Satta Massagana.

CLASSIC! Big big big classic tune. Originally recorded for Studio One back in 1969, "Satta Massagana" (Ahmaric for "give thanks") has become, in a way, a Rasta hymn.

This is the version from 1976 and is featured on the album of the same name.

The Abyssinians "Satta Massagana"

Trod Mt. Zion

Roots & Culture.

One of my favorites from Sizzla's 2002 LP "Da Real Thing".

Sizzla "Trod Mt. Zion"

People's Choice.

Big tune!

Ray Darwin "People's Choice"

Virtuous Woman

Here's a throwback! Big big tune from Warrior King on the "Zion Gate" riddim circa 2001/'02.

Warrior King "Virtuous Woman"

Good Life.

Here's some rub-a-dub lover's 1-drop action for that love hangover from this past Valentine's weekend.

Cocoa Tea "Good Life"

Wanna Get Next To You

You guessed it. I got a theme going on here for Valentine's weekend. Here is another great cover of a classic American soul record.

"I Wanna Get Next To You" (click that title to hear the original version) was originally released in 1977 and performed by Rose Royce (of "Carwash" fame).

This 2009 1-drop version is by Courtney John. Definitely check out his album "Made In Jamaica". It's a really good record and it goes against my "there is no good new music out" stance. :D

Courtney John "I Wanna Get Next To You"

If I Ever...

More Valentine's Day vibes.

Another big hit from Sanchez on the Real Rock riddim, Stone Love label.

This song is a cover of the original R&B hit from early '90s group Shai.

ORIGINAL:



Sanchez "If I Ever Fall In Love Again"

Here I Go Again.

I don't know it was briefly watching Chris Brown on CNN's Larry King last night, but I thought about Rihanna's first record. Not to say her more recent releases are not good, she has become very successful and I'm not gonna knock her hustle.

Her first record, Music of the Sun, had some overlooked gems on it, one being this sweet one-drop cut "Here I Go Again".

I wouldn't mind hearing more material from her like this in the future.

Rihanna "Here I Go Again"

*CLASSIC* Sizzla "Da Real Thing"

This record is one of the best reggae albums to come out in the past 10 years. VP Records released it in December of 2002, but it really didn't seem to blow up until later in 2003 and into 2004.

This record is solid all the way through with production by veteran Bobby "Digital" Dixon and instrumentation interpretation of some old Studio 1 riddims by the likes of Sly & Robbie, Dean Fraser, Dalton Browne, Benjy Myaz, and many more.

Sizzla has his usual raspy, righteous delivery on each track, complementing the smooth vintage sound of each song's version.

I'm not sharing the entire album, but just some of my favorite tracks from it. I definitely recommend this record. As Vybz Kartel would say, it's "timeless."

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