 Load up yuh cutchie full, give thanks, and pray for Jah Guidance, then listen to Natural Black's latest works on King Jammy's production titled "Jah Guide." Natural Black just can't help but shine as his songs are inspired by the Most High God, Jah Rastafari, and through his Imperial Majesty's guidance he has crafted another solid album for your roots, and conscious dancehall listening pleasure.
What impresses me most about Natural Black, (besides his singing ability), is his overall devotion to Rastafari spirituality, and Reggae music. A devotion that brought him to Jamaica from his native home of Guyana. A small South American country whose coastline is part of the West Indies. Guyana rests between Venezuela to the west, and Suriname to the east. Born Mortimer Softley, Natural Black has some big songs in the Jamaican dancehalls, as well as the dancehalls in Guyana and South America, Europe, and North America.
Hits like "Far From Reality", "Nice it Nice" and "Things and Times," helped to launch this rising star to international recognition. These tracks were all recorded in Kingston, which has been home to Natural Black since 1995, when he first moved to Jamaica's largest city to work with the Big Ship label (Freddie McGregor), Harmony House label (Beres Hammond), and Black Scorpio studio (Jack Scorpio).
You can tell from the quality of music coming from this talented lion conqueror, that he really respects the elders in the reggae music business. He is receptive to their input which is clearly evident in "Jah Guide". The album was mixed by King Jammy and the backing musicians are all veterans in the record studio. Backed by the Firehouse Crew and the High Times Band, this is one of the best studio albums I have heard from Natural Black. I have only the highest regard for the creative efforts contained in the tracks on "Jah Guide"
There are many noteworthy songs, which are already receiving praises from conscious dancehall fans. In the second track "Intellectual Fanatics", Natural Black reasons, " we never know bout no ginal ting, look gwan fi blame man." Talking some truths and rights about all dem who promote wars and violence. Cease the war Now!
"Genuine Love" has some real righteous lyrics, " it's time for you to know yourself my brotherman, makes no sense , off on a shelf with no other one." Yes I, no man is an island. Then the next track , #3, "Bless The Herb", Natural Black, sings " me go bless the herbs, settle your nerves, and then mi find words to the chorus and the verse." Big ups to all cannabis promoter dem worldwide!
If you are feeling a little down and need that perfect song to lift your spirit up, put on track #7, "Joy" and feel upliftment through the heartical vibes. "The spiritual joy within the music, could make you stop crying, the chorus in the music, when you hear it you won't stop trying" The world needs some healing, there is a lot of sufferation going on out there . Songs like this one are so important to those strugglin' inna di ghettos, inna di war zones, bless up humanity!
I want all you to listen closely to the words in "Love of Rasta" , to overstand this prolific singer's loyal faithfulness to the teachings of Haile Selassie I the First. "I could never take no other route" proclaims Natural Black. One Iditation, One Love, One Jah! The slow rocking "Every Time" with binghi, drummers adding to Natural Black's signature, "smokey", vocals is full of spiritual vibes, for your daily Ises.
When Natural Black sings, you are hearing true sincerity in his words. Genuine heartfelt emotion, that is something of a rarity in other musical genres, but this Guyanese singer has tapped into what the elder reggae musicians have taught him, and he is well on his way to share his knowledge with the new Rasta singers to come. His lyrical clarity is always present in all his works. Massive Respect to Natural Black for creating "Jah Guide" for all of us who require high grade, Rastafari influenced music to overcome Babylon oppression, and keep our thoughts pure.
Jah Works be Fulfilled,
M. Patton
bigupradio.com staff writer
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CD Review: Natural Black - Jah Guide
