COHAM NICHE

03/04/2024

UB40 - For The Many (2019 CD)

UB40’s nineteenth studio album, ‘For the Many,’ debuted on March 15, 2019, under the Shoestring record label. The album cover, crafted by saxophonist Brian Travers, portrays tower blocks, inspired by the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy. The album title’s ties to the Labour Party’s slogan ‘For the many, not the few’ were acknowledged by Travers, affirming the band’s socialist and Labour support. Featuring vocalist Duncan Campbell for the first time on an original material album, drummer Jimmy Brown highlighted its essence as a return to the band’s reggae roots of the 1970s. A limited edition 2-CD version offered dub mixes alongside the standard tracks.

03/04/2024

UB40 - Essential (2012 CD)

This three CD collection is absolutely perfect for somebody who doesn't own much (or any) UB40 and wanted a good value overview of the band's best moments. It's easy to forget just how excellent they were in the eighties and the huge amount of superb, insanely catchy songs they wrote and performed if all people tend to remember about them are their covers of Kingston Town and (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You (which are both here, of course). It's also easily forgotten how authentic their sound was in the early days before they chased pop chart success and just how deep their love of reggae was (and I'm sure still is). From their formative years in the dole queue to their big hits, it's all here in this great value compilation.

This terrific collection also contains virtually all of their most memorable and magical moments and is an essential purchase for anybody who loves the band's music.

03/04/2024

UB40 - Cover Up (2001 CD)

UB40’s fourteenth studio album, ‘Cover Up,’ emerged on October 22, 2001, marking a return after a musical hiatus. Produced alongside Gerry Parchment at DEP International Studios in Birmingham, the album stirred internal discord due to its reliance on programmed rhythms, later criticized by vocalist Ali Campbell.

Despite its distinct reggae/pop essence, the album faced a lukewarm reception, peaking at 29 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting the band’s waning prominence. The lead single, ‘Since I Met You Lady,’ featuring Lady Saw, received limited airplay, reaching 40 on the UK Singles Chart. ‘Cover Up,’ addressing AIDS prevention, followed, hitting 54.

The band commemorated their 21st anniversary with a charity concert and embarked on The Cover Up Tour, alongside politicized performances in South Africa.

26/03/2024

UB40 - Bigga Baggariddim (2021 CD)

In spring of 2021 UB40’s new collaborations album Bigga Baggariddim, the follow up to the band’s critically acclaimed and internationally successful 1985 release Baggariddim, was released.

Bigga Baggariddim is an international celebration of Reggae, featuring New Zealand’s House of Shem, India’s Reggae Rajahs, reggae veterans Inner Circle, Tippa Irie, and Winston Francis, and up-comers Gilly G, Kioko, BLVK H3RO, and Leno Banton. The album also includes tracks with Pablo Rider and Slinger, who both featured on the 1985 Baggariddim album.

26/03/2024

UB40 - Best Of Labour Of Love (2009 CD)

2009 collection from the most successful British Reggae group of all time. Best of Labour of Love brings together the finest tracks from all three of their Labour of Love albums, their much loved tributes to Reggae music.

All the songs on the album are testament to the band's love affair with Jamaican music, and as an additional treat, Best of Labour of Love includes two bonus tracks taken from the fourth installment, Labour of Love IV, which was released in 2010.

26/03/2024

UB40 - Baggariddim (1985 CD)

Baggariddim, UB40’s sixth album, unveiled in 1985, distinguishes itself from the US EP, Little Baggariddim. It offers revamped renditions of prior tracks from Labour of Love and Geffery Morgan, spotlighting guest vocalists and ‘toasters.’ Renowned figures like Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders and Douglas Gilbert, lead trombonist of the London Symphony Orchestra, contributed.

Released in select countries with a bonus 12″ EP in a gatefold sleeve, it spawned hits like the chart-topping “I Got You Babe,” a duet with Hynde, and the UK top-three track “Don’t Break My Heart,” originally the ‘B-side’ of “I Got You Babe.” This album marked a fusion of talent and reimagined classics.

