Keeping consistent with the vibe of earlier posts, i want put you all up on some more trunk rattling Reggae fusion that i have been bumping in the last few months. Though this album dropped all the way back in 2007 the effect of Million Stylez’s debut album From A Far is still being felt around the globe. With a birth name of Kenshin Iryo born in Sweden and raised by his French father and Japanese mother, it is easy to see why he developed a million styles.
He exploded onto the spot with his hit single “Miss Fatty” but it was his interpretation of classic Roots Reggae that really impressed me. The title track “From A Far” particularly shows his versatility as well as the Roots track “Give Me Strength” and “In This Time.” I also had the opportunity to check this man out at the Reggae Rising music festival in August and he killed it even though I’m sure he would have been much better with a full band. Check out some of that performance as well as a few other videos below and keep an eye out for up and coming releases.
What a Gwaan,
Keeping you up on all the happenings in the Reggae world I want to give you a heads up on a new artist that should definitely be on your radar. First making a splash on the Collie Monster Riddim with his hit “Boom Draw,” Mitch has been swooped up by Sly and Robbie for his debut album “Original Yard Man.” As you know I will listen to just about anything that Sly & Robbie produce, but I really think that this project was a major success for them as they remain the most innovative production team in Reggae. Mitch has a sound reminiscent of Akon and the Rhythm Twins laid the foundation for him to bust on the scene and infiltrate the Dancehall. Featuring new and classic riddims as well as guests appearances from Wyclef, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, and rapper Scantana this will definitely be an album that every DJ is sure to have.
The record starts strong with “Want No More” over the legendary Baltimore Riddim, then moves on to a hard hitting Hip-Hop feel on “Follow Me” and “Ghetto Heaven.” The cuts you’re sure to hear spun by your favorite Selectah are the aptly named “DJ,” “Bounce,” and “Grown” which sounds more like something coming out of Atalanta than Jamaica. And though this is a fresh step for Reggae, Mitch also has a few tracks for us purists with “Borrowed Time,” “Come Back Baby,” and my personal favorite “Special For You.” Mitch seemingly came from nowhere but apparently he expects to be around for a while with his signature tag line “It’s Mitch Again!” Check the videos below and catch the vibe.
