Juno Recommends Dancehall / Ragga: June 2023

Review: Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist Kabaka Pyramid combines conscious lyrics with a versatility that has more than justified his de facto membership of the nascent reggae revival movement, also including artists like Protoje, Chronixx and Jesse Royal. Here comes The Kalling, his second album, charting collabs with some of the best names in his chosen field - such as Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Buju Banton, Protoje and Jesse Royal. The album is a mixture of inspirational and hard-hitting experiences, and equally socially conscious tracks, namely the title track and 'The Kalling' and 'Kontraband Pt. 2'.

Review: The Dub Smugglers are the loudest and proudest sound system in Manchester and this is their first ever recording. It draws on their vast experience of serving up big hitters on big bass bins and finds them teaming up with Jamaican legend and veteran mic-man Burro Banton, who the sharp-eared will recognised from Chase & Status' massive Return II Jungle album. They bring fresh new styles to a stone cold classic dancehall rhythm and bring it into the modern day with hefty low ends and compelling kick drum patterns. A version is on the flip for more direct business.