Its roots time again on the catchy new release from award-winning Itation Records and partner on the project, Bizzarri Records. Prefaced by a classic roots horn line, grounded in a creeping riddim section and connected by real time reality lyrics the contemporary roots production moves effortlessly between roots, dub and conscious reggae dancehall across eleven engaging tracks. Featuring Kabaka Pyramid, Jah Sun, Turbulence, Delly Ranx, Lutan Fyah, Messenjah Selah, Lion D, Skarra Mucci, Teacha Dee, Ras Tewelde, Raphael, Steppa Style and Deadly Hunta, the Swing Heavy is also a unique international effort. In addition to signature Jamaican artists, Itation and Bizzarri have compiled an amazing roster of vocalists representing not just Jamaica but America, the UK, Russia and Italy. Available February 4th on iTunes, the Swing Heavy is a unified, real authentic sound that moves both body and soul.
The record opens with “Foundation”, the first single and a strong statement of unity in music and message crafted by Kabaka Pyramid, one of Jamaica’s fastest rising stars and a brilliant lyrical mind, and Jah Sun, an American breaking new ground in reggae music. The passion is propelled forward by the contemporary Jamaican roots singjays, Turbulence and Lutan Fyah. Turbulence demonstrates a lazer-like focus on “Love My Enemy” with an emotional stand for self empowerment and Lutan Fyah stands up for the sound system roots of Jamaican culture on “My Sound”. The DJs take over as Lion D (“The System”), Raphael (“Stay Ruff”) and Delly Ranx (“Put The Gun Away”) deliver consecutive songs that seamlessly embed a driving dancehall vibe into the grassroots dub
reggae riddim.
Skarra Mucci and Teacha Dee contribute a compelling argument to the lyrical fire with “Forward Inna Di Dancehall”, a party tune cloaked in conscious messages of solidarity and the latest single off the record. Ras Tewelde and Messenjah Selah then peel back the mistakes of “Babylon” and “Money Matters”, respectively. While Sid Gaetani and Luca Sax get to the basics of the riddim on the version, “Swing Heavy Jam”, Steppa Style (out of Russia who first made his mark on the junglist scene) and Deadly Hunta (from the UK) have the last word on the uptempo bonus track, “Work Hard”.
The work has been done. And both Bizzarri and Itation Records has added to its award-winning list of riddim releases (World Go Round, Show Love, Clearly for Itation and Natural Thing, Laba Laba, Impossible for Bizzarri). Indeed, expert arrangements, well crafted song selection and a who’s who of international talent have already done the heavy lifting. Out now so enjoy the results and Swing Heavy to the infectious new riddim release from Itation and Bizzarri Records.