Joker Starr returns to the scene with an EP markedly different from his Jones Brothers collabo project & previous solo turns. This time Dancehall is at the forefront of the scene as the lyricist breaks all barriers & defies expectations on “Man’s So Shabba!” A blaring alarm at the beginning of the Xidontlie featured title track serves as a warning that things are about to get seriously funky! The minimalist groove will draw you in & provide major head nodding excitement before the Micall Parknsun laced “Bussa Bus Down” infiltrates your speakers with a blast of enigmatic arrangements. Joker Starr takes inspiration from Busta Rhymes to deliver a rapid-fire flow that perfectly complements the track. He’s super smooth on the cut & he KNOWS it!
“Cooker” struts into action next with roots & reggae resplendence that empower us with the mantra “whatever you wantin’ you just gotta go get it!” The fascinating flows on the selection lend way to the busy intensity of “Jones Brothers Get Low.” The joint is so powerful that it’ll make you violently bumrush the crowd at a local club just to wreak havoc & get your much-needed groove on! The JC featured “Things That I Know” slows activities down a bit so we can focus on the lyrical jewels being shared. An overview of the crime, poverty, and police corruption so prevalent in the communities is detailed with the rising lyricist ruminating on what assistance he can provide to spark a change. The Dani Bliss featured “Man’s So Shabba” remix closes out the project with the same energy present at its commencement. Joker Starr took a bold risk by switching things up on his 6 track homage to Shabba Ranks…but the man’s so talented he’s able to pull it off.
– Kevin Keith
