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Review:

ZULU / Riddim Killah

by Paul Salvatori

This is a well-produced, modern-sounding dancehall album.

The instrumentals are excellent, consisting of thick and heavy dancehall beats and dark (doing justice to the latter part of the album's title) high-energy synthesized sounds, similar to the instrumentals of tracks by dancehall greats such as Elephant Man and Ward 21.

Though "Riddim Killah" is primarily a dancehall album, it definitely incorporates hip-hop.

This is demonstrated in the fifth track of the album, "Truthfully.", characterized by a hard-hitting hip-hop instrumental, overlaid by an entrancing lyrical chant by Panamanian-born Zulu and a catchy DMX-type chorus that demands the listener to sing along.

"Riddim Killah" is just the kind of album you want to pump in your vehicle and dance to at the club. It has a consistent upbeat, party sound but is not for those looking for more conscious, deeper reggae. Though Zulu provides a strong vocal delivery and steady lyrical flow, the topics of his songs on "Riddim Killah" do not go that far beyond sexy women and having a good time.

This need not be taken as a criticism of "Riddim Killah" or Zulu, though is a reflection of much of contemporary dancehall music. Rather, the topics of "Riddim Killah" suggest that the album is largely for entertainment, not reflection and meditation as arguably is the dancehall of Capleton and Sizzla.

Zulu's deep vocals blend well with the dark sound of "Riddim Killah's" instrumentals. At times, his vocal style resembles Bounty Killer's, which may say something about Zulu's musical influences. Nonetheless, Zulu's overall vocal style is unique and original and cannot be strictly classified under the style of any well-known dancehall artist.

Zulu has the potential to make greater waves in the popular dancehall scene soon. It will be no surprise to hear more of him in the near future and see his music moving the massive world wide.


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