ALBUM DESCRIPTION

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**Winner of the 2002 Marlin Awards for Outstanding Dee Jay Vocal Performance of the Year (I Wish) and Outstanding Dancehall Recording of the Year (I Wish)**

**ALBUM DESCRIPTION**

"Woe," from I've got this album "I've Got Everything." "You" must pick up a copy of this "Radikal Style" from "The Radikal Prodigal." I "Praise the Lord" for his salvation and this -- "The Ultimate" Christian dancehall reggae album.

Prodigal Son was born Calvin Curtis Whilby in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Having been raised in the Christian church, he accepted Christ at an early age but fell away in his teens. While residing in Rema, one of the toughest areas in Kingston, he got involved with gang violence until one day overwhelmed by his circumstances, he began searching for peace. While attending a church service Calvin returned home to his spiritual Father and received the peace he was looking for.

With a love and great talent for music Calvin began deejaying giving the glory to God. Inspired by the parallels in his life to the parable of Jesus, he donned the name "Prodigal Son."

Now under the production expertise of Danny Brownie of Main Street, Prodigal has recorded numerous singles and recently released his debut LP "Radikal Prodigal."

**SONG BY SONG REVIEW**

The curtains open on this project with a unique, almost "new age" sounding intro entitled "The Radikal Prodigal." Through spoken word with a clear voice just slightly revealing his Jamaican accent, Danny Brownie gives the listener a brief background on the artist. This is followed by a testimonial by Prodigal with a song called "Prodigal Yuh Turn Christian." As he chats conversationally with Lady Junie, Prodigal tells of the new life that he has in Christ. The interpersonal dynamics in this tough dancehall cut remind me of producer Danny Brownie's earlier collaborations on tunes like "Big Man, Little Youth," featuring Red Rat and Goofy--but this time the subject is far more serious!

Next up is a tune that was featured on "Dancehall Baptism Chapter 1" as well as "Yow! Chapter 1." "Praise the Lord" is one of Prodigal's most popular songs to date. It is a very powerful number over a beckoning cadence similar to Elephant Man's "Showdown" or the "Street Sweeper" riddim. A very tight dancehall slam!

Prodigal Son continues to bus' out wicked material with "The Ultimate." He rides the mellow dancehall riddim with ease putting heavy emphases in his deejaying to stress his points and give the tune that extra punch.

Danny Brownie always loves to include a jazzy doo-wop feel into at least one song on his productions, and "I've Got Everything" does just that. It is very reminiscent of past work by Brownie, such as Red Rat and Chico's "Girls Dem Highway." However, this song is not only pleasing to the ear and feet, but also to the heart and soul as Prodigal and Chevaughn sing "If I never own a home then so let it be. If I never buy a car I'll still be happy. From I've got Jesus I've got everything." I dare you to turn this one up loud and just try to not move your feet - Good luck!

Of course, again this amazing artist turns out another hardcore dancehall hit. "God Cyaan Hol' Inna Yuh Pocket" is another tough track with awesome patois filled lyrics. This tune is tight and catchy and definitely stands out strong.

Not only is the Radikal Prodigal an expert in hard dancehall but also in a soft inspirational reggae feel. "Don't Cry For Me" features Danny Brownie and Chevelle Franklyn and is very similar to the sounds of some Buju Banton songs (like "Till I'm Laid to Rest") and would go nicely on any of his recent albums.

"Woe" was featured on Main Streets "Yow! Chapter 2" and is a major stand out track on both that album and this. It starts with a crazy intro and continues as one swift flow with perfect tempo deejaying and doubles. Yeeeaaah, niceness yuh know! Then wait, what's next but another sweet cut - two in row, wow!!! "You" is my personal favorite track; it is a non-stop chat with a deep vigorous voice over a heavy riddim. Me cyaan get enough of it yuh know! Hold on pull out dat - lif' it up, jock it up, pull it up and come again now, from top!

"Think about the Judgement Day" changes the feel to a rub-a-dub sing-jay style. Prodigal takes over with this sound as well and shows that he is one seriously versatile artist. There is a great hook in the chorus on this one. The only thing I want to hear different is a steppers beat instead of the one drop.

"The Anthem" is a unique dancehall cut with an intro borrowing the melody of the Jamaican national anthem. Prodigal starts of with similar lyrics to the anthem of his country and continues to sing a prayer for the islands leaders and politics. Following is the popular "I Wish." This track was also featured on "Yow! Chap. 1" and is another musical prayer, but this time a prayer for his fellow dancehall comrades in the secular scene. He mentions almost all of the top secular artists in Jamaica with clever lyrics often including the artist's song titles, phrases or trademarks.

"Radikal Style" is an up-tempo dancehall tune that is on the verge of having a Soca feel. It is another big hit from this radikal artist that sticks with you after listening to whole project. "Straight and Narrow" is tough as well, with Prodigal deejaying over a very cut up, tight riddim.

The album closes with a song that was included on "Yow! Chapter 2." It is Prodigal's delivery over the riddim made popular by Chevelle's "Radio is Playing It." Prodigal busts "Plead the Blood" a big tune giving the riddim track yet another hit song.

**CONCLUSION**

A must, must, must have with no "although's" or "but's." "Radikal Prodigal" by Prodigal Son is undoubtedly a BIG project that is bound to take over both the Christian scene as well as the secular scene. It is one of the best albums I have ever heard! The production is of high quality, the riddims are strong and powerful, and Prodigal's deejaying is tight, tough, and saturated with pure truth.

This album is mostly hardcore dancehall yet is has some rootsy feels and sing-jay flows as well. The only notable difference between this album and the top secular dancehall material is Prodigal's righteous lyrics and Godly spirit. Me cyaan stress it enough - pick up a copy today for yourself and a friend!

Big up Main Street and Prodigal Son!
(Review by Tim "Jah Pickney" Linnard)