Terror Fabulous may have moved up to the big time, but his third album (second in the U.S., and first for a major-label subsidiary) was totally uncompromising. Magnificently overseen by producer Dave Kelly, Yaga Yaga makes no allowances for overseas buyers, and was recorded purely with Jamaican fans in mind. As to be expected, the album picks up a number of recent hit singles, including the cautionary "Gangster Anthem" and the smash "Action," which paired the DJ with the lush tones of Nadine Sutherland. Fabulous is joined by a number of other sweet singers on this set. "Number Two" boasts the dulcet vocals of Brian and Tony Gold on a song built around Kelly's now legendary "Pepperseed" rhythm (the rhythm reappears a second time on "You No Kotch"). The DJ is accompanied by Gary Minou on the infectious title track, while Wayne Wonder joins in on "Talk 'Bout." Best of a splendid batch is "Miss Goody Goody," an exuberant duet between Fabulous and the unforgettable Maxi Priest. Kelly created a surprisingly diverse set of rhythms for the album. The title track collides a pounding beat to a marvelous melody, "Too Bad" is equally tough, but the rhythm comes courtesy of the Uniques' classic "My Conversation," while the pummeling "You Must Be a Fool" turns again to Pat Kelly, this time for his solo "If It Don't Work Out." In contrast, tracks like "If You Know You're Ready" are pure hardcore, stripped down to the bare beats. But no matter what the rhythms, and whether on his own or making room for the singer, Fabulous trips merrily across the beats, a verbal acrobat with a firm grip on the rhythms and a potent point of view. Whether castigating gangsters, talking up his sexual exploits, or discussing his own spiritual beliefs, the young DJ had much to say and delivered his thoughts with aplomb. ~ Jo-Ann Greene