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Tribute post & downloads coming soon..

A Tribute to a True Revolutionary

Originally published February 2007, © Rutgers University, Daily Targum – Inside Beat

Bob Marley’s genius extended far beyond music. On his 65th birthday, we celebrate..

Words can hardly express the significance of Bob Marley’s influence nor can they begin to describe the impact of his life that remains over 25 years after his passing.  The reggae superstar used music to unify, uplift, and inspire an entire generation.  His music was simple yet poignant; it transcended the barriers of race, class structure, and even language.  No other recording artist to date has been able to secure international stardom while at the same time remaining loyal to a straightforward mission of equality, peace, and love.

 Jamaican Roots

Get up, stand up/ Stand up for your rights
Get up, stand up/ Don’t give up the fight

-“Get Up, Stand Up,” 1973

Born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6, 1945 in Saint Ann, Jamaica to a white father and black mother, he was challenged from day one.  His father Norval Marley, a quartermaster in the British navy and wealthy landowner, rarely saw his son and left him in the sole care of his mother, Cedella Booker.  Marley experienced poverty and racial prejudice (since he was biracial) as he grew up in Trenchtown, a slummy village in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica.  Inhabitants of Trenchtown were viewed as neglected by Jamaican society.  Although Marley garnered the nickname “Tuff Gong” from friends due to his physical strength, the consciousness he gained shaped his character and would ultimately guide his lifelong energy.

After meeting a fellow street youth named Neville O’Riley Livingston, or “Bunny,” Marley became interested in music.  He and Bunny tuned into American radio, which exposed them to acts like Ray Charles and Curtis Mayfield, and followed the emerging Jamaican R&B scene.  Marley dropped out of school at 14 and, although he took up an apprenticeship with a welder, his true life passion was to make music.

In pursuit of his dream, Marley began practicing and attending informal sessions run by a famous Jamaican singer named Joe Higgs.  After impressing a local entrepreneur named Leslie Kong with his vocal ability, Marley wrote and recorded his first songs, “Judge Not,” “Terror,” and “One Cup of Coffee,” which marked the start of an extraordinary musical vision.

Rude Boy Wailin’

One good thing about music
When it hits, you feel no pain

-“Trenchtown Rock,” 1973

When his solo tracks received little airplay on Jamaican radio, Marley decided he could gain more exposure in a group.  Along with Bunny and another aspiring musician named Peter McIntosh whom Marley met during Higgs’ jam sessions in addition to a few backup singers, Marley formed The Wailers in 1963.  The group’s first single, “Simmer Down,” climbed to No. 1 on the Jamaican charts in early 1964 and established The Wailers’ unique reggae sound, a combination of tough street rhythm and urban vigor, on the Jamaican scene.

As The Wailers gained a national reputation, Marley’s mother resided in Delaware and had saved up enough money to fly her son to America.  In 1966, the group faced adversity and all but Marley, Bunny and McIntosh dropped out.  At the same time, Marley married Rita Anderson and reunited with his mother in America.  His stay in the States was brief, just long enough to gather finances needed to continue his passion, and Marley returned to Jamaica in October 1966.

Rastaman Vibration

I’m a living man, I’ve got work to do
If you’re not happy, then you must be blue

-“Soul Rebel,” 1970 

Upon his return to home soil, Marley became increasingly attracted to the growing Rastafarian movement.  The Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie, visited Jamaica while Marley was gone and inspired this religious development.  Rita Marley saw Selassie and converted to Rastafarianism, which Bob would soon adopt as well.  This sentiment was echoed throughout his music – the Wailers’ style drifted away from its gritty street roots to spirituality and social awareness.  This conflicted with the vision of their record label Coxsone Dodd, so the group departed to record with innovative reggae producer Lee “Scratch” Perry. 

During the Perry sessions, the group recorded reggae classics such as “Soul Rebel” and “400 Years.”  Two of Perry’s studio musicians, Aston “Family Man” Barrett and his brother Carlton then joined The Wailers.  The group released several albums with Perry, including Soul Rebel and Soul Revolution.  By the early 1970s, Jamaica had fully embraced their ground-breaking sound.  It was perfect timing to expand to an international audience.

