BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Kes and The Band, Konshens, Patrice Roberts, all on one album. What type of musical madness is this?
Can you expect any less from the only diamond-selling dancehall artist in music history. His distinctive voice, combined with his melodic delivery of relatable themes make him one of the most recognized voices in Reggae and Dancehall. His crossover successes (“It Wasn’t Me,” “Angel,” and “Bombastic”) make him the most streamed artist from the Caribbean.
His latest sonic effort, ‘In The Mood,’ is a 7-track EP that has a heavy Soca influence. Drawing from the vibrancy of the Caribbean, and the fast-paced exuberance of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, he applies elements of EDM and Dancehall by way of guest performers who are hitmakers in their respective spaces.
I received a personal invite from Natasha VonCastle (Director of Communications, VP Records), a great friend of the team at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, to a private listening party. I was joined by media houses across the diaspora, all there to celebrate the greatness of a musical genius, the one we all know as Shaggy.
The EP begins with “In The Mood” featuring Kees from Kes The Band, which is a groovy Soca track that has both musicians throw inhibitions to the wind as they seek girls, rum and fun. “In The Mood” literally puts fans in the mood for light fun, smiles and laughter.
Colleagues Noah Powa and Konshens join Shaggy on track 2, “Buddy Bye.” Yep, this track applauds the jiggle of the female derriere, and seeks to use words to describe what her anatomy looks like when it moves.
Female Soca star Patrice Roberts adds her sultry voice and energy to track 3, “Whine and Jumping.” Paired with Shaggy, the duo captures the feeling of revelers as they ‘whine and jump’ in their carnival costumes behind the big truck on the parade route. Designed for all the Carnival hot spots (Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto, Notting Hill, Miami and more), the groove of this track and the visuals of the music video keep you in the mood for Carnival.
Continuing with track 4, “I Love Her” is a liquified xylophone infused ode to the special lady who captures Shaggy’s excitement. With clever double-entendre and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Shaggy describes why his love interest is appealing to him. She may not be Miss World on the pageant circuit, but she is everything to this Reggae star.
EDM meets Soca on track 5; “Don’t Run” featuring Skinny Fabulous. With vigor in each beat, Shaggy and Skinny Fabulous lock their attention on the female of their fete desire to enjoy ‘whine’ from the beginning to end of the song. Emphasized with laser sounds and an infectious party resonance, “Don’t Run” is a hardcore power Soca chune that makes listeners move no matter how much they resist.
Track 6, “Liquor Buss,” is all about endless shots of liquid courage resulting in a staggered walk, slurred speech and vibes that make for a memorable night. It features guest performers Future Fambo and Noah Powa.
Closing out Shaggy’s EP ‘In The Mood’ is track 7, “Well Talented” featuring Bunji Garlin. Produced by Tony ‘CD’ Kelly, the best of Dancehall and Soca combine on this electrifying and happy song that playfully appreciates a female’s physique. Emphasizing the natural beauty women possess, and how it moves when they dance, Shaggy and Bunji trade compliments with ladies who are not shy to show off their attributes.
“I always try to bring the fun when I’m performing and keep everything very lighthearted and joyous. I think my purpose and my job is to bring joy to as many people as I can, and I want that to resonate within all of the music that I create,” Shaggy shared with all of us.
‘In The Mood’ is a joint release with VP Records and Ranch Entertainment. The EP will be available on all streaming platforms on Friday May 16th, 2023.
I think I am in the mood for summer fun, in the mood for some Shaggy!
