Sunday, 30 March 2008

Roachekilla




Yes, I know. The name doesn't exactly inspire confidence. But this reggae crooner is the latest in a crop of Bermudian artists following in the steps of dancehall newbie Collie Buddz. And you may be surprised when I say this, but Roachekilla is better...


From the Harper Digital "Family", the collective surrounding Collie, Roache is on the verge of greatness. He is part of the up-and-coming movement of roots reggae/dancehall crossover artists, similar to artists like I Wayne, and Richie Spice. However, Roache is a little bit more old school, and emulates the likes of the late Garnett Silk (as mentioned on his MySpace).

So the new tune? Following the relative sucess of his massive tune "Sunrise", he has just released a new tune, "Roses". On first listen, you know this guy should be huge. His voice is smooth, soaring. Just give it a listen, and check out his MySpace. I'm gonna upload both "Sunrise" and "Roses" and I urge all of my faithful few fans to download and spread the roots greatness.

Roachekilla-Sunrise

Roachekilla-Roses


Friday, 7 March 2008

The Roots Rising Down




Well, this is the best music news of the year-The Roots are set to release their new album! Since their first album with arguably the most influential hip-hop record label Def Jam, 2006's Game Theory, The Roots' position in the music world as a whole has increased massively, from a small start.
Two new singles/leaks off the new album show the different direction the band is taking. This album is moving away from The Stetasonic-like sound, the direction the band originally envisioned, and instead shows The Roots truly finding their own sound.
With a mouth-watering list of featuring artists, from the frequent colaborators Peedi Peedi and Malik B to some unlikely choices, such as new-kid-on-the-block Saigon and Fall Out Boy vocalist Patrick Stump. I'm especially looking forward to Saigon and Wale, whom some will remember from the Mark Ronson-Amy Winehouse collab track Valerie (at least the video anyway).
To the new releases. 75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction) is the first track from this album I heard. If I'm honest, it wasn't quite what I was expecting. ?uestlove's drum intro boded well, as did Black Thought's flow, although the lyrics weren't up to Thought's normal standards. The synth-background sounds a little rough.
The second track Get Busy featuring Dice Raw, Peedi Peedi, and DJ Jazzy Jeff is brilliant. The lyrics by the three MC's are excellent, and the old-school scratches by Jazzy Jeff just add to the depth of this track. It fits in an unusual way, but it works. Check 'em both out...