Vybz Kartel - "Protect Me"

Whatever you do, stay calm. Barring medical emergencies it is advisable to remain indoors.

Leaping out of windows is especially uncalled for and senselessly silly to boot.

Granted, the winter has been tough. Apparently a major sports championship can only go so far in quelling the nerves of an entire region. The situation is dire. Residents of the United States' eastern seaboard might be going through what one pirate puppet dubbed, "Cabin fever." In a peculiar bright spot, though, tossing boiling water has apparently become passe.

At any rate, these pages refuses to condone any winter activities. Safe or otherwise, the snow is cruel mistress; frostbite the most regrettable hickey around. In order to stay warm and entertained, the author suggests engaging the mental sphere with a song from a much warmer region. Shared on the Gaza Prince Entertainment SoundCloud yesterday is a fresh recording from Vybz Kartel. Produced by Dunwell, "Protect Me" is performed over the Advice riddim. In the vein of last year's "Ordinary Servant," the track's nature is social. Fitting the rootsy instrumentation, Addi Innocent's vocals genteel and sung. All around, a track that is decidedly difficult to dislike.


Notable Mention: Alkaline

I have improbably found another reason to adore the internet. If one were so inclined, playlists can be found readily, and without much effort, that compile the best cuts of a given dancehall riddim. Such was the case for me just last evening. Upon hearing a raw recording of World Boss on a relatively new beat, I managed to stumble upon a ten minute collection of other artist's recordings over the Fix Up Riddim.

Praises be to Jah.

But among them was the Gaza associated artist Alkaline. Where personal preferences are concerned, I am partial more to vocal styles than subject matter; such is the curse for a slightly more eastern bound Caribbean native. Alkaline's delivery, though, is undeniable. Over another slow, rootsy beat - the 'Dancehall sings riddim,' but any corrections are welcome - the vocals are of an impressive falsetto variety. Once a note is held long enough I, at least, hope it is never let do. At any rate, the bass is heavy and Alkaline vibratto is nice sounding as well.

- J.N.

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