YAGGA YAGGA YO!

I misplaced a double Anthony B write up somewhere on my hard drive. Till I find where I filed it, my Black Star and Higher Meditation ravings will have to wait patiently. Instead I am gonna run down Street Knowledge and test myself. Yeah yeah, I know- you have heard that promise from me before and my lack of attention span immediately broke it. Even though I only succeeded half way, I never half assed it. So here it is... Track 01 two 7 clash-Anthony B sharing the spotlight with Joseph Hill and his trio Culture. Joseph reinvigorates life back into his tune about Bibical Prophecy. It is like the year 1976 all over again. When this Street Knowledge cd stops spinning, I am still singing along with this song. In fact I could spin a dozen different CDs after it and this song will still be in heavy rotation throughout my brain.


The Late Joseph Hill

Track 02 police- a song about police being above law. No protect and serve here. Only abuse of innoncents at the hands of "peace officers." Track 03 God above everything-okay, it is human nature to want comfort and earthly possessions. So keep 'em but only if your still faithful to Jah. Track 04 revelation-Anthony B is good at delivering these spirited songs of Rasta devotion. Track 05 laws for the rich-there are laws to protect the rich and laws to persecute the poor. New laws passed against Rasta artist because they are the ghetto kids (poor) that made good (rich) and now have the power to play the rich man game on his own terms. That makes Rasta artist dangerous to the white collar way of life! I mean how do you keep the 'filthy' Rasta off your front doorstep if he's moved in next door. Track 06 first start-a short name dropping history of Rasta and his push against the established oppression. Track 07 ghettoman do that- Why face yourself in the mirror. It is easier to pass the blame onto the poor man. He is hungry. He is desperate. His place is in the ghetto so by default he is a thug. Nobody will question his guilt. Track 08 world free-Anthony B once again shares the mic. This time with Bushman-Luciano sounding Doniki. I am halfway through Street Knowledge and every song is still pulling strong. Every riddim a class ride. This center is loaded with lyrical substance not artificial fillers.



Track 09 dancing mood- This is an interesting tune in Anthony B's arsenal. This tune is a Latin tinged up beat swinger about Anthony B feeling festive. It is a nice light hearted romp to let ya catch your breath after all those songs of Rasta righteousness. Track 10 key to your heart -If only more modern RnB falling in love songs were this good. Courtney Melody ironically sings the melody. He brings to mind, Barrington Levy. That is a good thing. I like Anthony B doing lovey-dovey. It is not weak in the knees mush. Odd this far along most of his records and we would of been treated to at least one love of burnin' herb tune not love of girl tune. Track 11 wine and roses- Should I start to worry, I mean another love song. Nah, another calm in the eye of the hurricane. I am sure the storm be will rolling ashore very soon devastating everything in it's path. Track 12 change of weather-I do believe it is about imposters hiding behind the face of Rasta faith. Hypocrites. Track 13 good cop and bad cop- this song bounces around. Beat and hook heavy. Catchy and clever. Track 14 don't buss your gun- this song reminds me of Johnny Cash's late 1950's country anthem, Don't Bring Your Guns to Town. Like Cash, he knows nothing good will come from it. Clouded judgement with a quick trigger finger spells badman trouble. Usually, all for an a arguement better settled by fists. Murder is a permanent mistake corrected by life behind bars. Wasted life times two. Track 15 gun powder- a ballad of sadness aimed at the epidemic of crime that infects ghetto blood. It is not a trait inherited from mom and pop passed thru the genes but a tactic spread from upper society rats. Track 15 pass the kutchie- Ahh...there is the ganga anthem! He saved it for last. The Mighty Diamonds harmonizing on their massive hit. To think, when Musical Youth covered it way back in the 80's, business suits figured if ya change the lyrics to Pass the Dutchie, it would be safe for white suburban consumption!


The Mighty Diamonds!

Note: the VP Records version of Street Knowledge has what looks like the same tunes but flips the order. On closer inspection the tunes Stop Di War In Music and Clean Your Heart on the VP disc replace Laws for the Rich and First Start on this release. True to the Jamrock music bizz, the home version changes up some tracks from the UK or American releases. Should come with a warning label that reads-May contain so many different tunes (or mixes) that you need all versions to have the complete album!