| Review: The release of Weep Not by I Grade Records
punctuates a year in which the conscious roots music of St. Croix emerged as a prominent
force in reggae music. No less than 6 "cruz"cial albums were released in 2002:
Assini, Culturellinnium II,
Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance, Talkin'
Roots, The Cipheraw, and now Weep
Not.
When it comes to solid roots music, Midnite soars to levels that are unprecedented in reggae music. And Weep Not does not disappoint, with 5 selection that feature the mystic voice of
Midnite's Vaughn Benjamin. Vaughn's
unmistakable voice is also lent to Willmore Daniel's crucial 'Warning'. Weep
Not includes 3 other excellent
songs by artists that are new to this listener - Abja's 'Crucial Confession', Abadan's 'Sustain I' and the Mash selection 'Joy'.
Weep Not is unique in that it features conscious lyrics over
diverse riddims ranging from dancehall sound of 'Manage' to the R&B flavored 'Step Inna Right' to the nyahbinghi style of 'Chant A Psalm'. And Weep Not culminates with the incredible voice of Dezarie
giving thanx and praise unto the most high on 'Hosanna Jah'. Her debut album FYA, released by I Grade Records late last
fall, rates as one of the year's best. And be on the lookout for the release
of Dezarie's new album 'Gracious
Mother Africa' which should be
out any day now.
Daniel - Ireggae
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