Rebelution Drops Triple Album, "Peace of Mind"

Rebelution continues to dominate the American Reggae scene with last month's release of their 4th studio album, "Peace of Mind." The album presents a unique "Deluxe" edition that includes dub, acoustic, and the normal versions of all 12 tracks. The addition of dub and acoustic versions to the album is a brilliant concept that I hope more bands will look into in the future. The versatility in Rebelution's style helps create another dimension to the music fans love, and especially so with the acoustic versions -- theres something so naturally captivating to hearing your favorite artists singing to an acoustic guitar.

Peace of Mind is another solid addition to the Rebelution sound, which has had fans sold since the group's origins, making party's bump in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara back in 2004. The album has an array of muical fusions that I really enjoyed, from the harmonica section and hip hop beat in "Closer I Get," to the classic/jazzy style in "Route Around." I also really liked honeypot and the track with Lutan Fyah, "Good Vibes," which was one of the more progressive tracks on the album. As a big fan of hip hop, it was cool to hear Zumbi of Zion I layin down a verse on a reggae track.

Check out the CD for yourself on iTunes and make sure to catch these guys on tour right now as they make their way around the country 'longside The Green & Pep Love of the hip hop group Hieroglyphics.

Tour Dates can be found here: http://rebelutionmusic.com/Tour/index.php

And of course, as always, my favorite single off the album -- "Route Around." Thought I would give you the lyric video to get a taste, if you haven't already, of Rebelution's concious and positive message:

Itation Spin Off: "Not-So-Larger-Than-Life"

Itation Records' DJ Tosheba and J-Trees recently formed their own record label, Larger Than Life Records, as what sounds like an independent project 'longside Itation, as apposed to a direct split from the big US label.

The new group's debut riddim, Life after Lifetime, is set to hit the airwaves on February 14th. Already, though, a number of rhythm mixes are up on YouTube, and I have to say, I'm less than impressed. Itation Records has set a pretty high standard for all US-based record labels over the past 4/5 years. I think it's only natural to expect similar quality from the label's spin off, Larger Than Life. Unfortunately, I was left pretty dissapointed with this one. It's just another boring, roots riddim for me. Maybe this sort of sound is your cup of tea, but certainly not mine. Luckily, they got some big names on this production to salvage anything possible, but at the end of the day, it's simply a very forgettable rhythm.


On a similar note, however, I can't wait for the next Itation production. According to the label's website, a lot of big developments are in store for the near future:

"We have an exciting year coming up. New riddims in the mix. We're working on an exciting app, "Itation Sound," for your iPhone and iPads. Some T-shirt designs and plenty of mix cd's from Itation Sound. Stay tuned, sign up for the email list and be up to the time with all the new projects!"

BOOM TUNE OF THE WEEK

PlayGood Times (The Sent For Me Riddim)| Kali Blaxx

~Big ups Ben Jah!

Clear Conscience: Lust at First Sight

I just gave the Clear Conscience album, Lust At First Sight, a few listens over and am pretty excited by it.  The Oakland-based band comes with it again, this time on a completely acoustic album.  If you have listened to the band before you know the sound to expect:  lots of Pepper and Sublime similarities (depending on what band you're more familiar with).  The album features a few artists that I was excited about; most notably Josh Heinrichs and Joel Castillo, the lead singer from 77 Jefferson.  This album provides exactly what a lot of other all-acoustic albums do.  There is definitely quality, as it offers some slower jams along with some more upbeat ones, and continues to put off the mood that I've grown to love from this band.  However, very little of the songs blew me away and they all kind of blend together by the end of the album.  You be the judge for yourself:  here are three of my favorite tunes.

PlayEverything's Fine ft. OG Mafi | Clear Conscience

PlayLive With Your Heart | Clear Conscience

PlayLost My Love ft. 77 Jefferson | Clear Conscience

Buy the album here on iTunes!!

Reggae Remix! Inner Circle & Adelle

For those of you that have been living under a rock for the last year, Adele's song "Rolling in the Deep" had been #1 on the charts for seven weeks straight, and ended up being the best-selling single of 2011.  For those of you who have been under that rock for much longer, Inner Circle has been killing it since the late '60's, and are responsible for the massive tune, "Bad Boys" (from COPS).  It is big to see a tune with these two very influential artists coming together for a reggae remix.  I doubt that Adele put any energy into the song herself, but it is still good to see the spread of reggae into the pop genre.

Download it here!

Busy Signal Music Video: "Missing You"

Busy Signal dropped the tune, "Missing You (Come Over)" back in November, on the Heart & Soul Riddim.  I had obviously heard it before, but hearing it again on the "Valentine's Affair 2012" mix reminded me how catchy the track is.  I'm not usually a huge advocate of Busy Signal, but when I saw he dropped a music video for the song, I figured I'd share it.

Happy Birthday, Bob Marley!

PlayZimbabwe | Bob Marley 

PlayHigh Tide or Low Tide | Bob Marley 

PlayTime Will Tell | Bob Marley

One of the most influential musicians to ever walk the planet would have turned 67 today. His captivating music has appealed to every human from every walk of life, spreading reggae and the humanistic message of Rastafari on an international level. Most importantly, he gave the masses of oppressed people around the world hope for a brighter future, and a true living God to follow. Check this segment of a documentary on the man himself and take some time today to reflect on the legacy left behind by one of the greatest contributors of positivity in our time. May his music and message live forever.

