Papa San

God and I

Gospocentric/B-Rite

The original; before Shaggy, Sean Paul and Beenie Man – there was Papa San.

He initially gained popularity in the late 80s through his comedic combinations with Lady G. that topped the Jamaican charts and mashed up the crowd at every performance. Once established in the Jamaican music scene, he exploded with hits such as Hippity Hippity Hop, Strange, Watch a Them, Maddy Maddy Cry, Pray Fi Dem and his clever union with Doug E. Fresh recorded live at Reggae Sunsplash. He later became the first DJ to have a number one single on the Billboard Dance Chart with his song The Programme. His trademark blend of traditional reggae sounds, quick rhythms and a deadly spitfire chatting has left its mark on the rest of the dancehall world.

But that was then. This is now. Six years after his conversion, Papa, now firmly grounded in the Word of God and anointed with the oil of the Spirit is a seasoned warrior. After gaining the “Victory” with his debut Gospel release, Papa is truly ready to do battle and he comes out swinging with hits. Like David with Goliath, Papa did not opt to use unfamiliar weapons; he has stuck to what has worked in the past. Papa’s trademark sounds are quite evident on this offering as he uses genre-blending (Hip-Hop, reggae, dancehall, gospel, rock) chord structures, instrumentation and recording technique to address many issues including 21^st century pop/ mainstream culture, churchiosity, religiosity, marriage commitments, spiritual warfare, and walking uprightly before God. A more hard-hitting album than the debut, this project both musically and lyrically will resonate with those Jamaicans who can understand the language of Patois well. Although Papa San makes a strident effort to enunciate and make his words more plain for those of you who love dancehall but unfortunately have no clue what is being said, ‘Papa has included all the lyrics and proper ‘English translation so you can follow along – you won’t miss a thing’!

There are several memorable tracks on this project you might want to program for perpetual repeat. The title track God and I sits atop traditional old school reggae rhythms and instrumentation, the kind of rhythm that has garnered reggae its worldwide popularity. Another memorable track I Know is a blend of Hip-Hop beats, reggae rhythms and gospel harmonies. Lyrically, this track will resonate with anyone who has ever faced opposition in ministry, but particularly artists who have left a mainstream career to pursue gospel music. Armour another Hip-hop/reggae/gospel blend is a sure-fire hit, where Papa emerges as the warrior, with the sword of the Spirit, attacking everything from dieting with Fast and Trim, “Psychic fools”, constant complaining to rebuking demons, casting out cancer and aids. Too often, Christians, regardless of denomination are more prone to talking the talk but not walking the walk - in the power of their faith. This track encourages us all to start walking in the power of God and use the weapons given to us in the Word. Right Track, a heavy hitting Hip-Hop beat encourages us to walk uprightly before God being mindful of the times.

Other noteworthy tracks are Breathe Again, where he is joined by labelmate Kirk Franklin (a returned favour to Papa’s firey chatting on Kirk’s “He Reigns” from The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin project). Created to be radio-friendly, this cut has a very punchy groove and a hooky melodic female chorus, converging dancehall with gospel hip-hop.

All God, Stay Far, Can’t Flee From Your Presence and Pop Style are also noteworthy in that they bring to the table different colours and flavours through this popular method of style convergence employed by the top Gospel artists of our day. In his case, Papa blends dancehall with Soca and Reggae on Pop Style, Rock and Gospel harmonies on All God. De Blood, employs a humourous dramatization of the demise of Satan to the bottomless pit.

Some of the patois references made by Papa San such as “Fiyah pon yu Satan caw yu toas like sandwich” or “I realize my problems is jus bun and cheese” or even “Gimme Pass…” and “lickle but me talawah” are humorous and indigenous Jamacian references. However all humour aside, Papa San is all about the seriousness of the Gospel. Many of lives have been changed through his music. “Many people have been saved because of it, seeing Christ living through a person. They've really, really been impressed by what they have seen”. This is his goal - having been saved for 6 years, he has relinquished every prize and accolade from his past. His only goal is knowing Jesus Christ and making him known.

A very powerful album and one that will appeal to peoples of Jamaican and West Indian descent, as well as draw new fans to the world of gospel dancehall; this project is set to change the lives of both the saved and the unsaved. And that’s what it’s all about!

Reviewed by: Kathy Grant Mahon

Feedback: kmahon@gospelcity.com