There are, and have been, many pretenders claiming to prophesy their righteous’roots’ and deliver an understanding of reggae and Caribbean culture. Black Canvas AKA Ryder Shafique, Mr Melody and co-written with Chubby J from Pressure Drop (plus some tasty collabs with Chase & Status and Ed Solo), clearly understand their roots and interpret it in a thoroughly convincing and honest way. You can feel the absolute dual-immersion in both the UK and in the West Indian cultures that this album embodies. Dub-reggae is predominant, but it is injected with an urban attitude that could only come from living through good times and bad in a heavy-hearted, diverse and all encompassing culture in the UK. What you have to imagine here is a very well produced, modern-day Massive Attack on holiday in Jamaica with a direct portal through to the finest Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass and Dubstep ‘happenings’ in good old London. .
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Soto