The World Catches Fire

What we need is love, to guide and protect us on
If you hope good down from above, help the weak if you are strong

-“No More Trouble,” 1973 

The Wailers pursued an invitation to a London-based label in 1971, but were dropped before even releasing a single.  In desperation, Marley approached Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who was instrumental in exposing Europe to Jamaican reggae.  Blackwell offered The Wailers a record deal with Island, which gave them access to state-of-the-art recording facilities that no other reggae band had ever used before.

The result was the group’s 1973 major label debut Catch a Fire, an international hit album and the most innovative reggae composition of its time.  Catch a Fire addressed social and political topics with a captivating optimism – tracks like “Concrete Jungle” and “No More Trouble” embodied Marley’s view that all people could rise above struggle.  The album’s biggest hit was “Stir It Up,” a sensual love song where Bob’s vocals gently soothed the listener.  Catch a Fire began Marley’s successful tenure on Island and catapulted him to international star statusn but led to another identity change for The Wailers.

One Love

One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right

-“One Love / People Get Ready,” 1977

After short tours throughout Europe and the United States, The Wailers went back to the studio to release Burnin’, an LP that included re-recordings of older songs in addition to new hits like “Get Up, Stand Up” and “I Shot The Sheriff.” Epic rock guitarist Eric Clapton’s version of the latter made it to the top of U.S. singles charts and increased Marley’s widespread fame.

Shortly after Burnin’, Bunny and McIntosh left to pursue solo careers.  Now known as Bob Marley & The Wailers and equipped with a female trio of backup singers called the I-Threes that included Rita Marley, the group released Natty Dread in February of 1975.  “Revolution,” “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry),”and “No Woman, No Cry,” the first hit single outside of Bob’s homeland, highlighted an album that showcased Marley’s committed stance of continuously revealing social inequality. 

The follow-up album, 1976’s Rastaman Vibration, experienced success in the U.S. with “Who The Cap Fit” and “War,” for which Marley borrowed words from a speech by Emperor Selassie.  Marley’s following among youth in Jamaica was widening, however he would soon be the target of a serious attack.

Movement of Jah People

Open your eyes, look within
Are you satisfied with the life you’re livin’?

-“Exodus,” 1977

As Marley’s position as an international music star progressed, his political influence increased tenfold.  Each time the group went on tour, their message spread quicker than wild fire throughout impoverished Jamaican youth and international audiences alike. 

Although fans idolized the musician, some individuals viewed him as a threat.  In late 1976, as he prepared for a free concert organized by Jamaica’s Prime Minister Michael Manley, unidentified gunmen assaulted and wounded Marley, Rita, and their manager Don Taylor inside the musician’s home.  It is thought that the confrontation was politically-motivated; they recovered quickly and performed as scheduled despite the scare.

In early 1977, Marley departed to England to record two of his most highly-praised albums, Exodus and Kaya.  The former stayed on U.K. charts for over a year and peaked at #20 on U.S. pop charts on the strength of top-selling hits in “Jamming,” “One Love / People Get Ready,” and “Waiting In Vain” in addition to feel-good melodies in “Three Little Birds” and “Natural Mystic.”  The latter focused more on reggae ballads including “Satisfy My Soul” and “Is This Love,” which offered a glimpse into the singer’s more intimate side. 

TIME magazine referred to Exodus as the best album of the 20^th century in 1998, and many critics believe it to be the climax of Marley’s career.  In 1978, at the “One Love Peace Concert” in Jamaica, Marley’s impact became clearly evident as he united leaders from the two rival political parties, Prime Minister Manley and Leader of the Opposition Edward Seaga, onstage to embrace in a handshake.  Marley had fully recovered from the attack and accomplished what no other artist had ever done – used music to successfully resolve political differences.

