Search - Prince Malachi :: Runaway Slave

Complete Diamond in the Rough

Achis | Kingston, JA/Philipsburg, SxM | 09/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I wrote a review not to long ago about a Junior Kelly album and I mentioned that, through no fault of his own efforts, Kelly remained perhaps one of the most underrated and underappreciated artist in Jamaica. Prince Malachi is in nearly the same boat as Kelly, although there is some blame to go to the feet of Malachi as he just doesn't seem to have the desire to record enough to make himself a greater staple because as Runaway Slave proves, his talent is endless!



The Xterminator veteran has in more recent years been more likely to be found playing instruments on studio sessions rather than actually in the booth himself and the world of reggae is ever so slightly not such a nice place because of it. The London born Malachi falls squarely in line with such singers as Luciano and Bushman as the deep baritone booming voiced nature styled singer who uses every octave of that voice to impress the masses.



And impress he does in this overlooked piece. When I first heard the opener, Go Ur Way, I thought the record company had made a mistake by calling the album Runaway Slave, Go Ur Way HAD to be the best tune here. I was wrong, the #1 tune is Runaway Slave, an absolutely divine laid back tune which showcases the effectiveness of Malachi's writing as he melds himself to a beautiful Stingray one drop riddim.



Also really really love the cultural ode to Marcus Garvey Can't Control I; Strong Herb; the aforementioned Go Ur Way and Moses Staff, as well as Keep I Strong. There are NO bad tunes on the album and not once does Malachi and Stingray deviate from reggae, you wont find a hint of crossover here at all!



Overall, definitely check out Runaway Slave and be absolutely happily surprised as I was when I first gave it a comprehensive listen. I will say that if you're kind of on the fence about reggae music, don't start here, Runaway Slave is one for the reggae purist."