Reggae Album Reviews

YT: Moment for Change EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. UK-based YT is perhaps one of the most seasoned Reggae/Dancehall artists to emerge from these shores in the past few decades. And now, he’s just cemented his status as a legendary name with the release of his new EP. Moment for Change, released via Oneness Records, sees YT team up with the also legendary label across six tracks. It’s a bold move from the artist who started off on Sound Systems. But it has totally paid off – because it has shaped up to be one of the best

Various Artists: Stella Green Farms Riddim EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. April 2021 is shaping up to be a quality month for new riddims. First, we had Ambassador Musik’s Road Tripp. And now, DJ Oddio is back with a new offering, too: a musical vehicle for a weed production farm. And he’s got some top artists to collaborate across it. Stella Green Farms Riddim, released via Oddiowave Records, sees Oddio, along with producers Shield and Buckler Music, take a deep dive into funky Roots. It’s a complex affair, littered with multi-instrumentals and also variations on the basic riddim

Various Artists: Road Tripp Riddim EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. The latest release from Ambassador Musik is a timely affair. Because as parts of the world emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, the label takes us on a musical ‘road trip’ – and the result is a very pleasing and affecting journey. Road Tripp Riddim, released by Ambassador Musik, is a rich and potent affair. Upbeat and uplifting, it features some strong use of traditional Roots devices along with flourishes of ingenuity. Production comes from Ambassador Musik and Sarge Onewise – and they’ve done a superb job in creating

Althea Hewitt: My Black Is Strong EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Could 2021 already have delivered one of the strongest Roots-Soul EP releases of the year? Quite possibly, as Althea Hewitt gives us her offering. Althea Hewitt My Black Is Strong, released via Al.Ta.Fa.An Records, sees Hewitt and producer Anthony Senior take a deep dive into Soul-influenced Roots – with the extent of the inflections of the former varying. Across six tracks, Hewitt displays her considerable talents for both song writing and performance. And with Senior at the production helm, the quality of the EP is elevated further.

Various Artists: Earthman Riddim EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. The second release from Germany’s The Merchant Records has just cemented its status as ‘one to watch’. Because the riddim and its interpretations are a rich and cleverly orchestrated affair – showcasing the label’s musical ‘principles’ perfectly. Earthman Riddim EP, released via The Merchant Records, sees producer Tamrin The Merchant create a brooding and somewhat haunting sound, which is still resonant enough so as not to feel unsettling. The story behind it is fascinating. Originally a raw riddim, after Tamrin sent it through to the artists he decided to

LawGiver The Kingson: The Kingson from Kingston EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. After teasing us with mixtapes during the last decade, along with singles in 2020 – Lawgiver The Kingson has released his long-awaited EP. Thank goodness – because it is a delight. The Kingson from Kingston, released via Imperishable Uprising on 7 January 2021, sees LawGiver sweep across genres via seven tracks. He executive produced the project, and teamed up with various legendary names and also newcomers to the industry on production and writing duties. The end result is a smorgasbord of musical and lyrical treats. It

Various Artists: Happy Child Riddim Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Having been around 15 years in the making, a record label has finally released a sweeping riddim – featuring some truly legendary artists. Has it been worth the wait? Absolutely. Happy Child Riddim, released via Anotha One Productions, saw the label’s founder Milan Ivkovic compose the initial riddim way back in 2005. The first artist recorded their interpretation in 2006. Fast-forward to September 2020, and the final artist added their cut. It’s quite a journey for a riddim to have. But interestingly, the length of time has worked in

Three Lake Music x Anotha One Productions: X Ova Riddim Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. It’s been a sterling year for conscious Dancehall. It’s also been a sterling year for smaller, independent record labels. Combine those two thoughts and you have the perfect eulogy for an end of 2020 riddim. X Ova Riddim, released via Three Lake Music and Anotha One Productions, sees the outfits combine their skills across four tracks. The backstory to the riddim is fascinating: it was originally conceived as a Reggae composition by Milan Ivkovic of Anotha One. Then, the featured artists recorded their interpretations.

CKM Infinity Studio: The Message EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Cliff Manswell’s CKM Infinity Studio has taken a power move: getting a stellar and somewhat diverse group of artists together to release a riddim. It could be viewed as a gamble. But don’t worry, because it’s thoroughly paid-off. The Message EP, released via CKM Infinity Studio, sees Manswell conduct various artists’ interpretations across a basic riddim. But there’s nothing ‘basic’ in terms of the composition’s musicality – as Manswell and the team have delivered a thing of clever beauty. The riddim itself is undeniably Roots-driven, utilising various devices

World Exclusive – Sizzla: Million Times Album Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. It’s a privilege for Pauzeradio to be able to present to you the world exclusive breakdown of Sizzla’s forthcoming new album. Not officially released until 2 October, it looks set to be huge. And judging by the quality of the project – rightly so. Sizzla Million Times, released via Zabogaubhi Music and Kalonji Music Productions, sees Sizzla and producer Michael Fairman construct a project as versatile as it is compelling. Dedicated to women, in his own words Sizzla told Pauzeradio: “The ladies have always loved Sizzla, I’ve