Born Richell Bonner in the Kingston, Jamaica suburb of St. Andrew, Richie Spice as he is affectionately called, hails from a musical family that includes his older brother Pliers (from the deejay/singer duo Chaka Demus and Pliers of “Murder She Wrote” fame), singer Spanner Banner and deejay Snatcher Dogg. Richie Spice chose “Book of Job” as the title of his 5th album due to his personal commitment to creating uplifting music that is as unwavering as Job’s faith while enduring his many hardships. “A whole heap of things reach Job, he lose wealth, he lose him family, him lose everything, but because he was praising God, he regain,” Spice explains. “It’s the same thing with the music: it is righteousness me declare to the fullest and me nah go switch. Alot of people switch and sing other songs, but we say righteousness, because righteousness shall cover the earth like water covers the sea. We never give up on those words. It is something that we know must happen in time.”
“Book of Job” is a compelling mix of Rasta anthems (“Jah Never Let Us Down”), unity pleas (“Confirmation”) selections for the ladies (“Serious Woman” produced by Shane Brown) and social commentaries drawn from Spice’s life experiences (“My Life” [“Street Life”] and “Yap Yap”, produced by Stephen “Lenky” Marsden).
Spice targets the drugs, guns and other oppressive tools of the “Babylon” system (“some don’t want you lift your head above the water…Babylon dem want to keep you in the gutter’) on “Confirmation.” In his heartfelt prayer to the Almighty, “Better Tomorrow”, he asks for strength to face a new day while expressing hope for a brighter future. “You have people out there who need help,” says Spice, “and the only way for me to give dem hope right now is through music.” With the release of “Book of Job” Spice honors his pledge towards making music that empowers and educates as it entertains, ensuring a better tomorrow for reggae music.”
Come on out and show your support! And don’t forget to pick up a copy fo Richie Spices’s CD from VP Records in New York, Miami or any major cities in the US.
This event is brought to you by JAMROCK Magazine, SOBs, VP Records, and Greensleeves.