*GUEST REVIEW*
Inna Red I Hour was a bluesy roots experiment that worked incredibly well. This is Abja's sound, and his subject matter mirrors the stirring music. Mahogany Road is not an exception, but it is hardly more of the same. The album starts off with the deep and world-weary "Don't Feel No Way". The hypnotic backdrop makes room for a passionate criticism of Babylon downtrodding and upful encouragement that has the same quality as a live "What's Going On" performance. "Consideration" is on the same riddim as the Midnite-I Grade collaboration "Enter" from Jah Grid. New to the mix is an acoustic picking line. Abja's conscious musings and vocal harmonies bring a new emotion to what earlier this year was a philosophical free-for-all. The NiyoRah collaboration "Good Vibez" is not very exceptional, but it has horns and a funky feel. The title track has a slow vibe similar to Army's music, but Abja's heartical lyrics and bluesy intonation make the song a beautiful yet ominous and haunting experience. "Praise the Day" and "Rejoice" sound exactly as their titles suggest, and give Abja the opportunity to lighten the tone a little, which he takes advantage of, and with soulful results. One of the best tracks is "Good Sensimilia," sweet tribute to the benefits of ganja and royal meditation. The remaining tracks are all exceptional roots that show that not only is Abja keeping it real, he's keeping it tight, original and exciting -- true to himself and growth. 

- Trammell Scruggs