Uprising for Survival

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds

-“Redemption Song,” 1980

Marley’s final two albums, Survival and Uprising, contrasted in meaning but proved that international achievements were never more important than his message behind the music.  1979’s Survival was fierce and political while 1980’s Uprising was intensely spiritual.  Inspired by a visit to Africa, Survival begged the continent to unify on “Zimbabwe,” “So Much Trouble In The World,” and “Africa Unite.” 

A stop in Ethiopia led to Uprising, a very personal and religious album where Marley’s lyrics reflected his spiritual journey on the worldwide hit “Could You Be Loved” and the acoustic masterpiece “Redemption Song.”  The album appeared on international music charts, acted as motivation for a major European tour, and also led to plans for an American tour with Stevie Wonder.  Marley started the American tour at Madison Square Garden, but fell seriously ill after only two performances.

A toe injury suffered three years earlier in England caused his illness.  Due to his Rastafarian beliefs, Marley refused to have his toe amputated when it became infected and, soon thereafter, cancerous.  As the cancer spread throughout his body, Marley struggled to survive using non-toxic medication but the disease would prove to be overwhelming.  On his way back to Jamaica, Marley passed away in Miami on May 11, 1981 at the age of 36.  His final words were simply, “Money can’t buy life.”

The Legend Lives On

Good friends we’ve had
Oh, good friends we’ve lost along the way
In this great future, you can’t forget your past
So dry your tears, I say

-““No Woman, No Cry”,” 1975

Though his human voice has been forever silenced, Bob Marley’s legacy remains fully intact and has influenced a generation of music enthusiasts to continue the spread of his message.  He was inducted into the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame in 1994 and posthumously received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. 

Still, it is the continuing popularity of his music that conveys Marley’s ideas of equality, unity, human rights, and spiritual encouragement.  There are countless compilation albums dedicated to spreading the rhythmic reggae that flowed from his soul.  He never wallowed in self-pity, instead opting to use his experience to expose the world to the reality of life in Third World nations like Jamaica.  “Marley wasn’t singing about how peace could come easily to the world but rather about how hell on earth comes too easily to too many,” Rolling Stone Magazine once wrote.

Marley spoke for the underrepresented, unfortunate, and impoverished.  His music was meant not just to understand but also to uplift, not just to inform but also to involve, and not just to symbolize but also to salvage.  Even in death, Bob Marley remained true to his beliefs and passion.  It is for these reasons that mere words could never pay tribute to the legend nor entirely embody the meaning for which he lived.

 R.I.P. Robert Nesta Marley, February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981

Studio Albums:

The Wailing Wailers (1965) [Purchase] | Soul Rebels (1970) | Soul Revolution (1971) | Burnin’ (1973) | Catch a Fire (1973) | Natty Dread (1974) | Rastaman Vibration (1976) | Exodus (1977) | Kaya (1978) | Survival (1979) | Uprising  (1980)

Select Compilations:

Best Of | Songs of Freedom (1992) [Purchase] | Collectorama: The Kingston Years (2008) | One Love at Studio One (1964-66) [Purchase] | Legend (1984) [Purchase]

Select Rarities & Remixes:

Wail ‘n Soul’m Singles (2005) [Purchase] | Dreams of Freedom: Ambient Translations of Bob Marley in Dub (1997) | Bob Marley & Friends – Chant Down Babylon (1999) [Purchase] | J. Period & K’naan Present - The Messengers: Bob Marley

Select Live Performances:

Live in Kingston, Jamaica with Stevie Wonder (1975) | Live! - 1975 [Purchase] | Live in Sausalito, CA 10/31/1973

Interview:

Marley Speaks (From the book Marley Legend)

Styles P & DJ Green Lantern – The Green Ghost Project [MP3 Download]

Record Label: Invasion Music Group

Reviewed by Mookie

(Dom’s note: We’re now collectively known as the Most Hated by one of these guys.. If you can’t stand the heat, get yo’ stankin’ ass out my kitchen!)

When you think of Yonkers-born emcee Styles P, you probably picture him as one of the frontmen of hardcore rap group The LOX. “The Ghost” has also built up a respectable solo discography over the years, with The Green Ghost Project as his newest album. Along with a mob of guest artists and producers, DJ Green Lantern and Styles linked up to create what they call a “monster” of a project. 

