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Sizzla
Kolonji, one of
dancehall reggae's most prolific acts takes it back to the essence with Ghetto Revolution, his third release for the year
2002. Thankfully, this body of work doesn't contain much of the ferocity
and often blatant vulgarity he was becoming known for in the recent past.
Instead the artist returns with lyrical persuasion and a decidedly calmer
approach to delivery, proving that he still has what it takes to move our
bodies and more importantly our minds.
On this 13 track
offering, Kolonji doesn't stray far from issues of substance. The title track features Sizzla chanting, "Born and
raise in the ghetto revolution/ Proper education is di solution/ So mi conquer
di war, wickedness, and confusion", over a unique up tempo riddim. On Live It Up he preaches to the ghetto
youths to abandon corruption and choose the honorable path while the
uplifting Jah Will Be There, with its traditional one drop reggae track serves as
the background for Sizzla's words of truth.
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Ghetto Revolution consists of real reggae music. With no remixes or hip
hop tracks it's a rare find in the present musical landscape. There are
also no vocal collaborations, done deliberately no doubt, to maintain the
album's focus, to give listeners Sizzla in full musical form. The musical arrangement is flawless and the instruments
are expertly utilized by the veteran hit makers Sly & Robbie,
master sax player Dean Fraser and multi talented Donald Dennis.
In the few instances where classic reggae tracks are borrowed (i.e. That's Why and Live It Up) Sizzla makes them his own. By
applying his soothing heartfelt lyrics to the tracks the artist breathes
new life into music that may have been relegated to the archives because of
their (already) successful tenure in reggae's history.
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Sizzla's references to love on this
album are pleasantly surprising. Of the thirteen tracks about five are
devoted to the subject. In a time where dancehall's listeners eat up
mentions of misogyny and pimp posturing by male artists, he fearlessly
wears his heart on his sleeve, singing sincerely about his unending love
for his empress on several of the album's tracks. "Girl I'll
always love you the same, my love for you will never change", sings Sizzla on Just Fine. That's Why and Have You with their expressive lyrics
also follow suit revealing the artist's more sensitive side.
Sizzla continues to remain one of the
industry's leaders whose creativity and incredible talent make him a hard
act to follow. And while his contribution to neo-roots reggae cannot be denied, Ghetto Revolution and other significant
contributions to this genre of dancehall music may be deemed a bit too
poignant for mainstream radio. However, this shouldn't deter listeners
because the truth still remains that if he continues in this direction-
spreading righteous teachings through intelligent music, the limit is
the sky.
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Greensleeves rhythm album #29: SLEDGE
Study:
Capleton > Got It Fi Dem
Bounty Killer > Crossroad
Sizzla > Cherish the Love
Ward 21 > Point of Conflict
Mega > Wuk Gyal
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Greensleeves rhythm album #30: BOLLYWOOD
Study:
Capleton > Lock Up
Ward 21 > Roll Up
Sizzla > Heat Is On
Elephant Man > In the Streetz Mega Mix
Tanya Stephens > Addiction
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