Certain artists are emerging who offer a fresh new take on the evolution of reggae as a genre and are keeping it a globally viable entity. Tasjay Production record label’s Rad Dixon is arguably one of those artists. Rad Dixon is able to make music through the lens of various influences and from the very first single off his much-anticipated debut album, “Hard Times”, he sets the production and quality standard for what is to be expected from a successful reggae artist today. As a result, every song on Hard Times feels like it has a deeper meaning and although never forced, this complex album is filled with hidden depths that will require numerous listens to unlock them all. Times are Hard is taken from off Rad Dixon “Hard Times” debut album.

Rad Dixon is an authentic reggae artist and his use of production that would be successful in other genres, like the song Times Are Hard’s soulful rnb-like production, is not a bid to water down his music but is a testament to how serious he takes his craft. Nothing sounds generic in the production of Hard Times and in fact, Hard Times is the culmination of the trajectory that Dixon has set with his many previous standalone single releases. Based on his previous releases, it comes as no surprise that Hard Time’s production is a masterful amalgamation of soul, rnb, soft rock, funk, and of course, reggae. Put quite simply, Rad Dixon cares to please us, the listeners, enough that he makes every effort to match the perfect production with the perfect song. Peppering every song with a simple one-drop riddim just won’t cut it with Rad Dixon, something that we as the audience can greatly appreciate. Songs on Hard Times see Rad Dixon exercising his experimental creativity while maintaining recognizability as an authentic reggae artist to not just the generous listener but to the true purists.