Vybz Kartel is a 49 year old DJ, singer/songwriter, entrepreneur & businessman from Kingston, Jamaica who’s widely crowned as the King of Dancehall subgenre of reggae similarly to roots reggae icon Bob Marley becoming recognized as as the symbol of the entire genre that he helped pioneer. For over 3 decades, the Adidjahiem Records founder has released over a dozen EPs & full-lengths including during his decade long prison bid for Clive “Lizard” Williams’ murder. Literally a week after A John John Masterpiece & we already have another album from the Worl’ Boss.
“They’re Outta Love, We Aren’t” opens with a tribute to his fiancée Sidem Öztürk whereas “I Know” sings about her love for the Teacha makes him feel like no other women exist to him. “You Walked Away” takes 153 seconds to address everything that happened with his ex-wife & Short Boss Muzik founder Tanesha Johnson leading into “11:45” continuing to sing about his fiancée.
Ishawna joins the Worl’ Boss on “Bad Bad Bad” blending dancehall & house so they can discuss what women truly like in men just before “Ghetto Girl Chosen” jumps over a bashment beat only for him to beat it out of order. “Can’t Leave You Alone” continues the dancehall vibes singing about praying to God that he & his lover live forever while “In Too Deep” talks about his favorite city name being toxicity.
The title track begins Heart & Soul’s final moments by promising to give the Apple of his eye the time of her life as long as she trusts him with those 2 things while “Cinderella Ballroom” sings about him continuing to be here for a long time for a fun time. “You Know G.O.A.T.” finishes up the LP with 1 last reminder of why he’s called the King of Dancehall.
I’ve already covered Spice’s last album Mirror 25 & Shenseea in the past, so it isn’t my first rodeo when discussing dancehall. Other artists whose music I’ve enjoyed in the past include the late dub pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry, the entire extended Marley family from Stephen & Ziggy to YG, the late Peter Tosh & his son Andrew, the late Bunny Wailer, the late Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy Cliff, Buju Banton, Mavado, Popcaan, Koffee, Bounty Killer & VP Records to name a few. Heart & Soul however has to be one of the most passionate LPs Vybz Kartel has put out since being freed taking heavy inspiration from his engagement.
Score: 3.5/5
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