ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Straight from Nassau, Bahamas, comes the "Truth Compilation--undoubtedly, DJ Counsellor's best effort to date. If you like dancehall, then look no further. Except a few roots cuts and two short ventures into hip-hop, this 14-track collaboration is straight-up, hard-core Caribbean dancehall courtesy by the next generation of gospel reggae deejays. Though you may not be familiar with some of their names, these are the faces to watch out for in the future. Artists like St. Matthew, Solo and Mysta Oracle are undoubtedly going to be key players in tomorrow's Christian dancehall/reggae (if not today).

From the first track of the "Truth Compilation", my attention is immediately grabbed by the signature sound of Mr. Lynx alongside DJ Counsellor. Over a pulsating dancehall riddim, they challenge all believers to "Shine ya light now". This is an infectious cut worthy of multiple spins. From there, Sista K and Bonafyde take us on a journey over a massive riddim. This version is most popular for Tanya Stephens' smash secular hit; "It's a Pity". It's a pity that there aren't more female dancehall artists in the gospel arena--they offer such a different perspective from the guys.

The biggest buzz lately in the gospel bashments has been around relative newcomer, St. Matthew. Over the ever-recycled bangara riddim, on track three, St. Matthew offers his authoritative deejay flow, giving us a unique translation of I Corinthians 13. As so many churches today seem to be majoring in the minors, Matthew wakes us up with these profoundly relevant lyrics; "Some people pray for the power of tongues--I pray for the power of love--that's what I'm wishing for." Following this is the young Kingdom Empress with a simple challenge to read your Bible everyday. In a song that will probably end up being used in Bahamian children's Sunday school, she teaches us about the Word of God while rapping over a dancehall hybrid of Usher's most popular tune to date.

This album contains two unique raggamuffin remix's of Bonafyd and Counsellor's "Hail Him Up", (Tracks 5 and 13). The original version of this song appeared on Counsellor's "Totally Linked". Now DJs have three tracks to bounce back and forth between and can create the ultimate "Hail Him Up" remix! Track 6 is my favorite cut on the album and is currently in heavy rotation on Gospel Radio. This is a standout roots tune that is well produced (by DJ Frost). "Surviving" contains original lyrics that are relevant to anyone that is simply struggling to get by.

"You Save, Right," is an aggressive digital dancehall cut by the up-and-coming female deejay Bonafyde. Replete with a simple, yet contagious hook, it is sure to get any crowd singing along. After this DJ Counsellor and Mr. Lynx "Bust a Prayer" for us in an animated style over a slower paced dancehall track with a touch of AutoTune--because "everyone needs a prayer". So stop hating and start praying--amen! Next up, Bonafyde and Acapella encourage us with "Don't Worry," over a high-tech computerized dancehall beat courtesy of DJ Frost (currently the top gospel producer in the Bahamas). I can't tell you how excited I am to hear more and more great Christian dancehall compilations like this one.

As most dancehall compilations today, this album repeats a few of its rhythms, as is the case with track 10--a song that challenges division/segregation and calls all listeners to unity. This is Solo's second track on this album and I am already convinced that this dread could become a significant voice in the future of gospel roots reggae--a genre that deserves far more attention. Following Solo's eloquent flow is the less convincing, "One God One Hope", a song that attempts to emulate the Black Eyed Peas. Another big voice to look out for is Mysta Oracle a fabulous deejay with his own signature style and a very natural flow. Expect big 'tings from this guy! After this, Kingdom Empress and DJ Counsellor conclude the album with "Consequences", a singjay/dancehall/rap combination that challenges young wayward girls to change their ways.

With "Truth Compilation" now on his shelf, DJ Counsellor is quickly becoming the next big voice in gospel dancehall in the Bahamas and the rest of the world. This artist/producer has shown tremendous growth since his last release. Surrounding himself with talents like DJ Frost, St. Matthew, Bonafyde, Mr. Lynx, Mysta Oracle and the sweet singing of Solo, Counsellor has no direction to go but up--and the sky is the limit. Though a few voices in his crew may still be a bit green, this stable of artists creates a collaboration that is a must-have for any dancehall aficionado. If you want a crucial collection of cuts by strictly the best gospel reggae artists in the Bahamas slammed together on one infectious album--then look no further--"Truth" is the album for you. Grab up a copy of this excellent compilation today.

Review by Mark Mohr