Kulcha Shok's weekly new music blog is called 'Shok Wave.' The blog features new music from within the Caribbean diaspora or anything that is a branch of that tree, Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Ska, Reggae Rock, and whatever else comes across our laptop.
Reggae
The first release we got this week we liked was a new riddim from Bassrunner called Humbleness riddim. We really like Daville & Million Styles' track 'Herbs In My Garden' as well as Zagga's 'Running Away.' You decide.
Reggae Veteran Alpha Blondy has recruited the Lion Tarrus Riley for his latest single 'Freedom' off his upcoming album 'Positive Energy.' Keeping it Positive. Nice to hear something good again from Alpha.
From Madagascar Africa comes BIBA, which is short for Bingy Band, with a great roots album 'MassaVana.' Songs of Love & struggle along with 4 dub tracks.
http://www.bingyband.com/video/
Roots Of Creation out of the NorthEast US has released a deluxe/3 cd set of their album 'Livin Free.' It has a Studio, Acoustic & a dub/remix version of the album. Most songs sounded better as the Studio version. The acoustic set has a few songs that are better to hear stripped down so you get the true meaning of the song. For example, I felt that 'I'll Be There' was one of those songs. '3x A Lady,' no matter how you cut this tune, studio, acoustic or dub is a good song on all fronts. Other standout tracks include 'Different,' 'Strength' and 'Punk Roc.'
Italy's 'Rebel' Raphael comes with a great album called 'Reggae Survival.' I found the single 'Dread Inna Babylon' better as a dub. There's also 'Sweet Motherland' and 'Another Peace Song.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmSUV3zG0IU&list=PLukfuaufcfcSPov9jgvlnX5uwIct6TXQt
France brings us Papa Style with 'Turbulent.' An outstanding production that elevates this artist to another level that just might get lost in the mix. His style is more raggamuffin digi of the 80's. He sings mostly in French. Do remember music and especially reggae is the universal language of the world. His only 'Back In Town' uses English for the chorus. 'Solide' & 'Tout La Haut' are straight French and yet use things to catch your ear. "Ce Que L'Argent Decide' uses 'Easy Take It Easy' to build familiarity for reggae fans while 'Hors Contr Le' does it with 'Carry Go Bring Come.'
Conkarah, who got his break on the cover of 'Hello' with Rosie Delham out of the Solomon Islands, returns with another cover. This time it's Rihanna's 'Work,' that he has slowed down into a reggae original called 'Love.'
Dancehall
Dancehall artist, selector, & radio personality, ZJ Liquid, releases a new compilation album called 'M Squared.' It offers a lot of potential popular sounds with lots of potential for crossover success and mainstream radio play. The lineup backs it up with production too. My favorite tracks are 'Mama (Mother of the Year)' Jah Vinci, Vybz Kartel 'Forever,' and the dancehall ol skool styled 'Ragga Pam Pam' Jo Mink & Konshens. Sean Paul Gyptian, Mr Vegas, Beenie Man, Samantha J and Agent Sascos have all seen the commercial success and they're the ones with their respective songs that will help this album reach that same status.
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