ALBUM DESCRIPTION

If roots reggae is the heartbeat of the Caribbean then dancehall is the pulse. More popular today than ever before, dancehall is undeniably the future of the ever-burgeoning genre of reggae. As the war for the crown of Dancehall deejay of the world continues with artists like Elephant Man, Sean Paul, Beenie Man and TOK vying for the throne, there is another battle going on. This is a righteous battle fought by the likes of Papa San, Stitchie, Bless and a brand new crew of Jamaican artists brought to you by APS Productions and Burning Bush Records. But their war isn't fought with fists, but with the Word and a reliance on the Spirit's power. And their ultimate goal is not to rule over others, but to have God rule in the hearts of others. To bring this to fruition the good news must be preached. And in if you wanna reach a Yardee (Jamaican), then as they say in Jamaica, "di Gospel fi share." And share they do on this explosive compilation CD.

The disc kicks off with Zeela Mac and her heartfelt plea; "People are crying to be free." But don't be mislead by this mellow tune, it is the exception on this album. Though the first track kind of stands out like a sore thumb, from the second cut on this is a bonafide Dancehall album. Shortly after the first artist establishes the vibe over a sluggish roots cut, everything flips and the pace changes when Tin I Cool leaps for the mic and grabs your attention with an extremely engaging song. The CD lunges forward another few furlongs with the boomshot title track "Gospel Fi Share." This is one of my favorites. Only three cuts into this disc I am already dancing to this big tune and am confident that this is going to be a solid CD. Track four manages to elevate the disc even higher with Freshstart and Baby Blue on "Excuse Mi." However, no excuses are necessary for this driving groove graced with some wicked DJ skills.

When the next cut busted through the gates with spitfire snares and an arsenal of handclaps I just had to smile. It is such a blessing to be listening to an album full of talented artists and a grip of fresh riddims--YES IYA! After a clever transition into the next song the rapid pace continues as three more deejays share the mic on "Warrior". The hardcore dancehall continues in tracks 7 through 10. But when track 11 hit me I had to stop the CD and bring that beat back! The militant song "Pop off the Word" by Dj Nicholas and St. Matthew pops out of the speakers HARD! Following is the roots/dancehall "Pray On" over a classic 90's DJ/roots riddim.

As I continue to listen to this CD and write this review my Trinidadian wife keeps coming into my office and interrupting my effort to ask me "Who are these guys?" She then proceeds to tell me that this is a "Wicked CD full of big tunes." How right she is!

This is authentic Dancehall. And when I say "Dancehall", I mean real ragamuffin performed by the hottest new crew of gospel deejays in Jamaica. Thankfully these guys aren't trying to do hip hop or American R&B, they are being true to their island and culture. The beats are solid with plenty of bass. Besides the curious song order, the only complaint that I have with this CD is that occasionally the mix seems a bit questionable (with synth lines that seem to be too hot, and I even hear vocal distortion on track one). But after just one listen to cuts like "Gospel Fi Share" and "Pop off the Word," you will be convinced that this massive album is a MUST-HAVE for your collection.

Gospel Fi Share is the debut album by APS Productions
(Anointed Praise Station). On it APS has set out to turn over "a new page in Gospel Music"--and they have! This is the real deal. The next generation of gospel reggae has arrived on one relentless disc brought to you live and direct from St. Catherine, Jamaica. This album features 13 tracks of undiluted dancehall music packed with the life-giving message of the good news of Jesus Christ.

There is no need to hesitate in purchasing this CD, for I am confident that "Gospel Fi Share" will end up being one of the biggest Gospel Dancehall albums of 2005. Order your copy today.

Review by Mark Mohr