The Green Lantern-produced “Nothing To Lose” opens the album up with an abrupt banger. Turn this one up, it’s bass-heavy with a light accent that makes the beat just memorable enough to shine without overshadowing Styles’ vivid quotables.  

An impressive Slick Rick-sampling instrumental by Alchemist ensues on “Make Millions From Entertainment,” although the lyrical effort from Styles P didn’t quite match up. The dark, erie beat on “Time Will Tell” emphasizes Raekwon’s stand-out feature instead. 

Unfortunately, not all of the production was up to par. “Bang Time” obnoxiously overuses an M.O.P. sample, diminishing its replay value and casting away an otherwise satisfactory feature while “Invasion” sours a Jadakiss appearance with a mundane beat and an out-of-place hook from Junior Reid. 

Styles has never really been known for his lyrical superiority, and nothing changes here. Most of the verses coil around the main subject matter: money. Although he does branch out occasionally into the realm of prison time (“Send A Kite”) or reminiscence (“Born In These Streets”). 

Still, poor production and low replay value plague nearly this entire project. No more than 4 of the 15 songs are worth multiple spins for anyone outside of Styles P fanatics. Although those few joints may be good, it’s not worth buying the entire album just for the sake of listening to them because it should have been a mixtape - at least the musical quality is reflective of one.

As the trip-hop pioneers will be unveiling their 5th album Heligoland next week, the world prepares their ears for another Massive Attack of audio goodness.

It’s been seven long years since Robert “3D” Del Naja & Grant “Daddy G” Marshall released their most recent studio project 100th Window. After touring, film soundtrack appearances and a series of charity events, the UK duo will finally bless us with yet another electronic opus.

Heligoland features vocals from long-time collaborator Horace Andy in addition to Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio), Martina Topley-Bird (Tricky), and Guy Garvey (Elbow) among others, over thumping drums and lush, electro-hop symphonies.

Fans can pre-order Massive Attack’s new album on Amazon, and catch a preview by either downloading their recent podcast with BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq or the bolded tracks below. Prepare yourselves, Enjoy!

Pre-Order on Amazon: Massive Attack – Heligoland [MP3 Download]

Download: BBC 6 Music - 2/1/10 Massive Attack Podcast with Steve Lamacq (Right click – Save As) [Update: Unavailable outside the UK. Sorry y'all.]

Track List (Preview Bolded Tracks):

1. Pray for Rain (feat. Tunde Adebimpe) 6:44
2. Babel (feat. Martina Topley-Bird) 5:19
3. Splitting The Atom (feat. Horace Andy) 5:16
4. Girl I Love You (feat. Horace Andy) 5:26
5. Psyche (feat. Martina Topley-Bird) 3:24
6. Flat of the Blade (feat. Guy Garvey) 5:30
7. Paradise Circus (feat. Hope Sandoval) 4:57
8. Rush Minute 4:51
9. Saturday Come Slow (feat. Damon Albarn) 3:43
10. Atlas Air 7:48

 I’m sorry I’m not around more
Come up wit’ me, or stay on the ground floor
I don’t need shelter from the downpour
Y’all could be whatever you want, just not my downfall

Joe Budden has been spitting heatrocks lately, I been told y’all he’s (still) a problem!

This is Jersey Joey’s newest jawn, which dropped about 4 months ago in internet time last week but I didn’t get a chance to post it. Mouse gets on his inspirational tip over sparkling keys and tight drums courtesy of the homie J Cardim.

Unfortunately will not be on The Great Escape due to clearance issues. Industry rule #4080 still reigns supreme *sigh*.

Check the download link below, The Great Escape coming in April. Enjoy!

Download: Joe Budden – Downfall prod. J Cardim

Strong Arm Steady – In Search of Stoney Jackson [MP3 Download]

Stones Throw Records | Blacksmith Records

By Mookie

Back when Death Row Records dominated the West Coast rap game, a loose collective of Cali-based emcees including frontman Xzibit, formed Strong Arm Steady and built a considerable buzz on the underground circuit with a number of popular mixtapes. Since then, X-to-the-Z along with a handful of other members left the group, making Strong Arm Steady a trio composed of Mitchy Slick, Phil Da Agony, and Krondon.

