Gospel music from the Carribean is becoming increasingly popular, not only in the West Indies, but everywhere that sunny rhythms, lazy back beats, fresh vocals and intensity of Jesus-focused lyrics are appreciated.

And that "Carribean Medley" on Donnie McClurkin’s Live in London and More project just killed us. We’ve been trying to recover, but we admit, it’s not been easy. All those pulsating rhythms pounding in our heads, the infectious dance that our feet won’t quit stepping to, and those Word-laden chorus and hooks, it’s made us want more of the same.

To mark the rise of this sound, we’ve put together a review series that shines the spotlight on recent island-rooted Gospel. This is the first segment of that series, so get ready to let the wave of praise wash over you.


Lion of Zion Entertainment’s release of Ragamuffin Hip-Hop sets the summer ablaze with well-seasoned and savory Gospel reggae welded to fiery hip hop.

Various artists such as reggae veterans Junior C, Stitchie and Christafari combine with hip hop greats Knowdaverbs, Prime Minister and Antonious as well as several others to contribute exceptional performances.

Marking the project are cut highlights drawn from several projects released over recent years, as well as some inventive remixes that rejig the sound to a fresh vibe.

Cuts like "Born Again" featuring the skills of Grapetree Records’ Prime Minister, Antonious, and Christ Fa Real exemplify the surprisingly compatible mix of the island’s offering of reggae and the burrough’s contribution of hip hop.

Dancehall Baptism

This is your essential guide to who’s who in the genre. Reflecting the spiritual revival underway in Jamaica, several artists who have left the secular arena to follow Jesus Christ are included. Hence the project’s title, Dancehall Baptism. The staggering gifts of Chevelle Franklyn are offered on two tracks. “Radio Is Playing It” is a fierce tribute to Gospel music, and “Number One” generates instant jump ups. Other artists joining in the sanctified bounce on other tracks include K Gees, Junior C, Todah & Melchizedek Order, Jr. Miller and Prodigal Son. Each with island skills, touting thump-heavy bassline and of course with that syncopated flow, you would do well to get acquainted with these artists. Familiar cuts from Stitchie and Christafari round out this compilation.

Bouncing beats, a catchy chorus and hooks showcased with classic islandic undertones and ad-libs make for irresistible crowd pleasers. "DJ Frost Remix 2001" from a Lion of Judah Sounds crew (Mr. Lynx, Poppa Willy, The Johnson Sisters, Monty G.) may come from artists you’ve never heard of before, but the cut possesses mainstream appeal and grabs the attention of secular worldings through musical sampling.

Other notable tracks are "War Against The Devil" by Septimus, who proclaims victory throughout the track while staying true to his reggae roots, and underappreciated previously-released material such as "Devils Get Dropped 2000" with the trademark 'soldier sound' from Pettidee as well (see interview) as Blood Brotherz with "Big Him Up" (see album review of their Second Coming project).

"If I Were Mayor/Governor" displays the phenomenal talents of Knowdaverbs and Stitchie. The original was on Verbs’ Action Figure project, but Stitchie comes in to flag the cut with his flava. It’s a tag team that defeats any candidate by winning the popular votes of the listeners.

Other quality cuts are not hard to find —Junior C (“Until I Met Him”) and Red Cloud with Christafari (“Musical Agression”) are required listening.

And Monty G. and DJ Frost render a superb cut titled “Got To Know” which honors Dawkins and Dawkins hit single “Need To Know”.

This is an exclusive invitation to witness the marriage of hip hop and reggae which go together quite well. With the union of two of the most radical styles of music, this culmination promises to become a favorite in any collection.