Carl Meeks began collaborating with riddim maker and producer David Hanquet of Big Bout Ya Records from Leuven, Belgium, in 2018, resulting in recording a variety of tracks. Some of these were featured in riddim projects like String Up Your Sound and Mash Up The Dance, while other recordings have been kept for potential future releases.
Showcasing his distinctive falsetto and unique tone, Carl Meeks’ newest album, Legendary, comprises 10 tracks, including four collaborations with fellow artists. The album is firmly rooted in the sound and vibe of the digital dancehall genre that prevailed during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Staying true to Jamaican musical heritage, Carl Meeks predominantly performs over reimagined computerized riddims like Real Rock, Bam Bam, and Punanny. Not mentioning the others, it’s up to riddim spotters to pinpoint the remaining relicked dancehall backdrops in this collection. It’s no surprise that, being a seasoned singjay, Carl Meeks effortlessly rides the digital riddims, as do the guest performers, all of whom were voicing tracks during the genre’s peak. This album has no filler material. Each track is a strong contender, with many deserving of frequent play. Identifying standout tracks is a challenge, so we’ll simply share personal favorites being Never Fear, Be What You Be featuring Papa Michigan, and the final track, I Feel Good.
Anyone who favors computerized dancehall music and such artists as Tenor Saw and Nitty Gritty will find this album a true pleasure as it is packed with musical goodies.