17/01/2024

Various Artists - Reggae Christmas Classics (2023 CD)

This Reggae Holiday 2023 release from VP Records and produced by Dean Fraser and Clive Hunt, includes newly recorded versions of Christmas hits by Jamaica's top vocalists!

The star-studded 11-track set features a diverse cast of Reggae artists lending their vocals to capture the season’s spirit with the rhythms and warmth of the islands. The collection reimagines several holiday classics with Christopher Martin bringing the magic on the joyous This Christmas, Shuga dazzling on Mariah Carey’s seasonal blockbuster All I Want For Christmas Is You, and Mikey Spice putting his spin on The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You.”

Vocalists Lukie D, Nikki D, Ikaya, Olaf Blackwood, Nadine Sutherland, and Thriller U also rise to the festive occasion by adding their own distinct renditions of Christmas staples such as Feliz Navidad, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of the Year, among others.

Dean Fraser and Clive Hunt split production duties across the album’s tracks, which were recorded between Mixing Lab, Penthouse Studios, and Tuff Gong Studios.

Elsewhere, Robbie Lyn delivers an instrumental version of Someday at Christmas, produced by Clive Hunt, while Dean Fraser teams up with Ubuntu to breathe new life into Silver Bells. Duane Stephenson offers a sole original cut of Golden Nights (In December).

17/01/2024

Jah Cure & Christopher Martin – Reggae Greats Vol. 1 (2015 CD)

Reggae Greats, Vol. 1, is a digital, modern dancehall, conscious reggae compilation album by Christopher Martin, Jah Cure.

It comprises of 8 tracks in total, and was released 2015-05-05.

17/01/2024

Christopher Martin - Love Sick (2013 Single)

17/01/2024

Christopher Martin - Chill Spot EP (2013 EP)

Dancehall lady killer Christopher Martin's Chill Spot EP released in 2013 bears no surprise.

It presents a compilation of previous super smash hits.

11/01/2024

Christopher Martin - Steppin Razor Ep (2015 Ep)

Steppin Razor is a five-track, digital only, release that balances sweetness with s*x and showcases this reggae loverman at the top of his game.

Just listen to the title track – which isn’t a cover of the Peter Tosh cut, even though it borrows from it – and lines like “Now ladies love to be next to me, if they are down and am around, I am the remedy” and “they get addicted to my vibe, a make dem feel so good inside, intoxicated by my smile, these girls fall in no time”. Or the swaggering I’m a Big Deal with its introduction “ ’m a big deal”.

11/01/2024

Christopher Martin - Early Days at Big Yard (2016 CD)

This Big Yard artiste’s Christopher Martin's sophomore album was released in May 2019 and debuted at the top of the charts, before plummeting to number twenty-two. It skyrocketed again to number two in the same month.

The album’s fifteen tracks include Life, Come Back, Bun Fi Bun, Can’t Dweet Again, I’m About It, To Be With You, Still Got Feeling , Is It Love, True Love, Happy You’re Mine, Mirror Mirror, Don’t Tell, Tears In Her Eyes, I’m Tired and I Do It All.

The album’s producers are Robert Livingston, Llamar Brown, Kingyard Productions, Frenchie, White Gad Productions and Jordan McClure.

06/01/2024

05/01/2024

Christopher Martin - Big Deal (2017 CD)

This is the debut full length album of Christopher Martin a brash young singer who earned his place in the hearts of Jamaicans, when he came out on top in the Digicel’s Rising Stars 2005 competition.

Aptly entitled Big Deal after one of his more popular singles, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae charts in Japan and was selected by MySpace as one of the top five album releases for the week ending February 11, 2017.

The release of the Big Deal album was timed to coincide with Martin's Valentine’s Day 29th Birthday. The 16-track album showcases Martin’s versatility and honeyed vocal range.

The theme song “I’m A Big Deal” has received over 19 million views on social media to date while the tracks Under The Influence Remix” featuring UK grime artist Chip, Magic and Love Distance Lover featuring the fresh Destiny Moriah are also creditable efforts.

The ballads Distance and Better Than The Stars are also worthy of mention.

