Good sophomore effort
Sean M. Kelly | Portland, Oregon United States | 09/19/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Chaka and Pliers (Chaka Demus and Everton Banner, respectively) are among the new breed of dj/singer combinations in the reggae world, and based on what I can hear, these 2 guys have the chops and goods needed to make it.Chaka's rapping is reminiscent of the newer breed singers, such as Buju Banton and Shaba Ranks, his style somewhat choppy and rough, yet quite enjoyable. Pliers has a basic dj style that allows for Chaka to fill in the blanks and let things flow.Anchored by the smash dance club hit "Rough This Year," (of which I have occasionally spun its 12" during sets I do) "Ruff This Year" is not a sgood an effort as later lps, such as the amazingly tasty "Tease Me,"or "Every Kinda People," but the grooves are solid, as is the toasting. A fine effort."