Out via Reality Shock, the prolific Mikey General delivers his third full-length in the last decade, bringing tight-yet-nuanced vibes to nice up the dance consciously. Recent projects have included a pairing with the late Sugar Minott (“Free Dem Soul”, a limited 7” with Chief Rockas), an Answer riddim update with Luciano (out via Dub-Stuy, a 12” EP), and a dubwise exploration featuring Ashanti Selah (“Look Like You”, a 12” produced by Kai Dub): the quality certainly continues here.
On Hold A Heights (Bandcamp: digital and CD), Kris Kemist’s studio work provides a prime platform for an emotive, idealist release. The eleven tracks feature two collaborations, with No Maddz and Yared, who provide cultural and spiritual commentary, respectively.
Personal qualities are at the fore throughout, as is a tender tenor: Mikey General sings from the heart, putting passion over polish. There’s more of a focus on His Imperial Majesty than herb, but just barely: “Loyalty” brings the Rastafarian mindset to the fore, as does the closing “Look Within” (which links a sax with guest Yared’s verse), while “Can’t Leave It Alone” is far franker than your average ganja anthem. That isn’t due to interconnectedness, but rather the wide range of personal topics. “Get It Off Your Chest” encourages an open, honest dialogue from his partner; a potent message carries “Integrity”: ‘doing the right thing, when no one is watching, that’s integrity’; and the rollicking bass sustains the optimism of the lead single, “Love”.
If an introduction is needed, Mikey General rose to prominence in Phillip “Fatis” Burrell’s (e)Xterminator crew in the late 1980s and the 1990s, surrounded by some stellar talent: Luciano and Sizzla on vocals, plus skilled arranger Dean Fraser and the Firehouse Crew band (who began with King Tubby, if further evidence of their pedigree is even needed).
A well-developed lyricist, he is clearly just as comfortable singing over modern UK roots as on Waterhouse’s most-analog of digital dancehall. The solid productions are in a range of tempos and vibes, while never distracting from the vocal. Tune in, and Hold A Heights yourself.
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