Setting the tone with “Tea Bread,” a soulful acoustic rendition of his mega-hit “Earth A Run Red,” Spice beckons us into his party with open arms.
The album features notable collaborations, with Capleton and Louie Culture joining the party on tracks like “These Are The Days” and “Young Juvenile“. “Lion and the Lamb,” an upbeat anthem of unity and mutual understanding, stands out, while “Young Juvenile” featuring Louie Culture is a powerful narrative about bridging generations to shape the future.
In “Cyber World,” Richie delves into the contemporary digital landscape and its impact on children. He ponders, “Screens in the morning, screens in the evening,” questioning if this defines the “modern world.”
Adding a unique twist, Richie puts his signature touch on classics like Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long‘ and The Slickers’ ‘Johnny Too Bad,’ infusing them with his inimitable style and voice.
Of course, no Richie Spice album would be complete without a nod to the herbal essence – ‘High Grade‘ and ‘Searching For,’ featuring Charly Black, deliver the quintessential ganja vibes.
“Mother Earth” pays a heartfelt tribute to the roots of humanity, Mama Africa, before the album culminates with the uplifting notes of “Happy New Year” – a fitting close to both the record and Richie’s personal celebration. Here’s to wishing Mr. Bonner a joyous birthday and a prosperous year ahead! Thanks for inviting us to your Conscious Reggae Party which will continue for a while in our office.
VPAL Music, a subsidiary of VP Records is the distributor for the BLACK MAN TIME album and views the partnership as a no-brainer given the artiste’s track record with the label and on the strength of his musical contribution.
Danny Creatah