di Ghetto."  Anthony Cruz shows his range, almost sounding feminine at times, with the lover's tune "Hold Me," while Capleton slows the mood with his smooth voice on "Oh My."  Check out Prezident Brown's "Re-Capture The Culture," Chrisinti's "Herb Heart," and Spanner Banner's "Great Things"--all good listens.  My favorite track though is Anthony B's "Burn Them," featuring a hook that'll get you singing along.  Green Mountain Massive Riddim Mix below!
-KT





Click Here To Download The Real Life Riddim

Rocking Time Riddim

Mafia & Fluxy produced the Rocking Time Riddim in 2006 for the Irie Ites Record Label with only one single, "High Grade," by Turbulence and Spectacular.  The song experienced so much success that it sparked another 10 singles over the next year and was released as a full album.  Taken from Burning Spear's 70's single, "Rocking Time," the modern riddim features notable horns over an upbeat one-drop.  This is one of those riddims that is so well done that just about every song sounds good over it, starting with Lutan Fyah's "A Lie," Sizzla's "Show More Love," and Perfect's "One Life."  Fantan Mojah's "So Many Problems," Lorenzo's "Gun Play," and Ras McBean's "The Price of Jah Love" are all worthwhile tracks as well as Spectacular working alone on "Chant" and Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal with their take of "Righteous Train."  Tough to pick one, but my favorite song on here is the sweet-singing Chezidek with "Who I Am."
-EB

 1.  Turbulence & Spectacular- High Grade

 2.  Lutan Fyah- A Lie

 3.  Perfect- One Life

 4.  Conrad Crystal & Sugar Roy- Righteous Train

 5.  Fantan Mojah- So Many Problems

 6.  Chezidek- Who I Am

 7.  Sizzla- Show More Love

 8.  Lorenzo- Gun Play

 9.  Louie Culture & Malijah- Hills Farmer

10.  Ras McBean- The Price Of Jah Love

11.  Spectacular- Chant

12.  Mafia & Fluxy- Rocking Time Riddim Version

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DOWNLOAD- Rocking Time Riddim

Massive Pick: Anthony B - So Many Things

Anthony B made his debut at age 20 with the album So Many Things, titled Real Revolutionary in the U.K, which featured production from Star Trail's Richard 'Bello' Bell.  Released in 1996 on VP Records, this album proved Anthony B's growing reputation as one of reggae's brightest new stars.  From beginning to end, you get a complete taste of the first songs that went on to establish his outstanding career.  He starts off with "So Many Things" 'to teach right now,' a positive message urging political justice and an end to youth violence.  He takes a more socialist viewpoint on "Raid Di Barn," where 'nobody wants to plant the corn, everybody wants to raid the barn.'  My favorite song is "Hurt The Heart," because 'you can't hurt the SOUL!!' Even the slower drum beat of "Fire Pon Rome," a controversial tune banned in Jamaica during election time for it's attack on the Vatican and island politicians, is a good listen.  Check out the whole album, but don't miss "(Al) Low Di Herb" or "Cold Feet," his version of the famous Tracy Chapman song.
 -KT





Click Here To Download Anthony B - So Many Things

Album Review: Richie Spice - Book Of Job

Jamaican star Richie Spice released his fifth full-length album, Book Of Job, in February 2011 on the VP Record Label, his first since 2008.  With only 12 tracks, a few of which were released earlier on various riddims, there was only a handful of new material that I really liked.  "My Life" is Spice's take on American R&B/Jazz singer Randy Crawford's 1979 song "Street Life."  The popular song was previously released on the more uptempo Chemistry Riddim but has a little more reggae feel to it on this album.  "Serious Woman" was originally released on 2008's hit Nylon Riddim as well as "Jah Never Let Us Down" on 2009's Automatic Riddim.  "Legal" is a real feel-good tune, but my favorite track on here is "Yap Yap," which features an unforgettable horn and violin combo behind the chorus.  Although not as strong from top to bottom as his previous releases, this is an album that will grow on you the more you listen to it.
-EB

 1.  Better Tomorrow

 2.  My Life

 3.  Confirmation

 4.  Mother Of Creation

 5.  Black Woman

 6.  Serious Woman

 7.  Soothing Sound

 8.  Legal

 9.  Yap Yap

10.  Find Jah

11.  Jah Never Let Us Down

12.  Father

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DOWNLOAD- Richie Spice - Book Of Job

Fuss & Fight Riddim

John John Records released the Fuss & Fight Riddim in March 2011, a revival of Barrington Levy's classic 1979 tune "Don't Fuss Nor Fight."  The album only features five tracks, but with top artists such as Tarrus Riley, Sizzla, Pressure and Alborosie, the production is solid.  Sizzla and Pressure both confess their love on "Got It Going" and "Let Me Love You," while Tarrus Riley urges to 'have a mind of your own' on his tune "Peer Pressure."  My favorite song comes from Italian born artist Alborosie, with his catchy chorus and chanting 'ooohhh, ohhh ohhh oohhh,' the "World's Inna Trouble."
-KT

 1.  Alborosie- Worlds Inna Trouble

 2.  Louie Culture- No Watch Man

 3.  Pressure- Let Me Love You

 4.  Sizzla- Got It Going

 5.  Tarrus Riley- Peer Pressure

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DOWNLOAD Fuss & Fight Riddim