In Search of Stoney Jackson is the group’s second studio album, and the first to be released on Talib Kweli’s label, Blacksmith Records Stones Throw Records. With exclusive production from the legendary Madlib and features from the likes of Phonte (of Little Brother), Evidence, and Planet Asia among others, on paper, this project couldn’t look much better.

The actual result proved to be less than amazing. While Madlib holds up his end on the production, masterfully crafting a number of impressive, sample-heavy beats, Strong Arm Steady disappoints lyrically on the majority of the album. Phil Da Agony sounds awkward as he fumbles through most of his verses, almost as if he was rhyming off the top of his head the whole time. And while Krondon’s efforts are quality at different times throughout the album, it’s not enough to single-handedly support the group when Phil didn’t bring his A-game and Mitchy Slick is borderline absent, only appearing on two of the album’s 18 tracks.

 But don’t write Stoney Jackson off just yet, guest appearances save this album’s replay value. Phonte comes through on the opener “Best Of Times“ with the smoothest of hooks and Talib Kweli drops a dope verse on the Roxanne Shante-sampling “Get Started.“ Unfortunately, some guest spots hurt more than they help. Like the cluttered “True Champs“ that unsuccessfully squeezes in verses from 5 different rappers.

 As I mentioned before, Madlib really makes sure there’s not a negative comment to say about the production on this album. Songs like ”Pressure,” my personal favorite, make it impossible for you not to bob your head to the bass-infested beat. The same ensues on the mean-mug worthy ”Ambassadors”, while he flaunts a more laid-back style on “Chittlins & Pepsi”.

 If your a big fan of Strong Arm Steady, In Search of Stoney Jackson might be a disappointment as it clearly sits on the shoulders of good guest features and exceptional production, but if your just looking for some quality underground West Coast rap, pick this one up – it’s worth a spin.

Awnaw, hellnaw

It’s a shame that the subgenre of silky smooth, Southern-fried soul remains under-appreciated and becomes almost nonexistent when discussions about hip-hop dip below the Mason Dixon. 

Perhaps it’s the  sudden prevalence of boisterous trap-rap promoted by ex-kingpins like Young Jeezy. Or the rise (and fall) of simplified crunk-hop that started (and ended) with Lil’ Jon’s four-word vocabulary. Perhaps it’s overshadowed by the stripclub shaking induced by Ying Yang Twins, the alcohol-soaked innuendo of Ludacris, the dumbed-down chatter of Ace Hood, the slurred diction of Three 6 Mafia, or Lil’ Wayne’s alien activity to which few can relate.

However, tucked neatly between T.I.’s superstar swag, Arrested Development’s political musings, OutKast’s vibrant vitality, UGK’s trunk-knocking force and Scarface’s heart-wrenching ghetto gospel lies the effervescent sincerity of them country boys, Nappy Roots.

Fresh out the skillet after their appearance on SMKA’s 808’s Experiment Part 2, the Kentucky quintet’s latest jawn “Ride” is a lustrous, string-laden melody cruising over boom’s and bap’s equipped for Fish Scales, Skinny DeVille and Co to represent their often-overlooked yet never-disappointing style.

Pursuit of Nappyness drops April 20th (alongside Little Brother’s last LP, might I add). Unfortunately, I predict that even if they grill up a well-seasoned offering, the masses will probably write it off as stale or bland.

My advice is – check ya tastebuds at the door. You might just find it’s more savory than a plate full of Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz.

Download: Nappy Roots – Ride [Mediafire]

Quotables:

Go on, do the Stanky Leg
It’s better than talkin’ bout shootin’ people in the head

Do you go..
I wonder where in the world
Do you go..

