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Reggae Update

In the post below, I updated with a bunch of new dancehall videos (and some

Protoje feat Ky-Mani Marley "Rasta Love"

This has been floating since last year, but I didn't feel it at first, and since then I haven't blogged that much. But yes, good old song this. Don Corleon's protege, Protoje teams up with one of Bob's sons, Ky-mani Marley. If my memory serves me correctly, Kymani appeared in cult-classic Jamaican movie Shotta's. The first line of the chorus outlines the topic "She didn't know how to tell him she was in love with a rasta man".



Etana "People Talk"

Another big tune out right now courtesy of the strong one, Etana. Empowerment is what Etana does best and this is another example. "People Talk" talks fighting against gossipers and back-biters.



Richie Spice "Black Woman"

This has to be one of my favourite songs for the whole of 2011. In fact, the first line is arguably the best line of any love song for this year too. "She don't wanna cream her hair, she want it wrap up in a turban". Cream hair is relaxer. I don't know much about female hair care but I'm sure you get where they get "cream" from. I don't think this can be mistaken as racism (unless you're an imbecile), he's uplifting women who are usually put down. Surely it's alright to uplift if it's ok to celebrate the women opposite, no?



Romain Virgo "I Am Rich In Love"

What a tune bad! Romain Virgo is one of my artist's. Always big him up as one of the best from the new crop of artists emerging right now. Powerful voice, well written songs, roots reggae vibes always a win. I'd never heard this prior to watching the video just now and it didn't disappoint. Virgo sings "I am rich in love but naturally I'm a pauper, it's just you that I'm after" in a poor (downtown) boy, rich (uptown) girl love story. Not an original concept but execution is all that matters. Sounds like something Vybz Kartel would have written. Like, I wouldn't be surprised if he wrote it kinda thing. That's what he should do with them types of songs. Give them away.



Check my interview with him that I gave to Soul Culture

Damian Marley & Nas "Nah Mean"

First song that really jumped out at me the first time I heard Distant Relatives. Tune knocks. Video shot in Jamaica, once again, always a win. On a one take vibe.



They shot the video for "Promised Land" before



Check my review of their concert and album here

Bruno Mars "Lazy Song"

Wondering why this is here? Well it's a reggae song made by a non-Jamaican so it doesn't have the authentic vibe. It has a pop mix too like Aswad and Inner Circle did in the '90s. For those of you reading and know this is a reggae song, you wouldn't believe how many people will argue because the don't recognise it.



The above song is inferior to "Liquor Store Blues" with Damian Marley.



Last one,

Wiley featuring Ed Sheeran "If I Could"

Once again, isn't a reggae song but the video is shot on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Whether it's the beach, up in the hills or in the garrison (ghetto), Jamaica is so damn visually gifted.

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