I recently added Sizzla’s latest CD titled, “Da Real Thing” thing to my Caribbean collection. If you’ve been keeping your eye open on the International dance hall music scene then I’m sure you know about Sizzla’s album titled, “Da Real Thing”. Sizzla a.k.a. Kalonji latest album from VP Records offers a whopping 15 tracks showcasing his expanded repertoire of music filled with socially conscious and positive songs. The first track, ‘Mash Dem Down’, is a righteous piece about putting down the wicked. Sizzla takes an opportunity to remind his listeners of where they came from, and their historical roots. Targeting his hardcore fan base, he has never been one shy to call down fire on things he considers immoral in life. Sizzla’s nostalgic and idealistic song reflects upon a time when everyone got along and was kind to one another. Despite the songs wistfulness he does not want you to disrespect the Rasta man, or any one that is trying to do the right thing. The heavy bass and keyboards offer the traditional reggae beat with Sizzla’s dynamic raspy vocals.


The second song, titled “Simplicity” has an R&B feel mixed with its smooth reggae styled melody. On this song, we find Sizzla attempting to educate his audience again, with a preachy and rhythmic tune that’s a testimony for the Rastafarian faith. The next song, “Solid As a Rock” music starts out a little smoother than the previous tracks but the words hit a little harder as he sings about people fighting without a cause. Sizzla, refuses to give in to the pressures of society and wants to maintain his identity despite the mistreatment he has faced at the hands of crooked policemen. Solid As A Rock, is about standing firm and believing in yourself. Currently there is an unauthorized version of Solid As A Rock that receives a lot of airplay on New York City hip-hop radio station, Hot 97.


The fifth track “Thank You Mama” is one of the most heart-warming tracks on this album. It’s always nice to listen to a man sing about the admiration and love of his mother. Sizzla actually thanks his mother for carrying him for 9 months in his chorus expressing his appreciation for her love. Following this wonderful song is the next track titled, “Woman I Need You”. The introduction is faster than the following song, changes however Sizzla stays with the same theme of as it relates to respecting women. The seventh track titled, “Bless Up” is an uplifting song that encourages support and backing for one another. This songs riddims and overall productions are tight. Sizzla a.k.a. Miguel Collins really steps up to the plate in this song.


My favorite track is Just One of Those Days. This is the 10th, song with a smoother and lighter melody where Sizzla shows some admirable diversity in his voice and lyrics as he sings about love and the girl he loves. The lyrics:

Dry cry, even tales.
Even my heart cry, but who cares.
Whose faults no one but myself
Things do happen, words cant explain
Beyond the human reasoning, joy mix with pain
People would spend time, just for us to separate.
They don’t want to see us reach nowhere.
Oh girl, and you know I care.
Why does it have to be this way?
Cant tell you go, Cant tell you stay.

Just One of Those Days, is a song where Sizzla puts his feelings on the line, as he faces the loss of his girl. Once you've heard his voice you can't mistake him for anyone else. He is definitely a good vocalist that has not 'sold out' with his style of reggae music. There are 15 tracks on the album, which I’ve listed below:


1. Mash Dem Down
2. Simplicity
3. Solid As a Rock
4. Rejoice
5. Thank U Mamma
6. Woman I Need You
7. Bless Up
8. Why Should I?
9. Got It Right Here
10. Just One of Those Days
11. Trod Mt. Zion
12. Its Amazing
13. She's Loving
14. Boom & Go Through
15. Touch Me


Da Real Thing is truly the real thing; this album is an unblemished development in his musical career. This album is a lot better than his earlier CD, see my review of the Bobo Ashanti - Sizzla written back in 2002. Da Real Thing already has several songs that are number one hits in Jamaica and in the reggae dancehalls. This album also has massive crossover appeal, and quickly crossed over into the hip-hop arena first. In fact, popular hip-hop artist Bone Crusher and Jah Rule are already biting this album with unauthorized remixes.


Sizzla’s musical career had hit somewhat of a low up until cranking out numerous albums’ that went nowhere with little exposure in the U.S. and U.K. I would credit this albums success and appeal to its quality songs and the fact that Sizzla went back to his roots reuniting with renowned producer Bobby "Bobby Digital" Dixon. Fortunately, Sizzla expands and keeps his hardcore following as he sings about the hard-hitting issues of life. Da Real Thing is a brilliant album that gives anyone a basic understanding of good root reggae music.



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out