Confessions Riddim

Juke Boxx Records released the Confessions Riddim in May 2006, which featured an upbeat one-drop with some unmistakable horns over it.  Quite a few songs received a lot of airplay, with none more than Chuck Fender's "Gash Dem."  Morgan Heritage's "Living Without You" is just what you'd expect from them, Richie Spice shows his smooth voice on "Lonely," as well as his brother, Spanner Banner, with "Like Paradise."  Sizzla's "Weak Heart," Fantan Mojah's "Jah Time," and Junior Kelly's "Get Out There" are all solid.  Dancehall artists represent nicely with T.O.K.'s "Live It Up" and Kiprich's "Tell Me," but my favorite track on this riddim comes from Anthony Cruz who's 'tired of the war, tired of the blood shed' on "Lose Dem Head."
-EB





Click Here To Download The Confessions Riddim

Jah Live Riddim/ August Town Riddim

Joe Frasier Records released the Jah Live Riddim in 2008, also known as the August Town Riddim.  Based on the Bob Marley & The Wailers song "Jah Live," it features only a few hits, but each well worth it.  Luciano's voice is perfect on "Jah Live," his take of Marley's 1975 tune, while Tarrus Riley continues to shine on "Love Created I (Marcus Teaching)."  My favorite song is Duane Stephenson's story about 'growing up' in "August Town" and the struggles of crime and violence in Jamaica.

-KT

 1.  Glen Washington- Mi Did Tell You

 2.  First Born- Not Afraid

 3.  Etana- Learn To Love

 4.  Lloyd Brown- Know Yourself

 5.  Tarrus Riley- Love Created I

 6.  Luciano- Jah Live

 7.  Fiona- Stop Talking

 8.  Steele- Love Yourself First

 9.  Duane Stephenson- August Town

10.  Mikey Spice- I Cry You Cry

11.  Music Knowie- Love Can Set Us Free

12.  Sandra Gross- Beautiful Picture

13.  Anthony Cruz- So In Love

14.  Steele- Know For Sure

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DOWNLOAD- Jah Live/ August Town Riddim

Massive Pick: Patrice - Ancient Spirit

Cologne, Germany born artist, Patrice, dropped his debut album Ancient Spirit on Yo Mama Records in 2000.  Showing that reggae music really does have no borders, Patrice brings a very unique sound using a mix of styles including dub, R&B, hip-hop, and he shows his guitar skills throughout the album as he strums along numerous tracks and a few acoustic songs as well.  Although not a traditional conscious reggae album, there is so much creativity here that I was instantly hooked to the different sounds that he created and listened to this album nonstop for months.  One of my favorite songs of all time is on here with "Everday Good" 'because of being alive'--so simple yet so true.  "Murderer" builds from an acoustic start to a song that will have you nodding your head once the rest of the instruments join in.  "Wonder (Shinin' On)" has a wicked riddim that starts with a horn and progresses into a catchy piano loop (reminiscent of an abbreviated version of Dr. Dre's "Still D.R.E.").  Patrice gives thanks to all the "Queens" as he slows it down and speeds it up on this dedication track, and be sure to check out the acoustic "No Excuse" where Patrice needs no one else's help to rip from start to finish.  I could go on and on about the other 10 songs but I'll let you decide for yourself.  Shout out to Goody for this one.
-EB





Click Here To Download Patrice - Ancient Spirit

Johnny Too Bad Riddim

The Slickers originally recorded the song "Johnny Too Bad" for producer Byron Lee in 1970, but it became popular after its inclusion on the soundtrack for "The Harder They Come," the 1972 movie starring Jimmy Cliff.  This song has been covered by many artists in many genres, with reggae versions by Dennis Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Luciano & UB40, so you should recognize it.  In 2006, Bobby 'Digital' Dixon and the Digital B record label released the Johnny Too Bad Riddim, a riddim that includes a bunch of great tunes.  The standouts are Richie Spice's "Gideon Boot," Anthony B's "Fed Up,"  and Lutan Fyah's "Something For The Youths," but my favorite tune on this one is Chezidek's "Where Did The Good Vibes Go."  Don't miss Sugar Roy & Conrad Crystal's "Johnny Too Bad," Ras Shiloh's "Come Down Jah Jah," & Turbulence's "Tell My People Why."
-KT

DOWNLOAD-  Johnny Too Bad Riddim

Boops Riddim

Sticking with the theme of modernizing classic reggae riddims, Juke Boxx Productions released the Boops Riddim in January of 2010 and didn't disappoint the original as far as quality goes.  The original riddim was produced and tweaked by many over the years, most notable by the legendary Wycliffe "Steely" Johnson in 1986, where he helped Supercat solidify his place in reggae/dancehall history with his hit song, "Boops."  The remake features a diverse cast of artists from both dancehall and reggae, starting with Busy Signal's two worthwhile tracks "Dat Me Luv" and "Dem Nuh Care."  Elephant Man drops a catchy dance tune with "Whine" and Tarrus Riley dominates again with the help of children singing the chorus in "Children A Pree Wee."  Then 20-year old breakout singer, Romain Virgo, pumped out arguably the most popular song with the feel good "Live Mi Life," but my personal favorite is Lutan Fyah's "Yu Looking Hot"--just straight fire.
-EB

Here's Supercat's full version of "Boops."

DOWNLOAD- Boops Riddim

What Kind Of World/Down By The River Riddim

In 1968, Studio 1 released the What Kind of World Riddim, originally a song by The Cables, but later made famous by Barrington Levy on "21 Girl Salute."  In 2000, VP Records gave it a second-go and released the Down By The River Riddim.  Morgan Heritage headlines the remake with "Down By The River," a feel good tune that will get you whistling along.  Freddie McGregor sounds great on "I See It In You," and don't miss Dean Fraser's saxophone on the instrumental, "Mr. Saxman."  Also check out Anthony Cruz's "Missing You" and Sanchez's "Pretty Girl."  Check out the official Green Mountain Massive Riddim Mix below!
-KT





Click Here To Download The Down By The River Riddim