After creating a buzz with guest appearances on the much-loved debut album from
Major Lazer, dubstep singjay
Jahdan Blakkamoore made his proper debut with Buzzrock Warrior, a very deep and dark effort with left-field production from the likes of
DJ Rupture,
Modeselektor, and
Matt Shadetek. This heavy set of names is kept in check by the
Anthony B.-and-
Sizzla-inspired
Jahdan, who through strength of will and the power of words keeps his career kickoff from being a producer's showcase. His moving observations make the grime-colored track "Mesmerized" a standout, and while he can act the cold-blooded lyrical killer on frantic dancehall workouts like "Dem a Idiot," "Runaround" proves he's man enough to deliver an R&B-based, female-empowerment song with proper conviction. The druggy, reverb-heavy "Earthshaking" is just as advertised, and with the electro-jaunty "Go Round Payola" giving way to the dreamy, orchestral closer "Rise Again," the album displays a strong curveball that lasts well into the ninth inning. Still, it's a little disappointing that such a diverse effort doesn't explore the reggae singer's more organic side further, but giving in to Buzzrock Warrior's electronic landscape is easy and in the end, very rewarding. ~ David Jeffries