June 2nd is the official release of reggae/dancehall recording artiste Keida’s debut EP, “Ebb and Flow”. The compilation is available on iTunes. “Ebb and Flow” is symbolic of the rhythms of life, this seven track compilation embodies the essence of growth and change as inevitable outcomes of the ups and downs … the coming and goings. Keida shared, “Ebb and Flow” is an EP for the youths that I interact with daily, both in my family and in yours”. A graduated level of lyrical content is notable throughout the EP’s track compilation introducing the audience to a deeper side of the artist.
Opening with the Rory Stonelove produced hit “Ganja Tea”, Keida invites people to use their “meds” in a positive way. “Ganja Tea”, the classic roots reggae record is followed by “Mad World” a soulful and inspirational piece produced by Royal Order Music. It urges us to take more responsibility for the realities of the world and be more proactive in our contributions; highlighting that there are too many people who are displeased with the way the society is running for us not to make a conscious step for a positive change.
On her U.I.M Records produced single entitled “One Love”, Keida helps her listeners to realize the importance of one pure love as the nucleus which will stimulate a positive chain reaction in our consciousness and our interpersonal relations. “One Love” is introduced by the Great Russell Bell, Math genius and youth empowerment advocate whose wise words have helped shape the lives of many. “Way before music entered my reality, Russell Bell was the first to call me Keida Rankin, he empowered me by encouraging me to embrace my visual way of thinking and that is something I apply in all areas of my life.” Also produced by U.I.M the blazing, amped up dancehall track “Hot Ash”, showcases Keida’s versatility with a hard edged up-tempo sound.
On the follow up track “M-16”, produced by Natural High Music, Keida reaches out to youths who are faced with the difficult choice
between destitution and crime as a means of survival. With the soothing melodies of “Chalice’s” veteran musician Wayne Armond on back up vocals, Keida has made a full circle to her roots and the music she was introduced to by her father as a child. She closes out the track by paying respect to the late Nicodemus, one of dancehall’s greats
with her rendition of one of his famous verses.
On her final song “Stand For Something” produced by Royal Order Music, she tells “every youth mi see that the only sure way for growth is to stand for something”. The EP closes out with a dub version of this song produced by Suns of Dub, which includes Ras Jammy, Jah Bami, and Addis Pablo (son of the late Great Augustus Pablo).
“Stand for something or you gonna fall for anything. Rise up and wise up.”
Keida and her team Great Whyte Entertainment have worked to ensure that “Ebb and Flow” is sending a message that encourages all people to hold on to a up-full way of thinking, to engage in positive actions and to take an active part in shaping a new consciousness.
