MasSicker aka King Mas – One Wish

When talking about artists of our era, one unforgettable name that must not be overlooked is rising singer, songwriter and musician MasSicker aka King Mas.

For many years now, MasSicker has been featured on the Unique Reggae Mix Show, so regular listeners will already be familiar with his distinctive sound and style of singing, alongside cultured messages of love and unity. Not to be mistaken for other artists who have appeared recently using a similar name, very few match MasSicker aka King Mas when it comes to vocal skill and musical ability.

Right from the introduction, Call Di Doc, you can tell that this album is well produced. It is a strong opening track, catching the attention with a powerful Dancehall riddim and drawing us into this brand-new album, released in September 2012 by Viral Sounds Entertainment.

Straight away, I knew MasSicker was coming at us with a very strong work of art.

Moving more towards my own style of tune, we have Fade Away, which to my ears is a really big tune. It is not only vocally brilliant, but the riddim is tight and flowing. Its old-school Roots and Dub feel, combined with the heavyweight bassline, completes what I think is a serious track.

Pain has been featured on the Unique Reggae Mix Show several times recently and will certainly be featured again. One thing an artist should be able to do is make us feel something through the power of sound and connect with us emotionally. This is a perfect example of MasSicker’s musical ability as both a singer and songwriter.

Sweet lead vocals are balanced with just the right amount of backing vocals, and several tracks into the album we reach One Wish. By this point, we are already emotionally connected to what is a thoughtful piece of work from a talented musician.

Don’t Touch deals with a serious subject that needs to be covered more widely by artists. Music can help highlight issues that people may be frightened or unable to speak about, while also opening the eyes of those around them.

Sadly, many of us are likely to know someone who has had to deal with a situation like this but has not felt able to talk about it. I hope this tune lets those affected know that it is okay to reach out for help, while encouraging others to support someone they believe may be in that situation.

Delivered over an easy-listening riddim, the music allows the importance of MasSicker’s message to remain at the centre of the song.

The album creates a real rollercoaster of emotions before being uplifted by Not For Sale. MasSicker is not only on vocals here but also features on guitar. With strong lead vocals, our artist firmly informs the ladies that this Rastaman is not for sale.

Next comes a new version of Mek Dem Gwaan. Anyone already familiar with the original hit will love this version. It has been stripped down and re-licked, turning an already strong tune into another work of art and, for me, giving the song classic status.

Rain Ah Fall is another heartfelt and vocally impressive tune. The smooth riddim works perfectly alongside MasSicker’s meaningful lyrics and strong delivery, making this a track that should appeal to both the ladies and gentlemen.

The album’s title track, One Wish, brings another heavyweight, bass-driven Dub style. The soulful, dreamy vocals demonstrate MasSicker’s versatility and show one reason why he is rising through the Reggae ranks so quickly.

That development is also reflected in the collaborations surrounding him, working not only with rising artists such as Jemere Morgan and Dubtonic Kru, but also legends including Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace.

Lately gives us a sweet love song that again draws the ear towards its subject. Deep lyrics combine with a beautifully played riddim, adding another flavour to an album that continues to move confidently between styles.

The selection across One Wish is varied and should appeal to many different Reggae listeners, from Dancehall lovers to Roots and Culture fans, as well as Lovers Rock listeners.

Come Right Back is another fresh-sounding Dancehall tune, featuring Jemere Morgan in combination with MasSicker over a breezy and well-produced riddim created by MasSicker’s younger brother, MityMaose.

Ambush Lova has also been a regular feature on the Unique Reggae Mix Show. It is a sweet Lovers tune with ear-pleasing vocals, continuing the vocal consistency heard throughout the album.

Love From A Distance brings yet another flavour, with a driving bassline and soft, loving lyrics matched with warm vocals. It allows us to hear the quality of MasSicker’s sound while absorbing messages that flow naturally from note to note.

Lullaby starts smoothly, slowing the pace of the album, and then, just when you are not expecting it, a spiky and twisted bassline comes into effect. It is a very experimental tune, but one that works extremely well.

I really like this track and had to rewind it several times after first hearing it. I know it will surprise listeners who have not already read this review.

Judas Kiss rounds off the journey of One Wish, an album that captures the attention from the beginning and keeps you listening through a combination of sweet vocals and tough riddim selections.

It is difficult to choose a top five — something I seem to keep saying in these reviews — but to my ears, my favourites are:

1. Fade Away

2. Pain

3. One Wish

4. Lullaby

5. Rain Ah Fall

Even then, it is a very difficult choice because every track has something different and unique about it.

To summarise One Wish, this album oozes quality, hard work and passion. You can hear that many hours have gone into its creation, and that time has been very well spent. From the opening track, the standard of the work is clear.

Musically, its style is reality with a lot of sugar sprinkled on top. It should find an audience among Reggae, Roots, Lovers and Dancehall fans, as well as selectas and radio personalities worldwide.

Contributions from Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace: tracks 5, 6, 13 and 16
Dubtonic Kru: riddims on tracks 3, 4 and 7
Released by Viral Sounds Entertainment: 21 September 2012

MasSicker aka King Mas – One Wish review by Gav Pauze 22/10/2012