Sizzla, Capleton and Anthony B – now add young upstart Hi Kee to this list of strong reggae singers. I once heard someone say that that Sizzla ‘could purr like a kitten and then roar like a lion’, and on my very first listen to this album this is exactly what I thought.
On the opening track, Woman of Virtue, Hi Kee gives us a great example of his vocal range, from a silky falsetto to a mouthful of gravel, which is evident through the whole album.
Released by Truesounds, the production on this album is amazing and so consistent, which is surprising considering the diverse producers, hailing from as far abroad as Finland, Jamaica and New Zealand’s own Reality Chant from Christchurch.
A tight blend of roots reggae and one drop anthems makes this album an enjoyable listen the whole way through, with only two discrepancies which are by no means Hi Kee’s fault. The first being Pretty like Gold – the only reason I have an issue with this tune is the fact that Ginjah murdered this Scrucialists’ riddim some years back with his version Unification, and it is such a big tune any artist would have trouble coming close to touching what Ginjah did. Secondly is Catch up the Fire and this is due to the fact that Mykal Rose is so heavily auto-tuned. It is a great tune none the less, but why do this to an already amazing voice?
My personal stand out on this album would be the collaboration with Luciano and Brigadier Jerry – a perfect blend of deejay, singer and chatter, and a tuff roots tune.
You will hear nothing about cars, diamonds, guns and disrespecting woman on this album, just heartfelt praise tunes and a voice that will make an impact on the roots scene over the coming years.
This is a pleasing album and a great listen, but I feel that Hi Kee has so much more to give and I’m looking forward to hearing his releases in the future.
More info:
Hi Kee Myspace
Danny2Chains
