Papa Michigan feat. Yami Bolo - People Rise - NiceUp

Flash Hit Records (2014)

One of the most crucial collaborations of the last twelve months must be this gem from two of dancehall reggae’s pioneers.

Papa Michigan had his first hits back in the foundation era of dancehall. He was part of one of the most well-known duos in dancehall, Michigan and Smiley. Together they put out many classics including the staples, ‘Nice Up the Dance’ and ‘Diseases’.

Now in a new century, Michigan has shown he still has the skill to ram the dance in proper fashion. In his own words, “too long chilling, blood been spilling, question is what are we doing ?” Coming from Papa Michigan’s new E.P. ‘DJ Legend’, ‘People Rise’ is an inspiring and uplifting track. This socially conscious tune fits well with today’s climate of new roots artists and the emerging international sound of reggae music.

Michigan’s syncopated DJ patterns contrast nicely with the sweet vocal of Yami Bolo, who hasn’t lost any niceness with age either. He’s still got that killer sweet style he has had since a youth in the dance, and has still got crucial conscious lyrics to burn – “we should live peacefully, in love and harmony, Spreading more love to humanity, no genocide nor slavery.”

The riddim is a solid roots number with a steady skank, full warm bass, subtle horn riffs, and was produced and released by the France-based Flash Hit Records, Manudigital and Rashanco Music. There are more Flash Hit releases to check out too so be sure to breeze past their website.