Search - Prince Malachi :: Prophet Priest & King

A Whole Lot to Love!

Achis | Kingston, JA/Philipsburg, SxM | 01/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Going back through the creights full of old cd's that I had yet to give a proper listen to recently, and some of them have been sitting there for weeks,months and years, some of which I was jst flat out ashamed that I hadn't given a proper chance to EVER.



One such album was Prophet Priest & King by the always enjoyable roots singer and Xterminator artist, Prince Malachi. Malachi, when he sticks to pure reggae and leaves r&b alone, is one of the finest roots vocalists in all of reggae, and were he more active would probably find his home of popularity in the range of peers such as Luciano (whom he sounds a great deal like), Bushman and Everton Blender. And it just so happens that on P,P&K, Malachi sticks almost fully to pure reggae as he chooses some of the finer one drops Xterminator had to offer at the time.



The thing about this album (which might explain why some of the more mainstream reviewers of it have labelled it 'boring' or 'recycled') is that you REALLY have to enjoy reggae to enjoy Prophet, Priest and King, which is a plus to it. The best tune here is probably Love Jah (which I believe is the first tune the artist voiced for Xterminator) which is the title track for the US version of the album. The song is a beautiful beautiful sculpture which displays all of Malachi's talents at their greatest.



Also have to check Mother Don't Fret, nice nice tune. My earlier pick for my favorite song here was Fire It is Blazing the song relates a lyrical toughness, but works under Malachi's baritone croons. Also love the title track and Jah is Our Guide. The only misstep is perhaps My Love, which is the only non-pure reggae tune on the album.



Overall, like much of reggae history, if you can find it, it's definitely worth picking up. Malachi's style hasn't changed or developed much over the years (he was pretty much at the top of his game when he came to JA, and has been there ever since), so if you later became a fan, then definitely dont be afraid of this one (do be afraid of the r&b-ish Watch Over We album). Also, being a fan of Luciano and Sizzla would also help, add them together and scale that artist back just a tick or two, and you basically have Prince Malachi. Definitely recommendable."