jamarchOn December 23rd, foundation reggae artist and producer Linval Thompson unveils his long awaited roots album, Ghetto Living, through I-Tunes on his Thompson Sound Jamaica label in cooperation with Zojak World Wide, the leader in digital distribution of reggae music. Ghetto Living will be available worldwide through all other online vendors starting January 15th. Ghetto Living fuses Linval’s bittersweet sufferah’s sound with powerful social commentary voiced over live rhythm production from Handcart Band as well as modern roots riddims courtesy of Phillip ‘Fattis’ Burrell of Xterminator Productions, and Dubmatix.
While Linval Thompson’s pioneering career as a reggae singer is well-known (“I Love Marijuana”, “Train To Zion”), the singer’s equally storied career as a producer in the roots reggae and dancehall arena may not be. Indeed, the career of Linval Thompson the ‘producer’ also dates back to the mid-70s and includes such standards as Freddie McGregor’s international reggae anthem, “Big Ship”. In the process, both as vocalist and producer, Linval Thompson has laid the groundwork for the emergence of modern dancehall riddims and reggae beats.
On Ghetto Living, Linval marks a return to live rhythm production, compliments of Handcart Band and recorded live at Harry J Studio in Kingston, Jamaica. The album also features a strong combination, called “Bad Boy”, with the cultural deejay Warrior King. Ghetto Living is very much in the classic Linval Thompson vein – a rootsy mix of real life subject matter and constructive messages. Indeed, Thompson’s commitment to the roots of reggae music is unbreakable. As he says,
“The music from the 70s and 80s is relevant today because it’s positive, is a positive vibes. On Ghetto Living everything is reality. No gimmicks.”
Media Writer