03/01/2024

Bizzle - Us Against The World (2022 CD)

Award winning, American Gospel Song Musician Bizzle & God Over Money Album Titled “Us Against The World” is really an Amazing Project, that is definitely worth a place in your core if you are an enthusiast of certain Gospel tunes Album.

21/12/2023

Bizzle, and Willie 'P-Dub' Moore Jr. - Best of Both Worlds The Album (2012 CD)

A far cry from the Jay-Z and R. Kelly project of the same name, this Best of Both Worlds brings together gospel hip-hop artists Willie "PDUB" Moore Jr. (formerly known as Pretty Willie) and Bizzle. Both have been doing their thing for quite a while now, dropping a long line of inspirational club jams and heading the Young Fly and Saved and God Over Money movements, respectively. St. Louis rapper/singer PDUB claims more than 25 million MySpace plays, while Houston-via-L.A. emcee Bizzle is perhaps best known for his Jay-Z callout single "Some Explaining To Do."

In terms of production, this would easily fit in pretty much any high-end nightclub VIP room, complete with skittering beats, intergalactic synth squiggles, and huge bass bumps (though the lyrics are all about God and living right by Him). Perhaps a little heavy-handed for those who haven't been saved, it's undeniably catchy from start to finish, especially on joints like "Long Day," "Final Call," and the harp-infused love jam "Get No Better."

21/12/2023

Bizzle - Well Wishes (2014 CD)

Christian rapper Bizzle returns with his fourth album Well Wishes, a collection of expertly produced beats, countless guest stars, and lyrics addressing the rapture, devotion, and selfless spirituality.

Joining Bizzle in his relentless flow are fellow Christian rap names such as Mouthpi3ce, Eshon Burgundy, Redd Lettaz, Bumps INF, and other affiliates of Bizzle's Texas-based record label God Over Money Records.

Living up to the name and ethics of the label, 100 percent of the profits made from the album were put toward building water wells in Mozambique and other cities throughout Africa. Bizzle became concerned with this cause when touring in Africa and realizing that water quality was severely lacking.

13/12/2023

Bizzle -The Good Fight (2013 CD)

The Good Fight is Bizzle's second Christian hip hop album released on May 7, 2013 under Bizzle's own record label God Over Money. It was produced by Boi-1da, Dilemma, Megaman and others. It contains collaborations with No Malice, Willie 'P-Dub' Moore Jr. and Sevin.

It debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart, No. 7 on Christian Albums and No. 11 on Top Rap Albums selling a total of 3,962 copies in its first week.

The title is derived from a verse in the Bible: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

12/12/2023

Bizzle - Tough Love & Parables (2011 CD)

Tough Love & Parables is Bizzle's first Christian hip hop album released on his own label, God Over Money. It debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

On the heels of the successful mixtape trilogy “The Messenger,” Bizzle released his highly anticipated debut album, Tough Love & Parables. This 19 track album includes hot features from artists such as P-Dub aka Willie Moore Jr., Lavoisier, Sevin, God Over Money artist Bumps INF, Mouthpi3ce, Jin, and Red Lettaz. It also features production from Grammy award winning producer Boi-1da, hitmakers Beanz N Kornbread, and many more.

29/11/2023

UB40 - The Best Of UB40 Volumes I & II (2005)

Both volumes of the European versions of UB40's 'best of' compilations in one handy two CD package! Containing more tracks than the domestic versions of these collections, this double disc set contains 34 tracks from the Birmingham-based British Reggae band. Includes 'Food for Thought', 'One in Ten, 'I Got You, Babe' (with Chrissie Hynde), 'Red Red Wine', 'Rat in Mi Kitchen', 'If It Happens Again', 'Breakfast in Bed' and more. EMI.

24/11/2023

Christopher Martin - And Then (2019 CD)

Christopher Martin's album “And Then”, debuted at number 1 on May 17th 2019 and aftwards went to number 22 only to jumped back to number 2 July 31st of 2019. The album was one of three other reggae albums that re-entered the top 10.

