Reggae Album Reviews

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

Arkaingelle: Nah Watah Down Album Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. Arkaingelle has returned with another new album (officially released on Friday 18 September). And with one of the world’s most exciting production outfits at the helm, it does not disappoint – being an instant triumph of epic proportions. Arkaingelle Nah Watah Down, released via Zion High Productions, sees the legendary Zion I Kings take the production helm. The album sweeps across 14 tracks and interludes. And not only does is serve to showcase Zion I Kings unmistakable talents, but demonstrates Arkaingelle at the peak of his powers. What stands

Lion of Judah Riddim EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. It’s undeniable that Micah Shemaiah is one of the most inspiring and insightful artists to emerge from the Roots movement in recent history. Now, he’s back with a selection of other, equally talented musicians across a new riddim. And it really does roar. Lion of Judah Riddim, released via WeGeneration Music, sees Shemaiah at the peak of his powers. The host of artists have done impressive jobs on their individual interpretations. But central to this is Shemaiah’s brooding and affecting riddim – which is classic yet inventive in equal

In Retrospect – Sherieta Lewis: Conversations In Key EP Review by Mr Topple for Pauzeradio.com. It’s been just over a year since one of the most well-known, respected and prolific backing vocalists in the Reggae scene finally released her own debut EP. And in doing so, Sherieta showed she has a star quality all of her own – giving us one of the best records of 2019 in the process. Sherieta Conversations In Key, released via Ghetto Youths International, sees Sherieta co-write and co-produce the entire project with Sean Diedrick. The pair have historically worked together as part of Damian