 The latest album from Richie Spice, "Gideon Boot" on the VP label has just reached store shelves. You will definitely hear some familiar tunes as many songs have been previously released as singles, but there are some new tracks not heard on the airwaves until this album's release as well.
Another Digital B production, Bobby Digital, and Chris Chin are the executive producers. "Gideon Boot" was mastered at VP in New York by Paul Shields. The follow up album to his 2007 "In the Streets to Africa", "Gideon Boot" has the potential to go just as far.
The fourteen track CD starts with "Babylon Falling", a message that you can clearly feel Spice's convictions. Where will you be on that day? Yuh betta make some preparations, and put your trust in the Most High.
"Gideon Boot" is a new Rasta household staple, a "must have" in your arsenal of rebel warrior tunes. On the old school "Johnny Too Bad" riddim from the Slickers. "got to let the people know the right from wrong", states Richie. Always represent consciousness.
The one song featuring a guest singer is "Let's Go" with Gentleman. A penetrating riddim with a superb pairing of vocals, this track is an asset to any reggae playlist. There must have been some higher vibes in the studio when dis one record, ‘cause the track really motivates the listener.
What is wrong with a little marijuana, ishence, highgrade-sensimilla? In this year 2008 arrests are still being made for a likkle herb tree plant that Jah the almighty has given to mankind as the healing of the nations. "Wrap Up a Draw" and inhale your sacrament, and your medication from Babylon's sickness. Spice's suggestion is to "burn it from the root an to da stem!"
No can deny it's getting harder now. If your comfortable life has been harder to maintain, then imagine how difficult times are for those who normally suffer during more prosperous times. It's grim, it's reality, and it is singers like Richie Spice that shed light on the darkness that plagues Jah children. "Harder, harder, one world order… gasoline run di scene." says Richie.
"World Crisis" is another reality song to awaken those who can't see what's going on. "Why" has some nice female background singers accompanying Richie Spice while he asks "why some people getting excited, over the years its just Jah works and doing" A nice track with a sweet saxophone medley.
A big tune on the "Guardian" riddim is "The World is a Cycle" "Think about the youth's think about the future" Richie pleads.
In the early morning hours in Montego Bay, as the dark night sky began to slowly fade into a mystic blue, Richie Spice proved his ability to control the crowd at Sumfest 2008. When he sang the tune "Make up your Mind" I an I witnessed a completely different Richie Spice then what I man see back in Foreign. He was much more engaged, and comfortable in yard, with his people. I'm sure being invited to perform at the biggest Reggae festival in the World was something he was very pleased to be a part of.
One of biggest tunes of 2008 "Di Plane Land," is played in heavy rotation both in yard and abroad. "travel over land travel over sea, doing the works of his majesty" Richie sings. If you haven't downloaded this one to your itunes library yet, get it.
On the "Hold On" riddim, "Bad Lamp" illuminates the wickedness that exists in those downpressors, and "dutty babylonians" who don't show any interest in helping the poor. "beware" Richie warns dem.
Spice's "Gideon Boot" ends with "Living in Love," something we all should strive to achieve, "Rise" an uplifting song to guide you towards the righteous path, and "Hang On" a final message of hope to those livin' the struggle.
You will definitely appreciate this latest release from Richell Bonner (Richie Spice) the singer who hails from St Andrew, Jamaica. This album definitely exhibits progression in his career that manifests in works that are worthy of all the hype they garner. This is message music, with real authenticity. Truth and rights shall prevail, let Jah be praised, Rastafari.
M. Patton
Big Up Radio Staff Writer
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CD Review: Richie Spice - Gideon Boot
