Hold on Strong (Zion Way, 2004)

Perhaps you remember Rocker T's guest performance on "Put It On," off of Jamalski's 1993 release Roughneck Reality?  Perhaps you remember Jamalski's 1993 release Roughneck Reality?  Well, I remember.  Unfortunately, that album seems to have drowned in the ocean of major label dancehall releases in the early '90s, but Rocker T (and Jamalski, for that matter) has remained active since then -- albeit on more underground releases.  Rocker T has been on the reggae scene since the mid-'80s, playing a pivotal role in the development of the dancehall/hip-hop scene in New York City.  Needless to say, although he remains largely an underground figure, he has paid his dues.  Since he's been around for a while, his vocal style has a bit of a deliberate, old school (or should I say "middle school"?) flavor that's rather refreshing.   Like fellow NYC DJ Jamalski, Rocker T favors a dancehall/hip-hop mix.  The hip-hop beats on Hold on Strong are generally mellow and thus blend nicely with the reggae sound, so those who aren't into hip-hop as much shouldn't be too off-put (On the other hand, the straight hip-hop -- complete with Rocker T rapping -- of "Could Have Been Gone" may be too much to handle.).  Adding to the eclectic mix are rootsy tunes like "Hold on Strong," "Babylon Need Luv," and the amazingly funky "As the Hour Pass" (the latter two with a pounding bass-driven sound not unlike a Jah Warrior track).  Also, "Tun Haffi Dem" nimbly mixes acoustic guitar with a dancehall beat, while "Youth Pan Street" adds hip-hop DJ scratching over a hip-hop/dancehall beat and Native American-style chanting.  Rocker T even flexes his musical skill by playing the melodica on the tranquil "Niyah Mata Dub," a wonderful instrumental that makes you wonder if he'll ever put out an Augustus Pablo-like dub album at some point.