Issential Knowledge

My fascination with Akon started several years ago when I revisited the all time great Fugees album, “The Score.”  At that point at my life I was rediscovering the greatness of Sly & Robbie and how they had been the first to really make the connection with the world of hip-hop on the production side.  So I’m grooving on the Fu-Gee-La Sly & Robbie remix and then about 4 minutes into the song I hear I familiar voice making a cameo. “Is that Akon?”  I asked myself.  All I knew about Akon is that he had had a breakout debut album and sounded like the next Nate Dogg but what was he doing with the Fugees?  Even more, what is he doing with Sly & Robbie?  Based on the fact that it was such a small part and that it was on this particular version of the song out of the 3 on the album I figured he must be in with Sly & Robbie.  As Akon’s career has progressed his appreciation of Reggae music has been more and more evident.  On his second album titled, “Konvicted” he included a track called Mama Africa that features him representing the motherland a smooth one drop rhythm.  This one was on every playlist I made for a solid 6 months. Akon also has graced several tracks with top Reggae artists such as Shaggy and Beenie Man, lending them his voice and production skills and allowing them to access his wide ranging fan base in the United States.

Recently, Akon has stepped it up a notch by taking Canadian Reggae star Kardinal Ofishall and break out star Tami Chynn under his wing.  In the playlist below I included a few of Chynn’s hits that she had in the Reggae world before her recent work with Akon.  It’s easy to see why she has made such an impression on Akon.  Her beauty and her talent have the potential to have her music reach much further than the shores of Kingston where she hails from.  I expect that she will make the transition much as Rihanna has and hopefully bring the Reggae world along for the ride.  Though I like her work on the riddim circuit much more than, “Frozen,” I see where they are going.  Tracks like this allow her to break into the American Pop scene and capitalize on the neo-disco movement that is coming to dominate the airwaves. Check out her website for more information on this up and coming star.

Akon’s work with Kardinal Ofishall on the other hand is surprisingly authentic to the Ofishall sound that we have come to know and love.  Identifying more as a MC (Hip-hop) than a dee-jay (Reggae) Kardinal’s heritage is not hard to find as he slips in and out of his parents’ Jamaican patios seamlessly.  On the playlist I included some videos of projects that he has done leading up to, “Not For Sale.”  His first major hit was Bakardi Slang and that set him up for a strong career in the Jamaican music scene but it was clear that his expectations of success were unmet because he didn’t want to be pegged in one genre or the other.  That is why his teaming up with Akon is such a perfect fit because he transcends genres.  Check out the videos and listen to Kardinal in his own words and a sample of his latest project.

Akon’s unique style has refreshed the popular music scene and I think it’s clear that he understands the potential of Reggae music.  As I have mentioned before I think the Reggae’s lack of popularity is more based on poor distribution methods rather than disinterest and developments such as this will greatly increase America’s accessibility to Reggae.  I’d love to hear what you think about the videos so feel free to post a comment.

Jah Bless – One Lovell

Greetings and Blessings-

Since I have neglected to update in the last few months, I wanted to look back on some of my favorite Reggae projects that came out in 2008. To start off, I got to big up my boy Gentleman, who absolutely tore it down at Reggae Rising 2008. His latest release is titled, “Another Intensity,” and features the rub-a-dub/one drop sound that we have come to expect from Germany’s finest but there are several tracks that need to be given special consideration. The first is the single with Sizzla titled, “Lack of Love,” which is featured in the YouTube playlist below. This remix was done for the video and is available on the “Soulfood” EP which is an 8 track release with several remixes of, “Lack of Love,” as well as dub versions of “Tranquility” and “Evolution.” Definitely check that out. Gentleman is always known for his collaborations with just about every star in Reggae and he stayed consistent with that theme linking with new comer Alborosie. They collaborated on the track, “Celebration,” that is by far the best selection on the album. Its a certified anthem.

Alborosie was busy in 2008 and made a name for himself quickly with a huge European Tour and a half dozen chart toppers. His album titled, “Soul Pirate,” was exclusively sold at his concerts but can be found on various online outlets. He blew up with tracks such as, “Rastafari Anthem,” “Kingston Town,” and “Sound Killah,” but showed staying power releasing track after track of booming One Drops that will make the old school heads nostalgic and dem youth slap it in their trunks. Alborosie represents that next generation of Reggae musicians that have gotten a chance to watch and study the masters such as Sly & Robbie, Black Uhuru, and Sizzla and use that to create a new hard hitting sound that Reggae has been lacking. If you don’t know Alborosie then check the tracks below and you’ll wonder what took you so long. It’s alright, that’s what I’m here for.

I have always talked about the fusion of Hip-Hop and Reggae and in 2008 it took on a new life. Many Reggae artists have been catapulted into popular music with a flurry of releases from the R&B world. Reggae was highly influenced in its early days by Motown and soul classics that could be heard from Miami and New Orleans radio stations so this is a natural progression. Among releases to mash it up in 2008 was Missy Elliot’s latest protégée, Jazmine Sullivan, and her single, “Need You Bad,” off her debut album, “Fearless.” This track features a nice dub bass line and Missy doing her best deejay impersonation, as well as Sullivan’s soulful singing, reminiscent of Lauren Hill. Make sure to also track down the remix that features T.I. rocking a patios flow. Safe to say Reggae has arrived and is here to stay in popular American music. Another major release was John Legend’s latest album, “Evolver.” This latest installment from the Legend is a refreshing eclectic mix that sounds well thought out and refined. John Legend always respects the music. That’s why when he went to make his Reggae track, he went to Jamaica to record it and brought along the latest phenomenon from the UK, Estelle, to make sure he got the sound he was looking for. What he ended up with was a track called, “No Other Love.” I think they did OK… hahaha (they mashed it up) judge for yourself.

Estelle had a huge 2008. She released a fantastic album titled, “Shine,” and stumbled on a smash hit with her single, “American Boy,” with Kanye West . But little did we know that was just the bait to bring you into her Reggae based soulful style. My favorite tracks are obviously the Reggae based, “Come Over” and “Magnificent,” but the entire album a very refreshing record that showcases all of Estelle’s musical talents. Definitely check that out. It seems like she’s become the new Reggae golden child already being featured on tracks with John Legend as I mentioned, and Kardinal Offishall, and Sean Paul. Here are some videos to highlight the tracks I talked about. Enjoy.

Jah Bless – One Lovell

Greetings and Happy New Year all my Bredren and Sistren. 2009 is all about hope and progress. Everyone I have been around the last few days has been very optimistic for the coming year and very happy that 2008 was over. Personally, I am thankful for 2008, a year that I was able to graduate from Loyola University New Orleans and secure a job for Rhapsody.com. So 2009 is all about moving forward and making progress on adding some substance to a career in the music industry. Among things that I want to do in 2009 is transform this site and start reviewing and highlighting some of my favorite albums and artists. In addition to filling out the site I will also be working on developing some dub lounge nights here in San Francisco. It’s time to make some moves and put in some work for Jah movement. So check back for upcoming reviews and shows.

Peace & Blessings – One Lovell