Picture of Selassie (Outta "D" Ghetto, 2007)

Khari Kill is an exciting Trinidadian sing-jay based in New York City who's scored a string of hits with his fiery righteousness and style somewhere between Chuck Fenda and Anthony B. Of course, the cultural sing-jay market has become more and more saturated over recent years, so because his sound doesn't stand out as particularly unique, he faces an uphill battle for recognition. That said, he's off to a great start with this debut album. It sizzles with heartfelt passion and modern vocal stylings that balance the old-fashioned roots riddims (Some, like the Bobby Konders productions "Mary Grandson" and "Picture of Selassie," borrow from vintage tunes like Yabby U's "Warn the Nation" and Johnny Osbourne's "Turth and Rights," respectively, while a track like "Marijuana Pumping" borrows the more recent riddim from Marlon Asher's "Ganja Farmer."). He even flexes his lovers muscles (hmm...that doesn't sound right) on "As I Am." Lyrically, Khari Kill is creative and visual; even his deathly name stimulates wonder (As he explains in the liner notes, he aims to kill injustice, inequity, and slackness.). If you can't wait, oh, a month or so for the next Anthony B or Sizzla album, Picture of Selassie is a great surrogate. Hell, even if you can wait, pick it up and discover a bold new talent.