~ One Love

BOOM TUNE OF THE WEEK

PlayWast Time | Laden

Supremecy Sounds: Valentine's Affair 2012

The calendar just flipped and Valentine's Day is already almost one week away.  Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Hallmark-invented holiday, but if there's any excuse for Simple Simon (of Supremacy Sounds) to drop a new mix, then I'm all for it.  I've given the new mixtape, "Valentine's Affair 2012" a few listens over, and not only does it get better with each listen, but it also grows in strength from start to finish.  The compilation is classic Simple Simon: high quality mixing, with really impressive song choice.  Not to mention it sends the perfect vibes out for a Valentine's Day evening.

This Valentine's Day post also gives me the excuse to big up Supremacy Sounds, in particular Simple Simon.  For over a year now I've been keeping an eye out for his "Missile" compilations.  He hasn't dropped a new one in a while, so at this point, the compilations are all made of older tunes, but I still play them all the time and highly recommend them.  I included my favorite mix, "Missile 48," because it was the compilation that got me hooked on the DJ.  And of course download the "Valentine's Affair 2012" for yourself, as well.  Here's the link to a full list of their mixtapes for you to explore through. 

Download Mix: "Missile 48"

Download Mix: "Valentine's Affair 2012 "

Jah Sun "Battle the Dragon" Album Review

Woah! Jah Sun is not kidding around with his second album, "Battle the Dragon" released on his own label, Jah Sun Music. With a perfect dose of roots reggae, hip-hop infused, and dancehall, the tracklist is solid from top to bottom. The more I listen to Jah Sun, he reminds me of an American version of Gentleman, giving his listeners very conscious lyrics with a unique delivery. Hailing from Northern California, he seems to give us a different perspective on Jamaica, worldwide problems, and music as a whole that will be powerful in determining the future direction of reggae.

Opening the CD with "In this time," I can't think of better way to start an album--high energy, powerful message, and a catchy chorus. Overall, just a big tune that will be sure to get any party started. I also like "Love and Grace" and "Amore," where Jah Sun showcases his ability to adapt his style and slow it down.  His track with Alborosie entitled "Ganjah Don" is sure to be a weed-smokers anthem, laced with heavy bass-lines and a great feature by the Italian superstar. Honestly, all the tracks are fire besides (ironically) "Battle the Dragon". Other guest appearances include J Boog, Gentleman, Peetah, and Perfect. In terms of production, Dynasty, Special Delivery, and Lockdown Productions all play their respective role in making this album a must listen.

Download the album from iTunes here.

SOJA 4th Studio Album: "Strength to Survive"

SOJA has just released their 4th Studio Album, "Strength to Survive," under Dave Mathews' Label, ATO Records. The highly anticipated album has reached as high as #4 on the iTunes Top 10 Albums, and remains at the #1 spot on the iTunes Reggae Charts, sitting just above Bob Marley's "Legend."

It is astonishing to say the least, to see an American reggae act on the iTunes Top 10 Album chart next to big names such as Adele, Drake, and Kelly Clarkson. And this comes as no fluke to the genre, with Rebelution's new album accomplishing the same feat only two weeks prior. While the implications are endless, the album's ranking  most notably symbolizes the rapidly-growing presence of reggae music at the forefront of the popular American music scene.

As for the album, it's catchy, but it's different -- it's SOJA, but it's distant from the band's earlier work, "Peace In A Time Of War," and "Get Wiser." It is exactly what it is, and that is the "SOJA" sound, produced by ATO Records. The lyrical consciousness is still there, the reggae foundation is still there, the rock touch is still there, but it has gravitated more toward a pop sound. However, popular music is popular music for a reason, and thats because it's music that appeals to the masses. My biggest disappointment is that Bobby Lee doesnt have a single word on any of the 13 tracks. Overall, though, I am going to give the album a thumbs up for pushing the boundaries on the sound, diversifying the music to reach new listeners while keeping true to reggae's message, and most importantly for continuing to deliver good music regardless of what musical category it may fall under.

While some reggae fans have felt a sense of "selling out," or straying from the sound people have come to love with the latest project, I think these conclusions would be cutting one of America and the world's top contemporary Reggae bands far too short. SOJA has proven they can make quality roots reggae, they have proven they can make quality rock reggae, and they proven they can, well, just make good reggae.

Music is progressing and so are the bands that make it, so people need to recognize artistic freedoms and leave some room to growth. For all we know this is just a phase in experimentation, stretching SOJA's sound to the limits, and their fan base to the four corners of the earth so that they can bring it all back one day to the roots that they came from. Besides, have you seen these guys live!? One of the best...

Tour has kicked off so be sure to check them in a city near you. Dates posted here: http://http//sojamusic.com/tour

And of course my favorite tracks off the new album are Be With Me Now, When We Were Younger, and Gone Today.

Movado & Raine Seville: "Cheating Games"

Really diggin' Movado's verse and chorus on this tune off of the brand new, Real Reggae Riddim. Easily one of the best songs off of the riddim - the rest are just OK, in fact, the quality of the riddim in general is just OK in my opinion...