An inspiring new artist has been bestowed unto to us. As if the Almighty had hand-picked this messenger to uplift Jah children in this here judgement time. Ras Igel has a sound so unique. Original melodies, with undeniably pure vocals, his message just cannot be ignored. "Black Moses" is the first release from Ras Igel and it is full of original roots and conscious dancehall vibes.
Born Tyrone Richardson, in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica. He knew from when he was a child that music was in his destiny. We are blessed to have such a heartical new presence in reggae music. I have listened to Black Moses repeatedly, and I am very sincere in saying that I’m throughly impressed by this artist’s work.
The Intro song, "Jah Is My Protection," sets the tone and firmly guides the listener towards higher heights. The second track, "Mi Heritage," is one of the crucial ones you’ll hear being played a lot on Big Up Radio’s roots player. "Black people run come ya quick, babylon pull a stunt, babylon pull a trick." Nuh trust dem vampires seen? Watch out for dem false prophets.
The third track is one you’ll hear on our dancehall radio station. "Trod On," has a real up-beat tempo. Ras Igel sings "I am a gonna take this trod right out of town, because the walls of babylon fall when my trumpet sound." Yes I, wicked tune, fi real!
"I Want You" the fourth track, features a guest singer AK Royal. When yuh find a beautiful empress yuh must let her know yuh feelings, that is the basic premise of the tune.
Leading into my favorite track on the entire album "Black Woman." What joyous vibes, celebrating the "mother’s of civilization." Ras Igel sings, "she’s so beautiful, take a look at her skin, she’s a black woman, she’s so beautiful, she’s full up of melanin, she’s a black woman." Yeah Mon, Nuff Respect to all the Black women in World, from the Caribbean to Africa, and from the America’s to Europe, and all over, Big Ups!
You’ll want to reach for a rizla, grab a piece of the high grade, and wrap up a draw for this new ganja tune on the familiar Real Rock riddim. On "Real Herb," track 6, Ras Igel reasons "brain full of ‘sess’, Rasta naw drink no booze, spliff inna mi mouth, about an ounce inna mi shoes." Give thanks for the hola herb, never disrespect Jah creation. Cannabis is the Healing of all Nations. Rasta tell no lie.
Track 8 features Lutan Fyah longside Ras Igel. "Black Stars Are Us" tells of the "new day rising" for the ghetto youth dem. Ras Igel makes an important observation when he asks the listener "who made money from the slave trade?," while Lutan Fyah sings the chorus " rise from rags to riches, ghetto youths sell multi-platinum.
A new peace anthem is born with track 9, "Gun Gun Gun" Put down the matic, glock, and tech nine, and pick up yuh bible. Hear this! The next tune "Lion From the Jungle" has an almost hypnotic riddim, and the lyrics are full up of pure wisdom. We need more Lions protecting humanity from dem pagans with no regard for life.
In praises of Emperor Haile Selassie I the first, Ras Igel makes a joyful sound unto the Lord, in "King Of Kings." Ancient vibes. This one tune elevates Ras Igel to a spiritual level, where if you are in tune with the creator you will feel the hola vibes too. I get goose bumps listening to this track, divine inspiration through and through. "Got to make sure my father is pleased with I and I earthly deeds" Live upright in Jah Jah sight.
The last three tracks "Holy Place," "Heathen Have To Run" and "Victory (Black Moses)" are all worthy songs following the same tradition, firmly planted in the foundation of Rastafari teachings. Ras Igel is a serious artist, whose message is delivered through a conscious roots medium. I urge you to check out his myspace page, www.myspace.com/rasigel777 and if possible catch him live on stage where he really showcases his talent, and lights up the stage with upfullness.
Please support independent artists. This is an artist that is very deserving of our support. Gwaan do your thing Ras Igel, and rejoice in knowing that Jah will be gratified with your works. All of us at Big Up Radio, give thanks for the opportunity to help share your music with the global internet community.
Blessed Love,
M. Patton
Big Up Radio staff writer