In the 1980s, Jamaica's
Mutabaruka and England's
Linton "Kwesi" Johnson were leaders of reggae's "dub poet" style -- an approach that's comparable to dubwise (the music that gave way to dancehall) in some respects, but has an identity of its own. Dub poets aren't strictly rappers or strictly singers, but rather, an appealing combination of the two. Like other Muta sessions, the angry
Blakk Wi Blak...k...k rejects pop/reggae and "lover's rock" in favor of intensely socio-political lyrics focusing heavily on his Rastafarian beliefs and his desire for Black liberation. "Dispel the Lie" points to the fact that while other Rastas believe marijuana smoking to be sacred, Muta rejects all forms of intoxication. Though it falls short of the excellence of Check It and
Outcry, this is a solid, heartfelt offering that Muta's loyal followers shouldn't miss. ~ Alex Henderson