This week has been great for Bahamian music, Rake and Scrape in particular, as Raymond Armbrister and his “Keep the Vibe Alive” team dropped a slew of singles on the #BirthdayRiddim this past Friday and other Bahamian artists also joined in providing the public with options to pick, choose, and refuse.
Birthday Riddim (Keep The Vibe Alive)
This Riddim has 8 tracks published at the time of this article’s writing. At first listen, my top pick on the Birthday Riddim was Jonny Cake’s #DeadDrunk.
The track is a fun party song that features a typical topic in Bahamian music – drinking and having fun.
Jonny Cake sets himself apart from his peers with the rich harmonies [he was clearly a church choir singer] and a switch to a Migos-like rap flow midway into the song that will attract more youthful listeners to rake and scrape.
Although Jonny Cake’s song is a strong contender, Sonovia Pierre has taken that top spot on the Birthday Riddim since she dropped her cut this past Friday. Novie Pierre is a veteran songwriter and entertainer who has always been able to weave powerful narratives into her lyrics, and this song is no different.
The song’s main storyline hinges on another popular trope in Bahamian music – relationships. In this case, the topic isn’t scheming but a man shortage that leaves women sharing male partners. Novie claims the man you think is yours is not your man.
It is a powerful song that will be an anthem and could be the year’s song, even though we’re just in the first two weeks of the year. Apart from the main content, what will get you is the slight reference to the Village People hit, Macho Man, in the oh-so-catchy hook.
No slight to the other artists who have songs on the Riddim, but Novie and Jonny’s lyrical content, storytelling, and delivery are far out on this Riddim and set them apart!
KB – Da Have And Da Have Nots
On another note, Kirkland H. Bodie decided to drop #DaHaveAndDaHaveNots – a lyrical bomb loaded with KB’s signature social commentary. This song goes into the social issues plaguing the country and the stark difference in classes, leaving many to believe there is no middle class – just the rich and the poor, with those tasked to govern, enriching themselves and their lovers and friends.
KB says he is a nationalist, and his songs always dive deep into the day’s issues, hitting at politicians on either side of the government.
In addition to the rake and Scrape offerings that we all have come to expect, some Bahamians do music in other styles, like singer Pheromone.
Her newest single, Not A Rapper, takes you on a steamy trip as she recounts a wild night out with a friend-turned-lover.
The content and language are pretty explicit, so this is not a kiddie song, but if you want to hear something different, this may be that track.
Music is alive and well in The Bahamas, and I’m looking forward to seeing the offerings from other artists as the year goes by.
Feel free to email new music to djturbulence242 on Gmail or hit me up on Facebook or Instagram. I’m looking forward to your comments and submissions.