Sometimes you got to give it all you got
Even though a few folk keep wishin’ that you stop
But after that, another classic we gon’ drop
And I ain’t talkin bout no fancy mansion or no yacht
Just a quarter pound of pot on my 40 acre lot
With my Caddy coupe, it drop, and a Range Rover spot

..Then they can’t see they self back in the hood
Can’t let they friends know they not doin’ good
So you lay low, and focus on your kids
Hope somebody remember somethin’ that you did

The grass gets mighty green by the fence
Which side is the question, I’m headed that direction
Knowledge is the weapon and I use it for protection
If you think I’m really slippin’ then run up and learn ya lesson

Purchase: Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz | Wooden Leather | The Humdinger

 Bonus Downloads: Nappy Roots – P.O.N.

Nappy Roots ft. Anthony Hamilton - Po’ Folks [Mediafire] |

Nappy Roots – Awnaw [Mediafire]

Video Excerpt:

This fresh jawn is off Japanese virtuoso Kenichiro Nishihara’s new album Life. Illadelphian Steph Pockets spits the real over Nishihara’s jazz-hop, a formula for a feel-good start to your week.

I’ve been searching for a link on Amazon or iTunes to cop Life, however all I’ve spotted is a Japanese digital retailer called HMV online here.

Scoop the MP3 at the link below and check the track list for a preview of the album, Enjoy!

Download: Kenichiro Nishihara ft. Steph Pockets – Livin’ The Life (Remix)

Track List:

01. Prelude
02. Power of Self feat. Substantial
03. Livin’ The Life feat. Steph Pockets
04. Weather Overtone
05. Beautiful Things feat. Amanda Diva
06. Now I Know feat. Pismo
07. Mind Tourism
08. Brazilian Daydream
09. Waltz For Jazz Things feat. Gregg Green
10. Moon Child feat. Nina Vidal
11. Dawn
12. Life feat. Kissey Asplund

When the sky falls, and the Earth quakes.. We gon’ put this back together, we won’t break

I watched almost the entire Hope For Haiti Now telethon event last night, and I’m so thankful I did. If I said it was extremely moving, that would be an understatement. I found myself breathless and teary-eyed as artists, musicians, actors, directors and more put aside differences and united to answer phones and accept donations on behalf of  the various organizations helping the relief effort in Haiti. The broadcast also featured personal stories about Haitians that survived the horrible natural disaster in addition to newscaster Anderson Cooper & others detailing the monumental effort to treat the thousands of injured and emotionally-distraught.

Musical performances included Jay-Z, Bono & The Edge of U2, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, my wifey Christina Aguilera, my other wifey Alicia Keys, The Roots, Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris, John Legend, Beyonce, Coldplay, Shakira, Mary J Blige, Sting, Kid Rock, Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, Emeline Michel and of course, Haiti’s son Wyclef.

MTV has a sweet rundown of all the performances here and check out some photos here compliments of Concrete Loop. Click the links below to donate and grab your copy of the Hope for Haiti Now album on iTunes with the various performances in great quality MP3’s.

If anyone has the full telecast of the event, can you please link it in the comments section? Thanks in advance.

Shout to Ian for the video of Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge & Lil’ Mama Rihanna below (am I the only one who thinks Rih Rih looks out of place on stage with legends? Oh well.). I hope you find it in your heart to donate to help those suffering from this devastating tragedy, and (try to) enjoy the music!

Download on iTunes: Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge & Lil’ Mama Rihanna – Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)

Donate: Hope For Haiti Now

Now here’s something to cure the Winter blues.

If you dug Capital City’s Oddisee’s seasonal instrumental offerings that dropped last year, you’ll feel his newest Odd Winter jawn too:

Oddisee’s back with another Put Me On It exclusive, the third installment in his season-themed series, Odd Winter. Not slowing down after his string of releases in 2009, he’s also preparing to release his new instrumental album Traveling Man on Mello Music. Traveling Man will be available for purchase as a digital release January 26th and vinyl & limited edition slimlines February 23rd.

Hit up the Diamond District rep’s Bandcamp link below for a free download, Enjoy!

Download: Oddisee – Odd Winter (Instrumental FreEP)