Sizzla – Born A King [2014] (Mista Savona)

Sizzla Kalonji releases a third EP, titled “Born A King” for 2014

Sizzla Kalonji coming large with his 3rd 2014 LP release “Born A King”, produced by world renown Australian producer Mista Savona from Melbourne. This album oozes with quality and uniqueness earning it one of the top album spots so far this year. Production has a variety of samples, and tunes range from hard dancehall, acoustic meditations, and roots reggae. The productions even drifts into a more electronic vibe which normally I am not that fond of, but Mista Savona has a knack of keeping the sound organic and Sizzla never exhibits a synthetic energy.

Modern Roots & Dancehall

Throughout the album, there are many amazing tunes. To mention a few the album starts with the self titled “Born A King”, bringing a roots riddim with electronic samples that are reminiscent of Pac Man’s theme. Sizzla delivers some great lyrics and warms you up for such a great album

The next tune, “Champion Sound” with Errol Dunkley, is an instant banger. With swiftness, Sizzla overflows with some of the quickest lyrics and Errol Dunkley makes a great addition to the tune. The album also showcases some big dancehall tunes such as “Blessed” and “Big Man Ting”.

Kalonji brings forth a beautiful vibration from the soul in “I’m Living”, which was released as a single in January of this year, and on its own riddim a few months ago. Sizzla sings in the chorus:

“I’m living, for the sick and the poor, the hungry and the shelterless sleeping on the floor. I’m giving all I got, and more. I know Jah will bless me and open up the doors.”

This tune is a classic and has a powerful message while remaining in a roots style with a beautiful melodica and excellent reverb on the drums.

Different vibes

Sizzla comes with quite different vibes on the two loving tunes on the album. “Set It Off” is an amazing “western” style riddim where Sizzla voices his passion and the other tune is “The Formula” featuring Vida-Sunshyne. “Got What It Takes” is a hip-hop style beat that almost reminds me of an old Blackstar tune, with the jazzy guitar riffs. Sizzla motivates the youths with his “message from the teacher to the beginners”. A tune you may have heard from Savona before, “Why Does the World Cry?” has an interesting desert sound as Sizzla asks this question.

Dubstep style

“Cold War” is the most electronic sounding song on the album, which initially almost deterred me from it. Aside from the dubstep-like bridge later on in the tune, Sizzla‘s fire and the frequent return to just the bass and guitar keep it from sounding too synthetic as he speaks the truth.

Great harmonies & acoustic vibes

In the following tune, “Champion Sound Remix”, Turbulence joins in to bless the Champion Sound. The album nears a close with “Give Jah Praise” as the final roots riddim is dropped and Alton Ellis brings a beautiful addition to this masterpiece. This song is an instant classic – an amazing reggae riddim with Sizzla showcasing his royal voice, and great harmonies and background vocals by Alton Ellis.

The album ends with two spiritual and exquisite acoustic versions of “Got What It Takes” and “I’m Living” which shine a whole new light on those lyrical capacities.

Various styles

Overall, this album has a little something for everyone, whether you’re into roots reggae, acoustic guitar, dancehall, hip-hop, or even electronic music. Give it a listen and spread the word. Jah bless.

Written by Lex for Jamworld876

“Born A King” is available for purchase on digital outlets such as Amazon MP3 and iTunes. Get your copy now. Share and comment if you like it.