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Back to the blogNEW RELEASE: UNFAIR GAMES RIDDIM NOW AVAILABLE
2 August 2013After blowing up the european reggae scene with the release of RANDY VALENTINE’s “Bring back the love” mix-CD, HEMP HIGHER PRODUCTIONS are back with their latest release: UNFAIR GAMES RIDDIM.
The riddim (composed by JAHNATON – who has been signed to the label for over a year now) has an obvious nyabinghi influence, with a heavy bass drum which gets you in to a mediative mood from the second you press play – The drums are then accompanied by beautiful guitar melodies making the riddim a very simple, yet complete masterpiece.
It is no surprise that HEMP HIGHER/J.O.A.T artist RANDY VALENTINE (who is now labelled “one of the most talented upcoming artists on the scene” by international industry trendsetters and is performing a 22 show tour throughout Europe) laid down a certified hit: “Rat race” – Inspired since he was a child by the songs of the great Bob Marley and other reggae legends, RANDY VALENTINE (living in London – born and raised in Clarendon, Jamaica) uses his vocal talents to criticize the system in which we live in, that forces the masses to endure the “Rat race” for the benefits of a select few. From the first few seconds of the song, the depth and warmth of the harmonies will touch your soul and although the song treats of a very grievous subject, it’s also a prayer of hope for change.
RV is then again featured on french artist’s CHARLY B’s cut on the riddim: “Give thanks” – another prayer to the lord, thanking him for life and all that it has to offer to us – a reminder to each and everyone to “… give a likkle prayer as I open my eyes”.
JAHMIEL needs no more introduction – he is certainly one of the most talented young vocalists in Jamaica. His latest collaboration with HEMP HIGHER PRODUCTIONS on THE EVOLUTION RIDDIM “Fly again” touched the charts in Africa and Europe, so it’s without any surprise that he laid down another huge crowd-pleaser: “Unfair games” – This song is a life lesson – although JAHMIEL is a young artist, his lyrics reflect a real maturity and understanding of the world we live in, and he could certainly teach a thing or two to most of his elders – reminding us that every evil deed comes with its consequences “unfair game play twice” and that in all situations it’s best to “Lef the ting inna the most High’s sight”, however badly you feel your actions may be justified.
The Sweden based international dancehall superstar MILLION STYLEZ never fails to please his listeners, and delivers yet again another uplifting anthem: “Never Give Up” – which will have his fans pressing on replay! This is his first collaboration with HEMP HIGHER PRODUCTIONS and most likely not the last. Like most other songs on the riddim, “Never Give up” speaks for itself as MILLION STYLEZ reminds his listeners that although life is filled with hardships, once must stand firm, keep the faith and that “Jah Jah is around”.
French Dancehall Kings TIWONY (who has been on every HH riddim release over the past few years) & TAIRO team up for a song which is already being acclaimed in France (with over 150’000 vues on youtube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HZgWg9Ub8w). This special track is dedicated to all mothers: “Reine sans couronne” (queen without a crown). It’s a powerfull song in which TIWONY’s heavy voice blends in perfectly with TAIRO’s melodic harmonies. Praising the efforts and sacrifices that so many mothers have to go through in order to raise their children and take care of their family.
The second french song on the riddim is the first official release on the international market of DJAMA D BAVEN: “Juste envie de sourire” (I just wanna smile). Although unknown on the local and international market, he delivers one of the most amazing songs on the riddim with his unique style. HEMP HIGHER PRODUCTIONS are convinced that he will most certainly be one of the musical revelations on the french reggae market in 2013 – Watch out for him!
RAS MANUEL from Costa Rica is the first Central American artist to collaborate with HH, and gives the riddim a latin touch with the spanish “La vida es asi” (that’s life), which is guaranteed to please the ladies, wether they are spanish speaking or not, as he serenades them in the international language of reggae music.
Last but not least is Haitian reggae ambassador REBEL LAYONN with “I Remember” in which he counts his blessings and urges the listeners to do the same. With his unique and recognisable style, REBEL LAYONN has already put Haiti on the international map of Reggae and will surely continue to do so.
For the first time ever on a HH riddim, a special dub version of one of the songs was made. It was an honour for RIGA & JAHNATON to collaborate with ADDIS PABLO (son of Legend AUGUSTUS PABLO) on the dub version of RANDY VALENTINE’s “Rat race”. One will of course also find the original riddim version included on the album.
In all 10 tracks reuniting some of the most talented young acts from around the world – this is yet another MUST HAVE for all serious Radio DJ’s and soundsystems