“And Then” is Chris Martin 2nd album; his first, “Big Deal”, reached the top 5 on the Reggae Billboard Charts in 2017. On this project, he worked with producers Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown, Kingyard Productions, Chimney Records, White Gad Productions and Robert Livingston.

“And Then” is a sweet, reggae serenade of love and life; it contains 15 tracks in which Chris Martin sings about the complexities of being in love. In “Is it Love” Chris tells of finding the perfect woman and a love so strong that produce tenderness and euphoria which often leads to “Tears In Her Eyes”. In “To Be With You”, “I Do It All”, and “Happy you’re Mine” he continues to croon about the subtleties and excitement of romance. “And Then” also contains the scenarios of breaking up and making up, in “I’m Tired” and “Still Got Feeling” love is lost, and if one needs to beg that special person to return, you can rely on the earnest pleading of Chris in “Come Back”. But, sometimes “True Love” may not last forever, especially if “Bun Fi Bun” takes place in the relationship; Chris makes it clear what to do then with the track “Can’t Dweet Again”.

Of course, the album has more good vibes to offer with the song “Life”, where Chris sings about living it up after finally hitting the jackpot. The album also features great rhythms to rock to and enjoy. Christopher Martin has again proved to be a great singer with great music to offer. In “And Then”, he showcase his musical versatility and growth and if he continues this trend, he’ll have many more And Then’s.

Caribbean Entertainment Hub Salute Chris On his 2nd album and invite you to listen to the whole album.

23/11/2023

Bizzle - The Messenger 4 Independents Day (2020 CD)

The Messenger 4: Independents Day is Bizzle’s eighth studio album and fourth installment in his The Messenger series (of which is the only proper studio LP, whereas the other ones were released as free mixtapes), following 2011’s The Messenger 3: Truth Music.

On this project, Bizzle has continued to revisit topics reverberating around his personal life and popular-contemporary culture, amongst other things, all the while declaring himself as an ambassador for the Christian faith, his beliefs and commitment to the Gospel and the God-only attitude behind his famous slogan “God Over Money.”

The album was preceded by three singles: “Lucky You,” “Who’s the Man' and “Smoke Free”. The final track “The Gospel” actually makes its second appearance on a Bizzle project after first being featured on the different editions of his 2018 album Light Work.

23/11/2023

Bizzle - The Messenger 3 Truth Music (2011 CD)

Bizzle returns with a nice second (2nd) album entitled, The Messenger 3, which was released on Jan. 11, 2011.

Some of the best tracks on The Messenger 3 are BMF feat. Lavoisier & Sevin, Never Let You Go feat. Bumps INF, Deuces (G.O.D. mix) feat. Mouthpi3ce, Oh Let's Do it feat. Bumps INF, Jesus Did It ft. Mouthpi3ce, Nothin on You feat. Bumps INF, and The Life of Me feat. Lavoisier.

22/11/2023

Bizzle - Soul Therapy (2021 CD)

God Over Money’s Bizzle returns to the spotlight unashamed as ever of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bizzle and the entire GOM team have never sugarcoated lyrics or failed to deliver God-ordained material regardless of the single or project. Bizzle and his team remain as one of the few that rosters listeners are guaranteed to hear Christ’s name glorified, the gospel broken down, and scriptural-laced bars.

Soul Therapy provides an overall emotion of just being tired, exhausted with how the world ticks day-to-day and the issues within. Racism, division, hypocrisy, social injustice, biblical ignorance is a few of many topics covered throughout the 9-track album. Featured artists include Evan Ford, Jcarter, Jewell Jones, Kiddy Bizness, and Grammy-nominated Musiq Soulchild.

Standout tracks include “Feel A Way,” “Monster,” and “Note To Self.” The instrumentation and sonics go crazy on the project too. A ton of piano keys, horns, choir-like sounds, melodies, and rim shots. I love how it adds flavor to the typical trap sound. He wraps up the project with “The Gospel,” the same track he’s ended his last three or four projects. Gone are the days when every CHH artist used to include a gospel presentation, as much respect to Bizzle for reviving the practice.