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Sizzla - Be I Strong
(Xterminator/VP)
Not without reason, Sizzla has rapidly become one of the biggest names in reggae. His lyrics and delivery are among the best of any deejay preaching roots & culture themes. Unlike Buju Banton, who seems to have a bit of a Marley fixation, Sizzla is still considered truly hardcore by underground dancehall heads. And unlike Beenie Man, who can chat in a number of different styles, Sizzla is a bit of a one-trick pony, never moving beyond basic Rastafarian themes. But, man, that pony’s one trick sure is amazing!
The natural cadence of Sizzla’s lyrics makes them powerful instruments, on their own. One listen to the beginning of “Get Lively,” and you can hear how the track is slowly built beneath Sizzla’s insistent intonations, at first relying on a single drum to drive the beat below. It’s fascinating that, though there is a sameness to his tone, cadence, and vocal trickery, it all sounds great. A good cross-genre comparison can be drawn between Sizzla and the Ramones; both artists create unique, instantly recognizable sounds, but each song transcends the constraints of its simple form. The only worry is that, at the rate Sizzla is recording music (at least four full-length albums in the last two years), this sameness may lead to weaker and weaker material and a lack of growth, just as it did with the Ramones. Sizzla’s saving grace, however, is his close attention to the creation of memorable hooks, like the choruses on “Diamond & Pearl” and “Mi King.” There is no need to worry about a rut for the moment—Sizzla still has complete control of his style and puts out powerful music.
Praise must, of course, be given to Philip “Fatis” Burrell, who, once again, produces a boatload of modern tracks for Sizzla’s use. With nasty drum & bass anchoring the sound, Fatis drops all manners of strange sound effects and instrumentation into the mix, to keep your ears interested. Much better than Sizzla’s last outing, Royal Son of Ethiopia, Be I Strong is certainly a strong album, overall.
by Lem Oppenheimer
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