NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ TCOOO Productions) - Each year VP Records releases their Reggae Gold CD which is a compilation of the hottest reggae, dancehall and hip hop tracks from the prior year. This year, however, TCOOO Productions and BonFire Inc, has joined forces to bring reggae fans "18 Karat Reggae: Global Warming", a compilation or reggae and dancehall tracks that is far hotter then Reggae Gold 2008.
According to mainstream US radio and Billboard Magazine's top 10 Best Selling Reggae Artists of 2007, reggae and dancehall is only made by people with last names like Marley, Paul, Banton and even Buddz. Although some of the fore mentioned artists are responsible for making some of the best music known to the genre, the fact that 4 out of the top 10 artists all have the last name Marley could easily lead someone to believe that they are the only people making music in Jamaica. This however, is far from the truth.
It is safe to say reggae is still the pulse of Jamaica, and artists are still turning out gems despite a lack of coverage given to independents who are holding true to the commitment that reggae music must educate, elevate and liberate the masses. 18 Karat Reggae: Global Warming, is a collection of 18 conscious tracks that deliver both potent messages combined with body rocking 'riddims'. This is one of those rare albums that can be enjoyed from start to finish without the urge to skip any tracks. Among the excellent tracks on the CD (which can also be downloaded on i-Tunes or purchased through Amazon) are Massicker's "Look Around" and "Ackee and Saltfish".
Massicker has a sweet and innocent voice that is reminiscent of Sanchez and Wayne Wonder, but still manages to be unique. "Look Around" begins with a prophetic "Look around, you see natural disaster, tribal war, AIDS and cancer" over a classic drum and bass driven one-drop riddim. In contrast to the depth and strength of "Look Around" is the tenderness of "Ackee and Saltfish", a love song that conjures the sound of late 1980's dancehall.
Other excellent songs include the lovely and catchy "You Don't Have to Be like Them" by Vineyard, and Stapler's "Hit them Hard" on an updated early dancehall foundation riddim. "Hit them Hard" is a lively stepper that is so good, it's riddim makes an appearance at the end of the collection as an instrumental (just in case you have been inspired to try writing your own version). Also not to be missed is the internationally renowned veteran artist, Luciano "the messenger" with his classic reggae sound on "Praise Rastafari".
Each track on this album is worthy of mention, the album is truly excellent and will stand the test of time and the challenges of economics. The TCOOO production team has set the standard for independent conscious reggae by addressing both Jamaican and world issues, with music that is both enjoyable and memorable.
Please visit TCOOO at www.myspace.com/tcooo or at www.tcooo.imeem.com where you can hear many of the tracks for yourself and also read the production team's infamous blog. The only issue with this album is why did they choose to call it "Global Warming", when really "Global Warning" is far more fitting since this CD is so explosive.
