Artiste: Sizzla Kalonji

Album: Sizzla Ghetto Youth-Ology

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Genre: Reggae

"Straight out of Jamaica, a mi Sizzla Kalonji," cries the prolific crooner on the track 'Black Man In the White House', emphasising adequately the 'roots' quality of Sizzla's Ghetto Youth-Ology.

Addressing the ghetto youths, Sizzla offers words of inspiration over layers of authentic Jamaican rhythms that show a shift from his last crossover inspired effort.

Even the cartoon/tourist-like cover art is representative of Jamaica and imitates an old-fashioned dancehall setting with the 'August Town' sign in the background, further showing the artiste's home roots.

Alongside the Fire House Crew, who worked with Sizzla in his early years, Ghetto Youth-Ology avoids monotony by ranging over a variety of musical styles, all of which draw out interesting vocal performances from Sizzla.

A versatile artiste who often shifts between dancehall and conscious songs, Sizzla focuses on various message-inspired songs in his latest effort, abandoning the dancehall for the moment.

Speaking to current issues, although Black Man In the White House is a few months later, other songs such as Future is Yours and Tax Payers Money speak to persons trying to uplift themselves. What Am I To Do Baby, featuring Conradine Campbell, brings a softer side to the 15-track CD with Campbell's voice proving to be a melodious mix with Sizzla's raspy voice.

For an artiste with many sides, Ghetto Youth-Ology doesn't capture them all and might not please all fans. For Sizzla's hard-core reggae fans, this album will prove a good listen, but for those who enjoy the artiste's dancehall or crossover style - this album can be enjoyable, but for them, they will have to wait on the next effort to put it on repeat.

Track Listing:

1) Jah Love

2) Ghetto Utes Dem Ah Suffer

3) Stop It Right Now

4) Gwaan Bear

5) Hey Youths (Respect)

6) Black Man in the White House

7) Future is Yours

8) Premeditate

9) I'm Loving You

10) Open Up The Doors

11) What Am I To Do Baby featuring Conradine Campbell

12) I Love You So

13) Tax Payers Money

14) Qualities in Life

15) Babylon Ease Off

- Krista Henry