Nappy Riddem

One World Sovereignty
Fort Knox Recordings

Nappy Riddem bring a lot to the table on One World Sovereignty: anti-establishment lyricism, funky basslines, afro-Latin percussion, reggae and dancehall riddems. The list goes on… It all amounts to a danceable record with just enough variation in the group’s sound to evade easy categorization.

On “Devil Needs a Bodyguard,” lead vocalist Mustafa Akbar opens the record with George Clinton-like swagger . He asserts at the jam’s closing: “reciprocity is a million-man dream.” The album’s pervading social commentary compliments the general booty-shaking vibes, giving the music a ‘meaningful-but-not-preachy’ feel. At times, the ‘conscious isht’ is even put aside completely, as is the case on “Ease Up,” a scandalous dancehall jam that shouts out hot body gyals, miniskirts, and other tokens of a successful night at the club.

“DTA” brings the roots reggae and showcases the group’s songwriting prowess, with Akbar sounding eerily like Stephen Marley at time. “Soundboy (Wake the Sound)” offers up a compelling case for supporting live music, and its important role in our communities. The LP’s title track features the always-engaging Asheru, who adds some depth to the group’s message. Over a smooth reggae backdrop, the hip-hop educator paints a picture of the problems pervading our global society.

One World Sovereignty finds strength in its ability to balance so many genres and ideas, without letting any single one dominate. Instead, everything is mixed into one giant global melting pot to create a funky-conscious-reggae-disco-party for the masses.

-Dylan Grier