The future of reggae music is in capable hands, literally.
I-Octane’s album, My Journey showcases the artiste’s prolific writing skills and is a brilliant compilation of thought-provoking and lyrically charged tracks.
Obviously maturing from his debut album Crying To The Nation, I-Octane, born Byiome Muir, truly takes us on his ‘journey’ with this album.
Released by Tad’s Record and produced by DJ Frass, My Journey seems an effort to silence critics who dare to claim the genre is a dying one.
On the album released in March, Muir describes music as his saving grace and reveals that he uses it as a vehicle to touch the lives of others. With encouraging tracks and messages that are timeless and relatable, the entertainer undoubtedly achieves this feat.
The first track Time Will Come, co-written by the entertainer, serves as a good opener. An encouraging track, I-Octane urges listeners to persevere no matter the circumstances. And if the message wasn’t soothing enough, the supporting instrumental arrangement was wonderful.
On the next track, I-Octane declares he’s on his journey and speaks of a spiritual place a Million Miles Away where he escapes to meditate and be by himself.
Aside from Octane’s vocals, there are a few collaborations on the album. The entertainer partnered with fellow reggae artistes Gentleman, Alaine and Ky-Mani Marley, son of Reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley.
The collab with Octane and Marley on A Yah Wi Deh, brings hard-hitting issues to the forefront and offers serious social commentary on forgotten realities. The video for the track featuring Ky-Mani Marley was released last week and has already amassed over 16,000 views on YouTube.
The album wouldn’t be complete without a track dedicated to mothers as well as one where love and romance take centre stage. Duly titled Mama, the track is a tribute to all hard-working matriarchs who take care of their offspring by all means necessary. Then there is the song Love You Like I Do where the singjay tells his love interest that no-one will ever be able to love her as much as he does.
Other mentionable tracks include the popular My Story and the controversial Burn It in which the entertainer seemingly advocates for the legalisation of marijuana.
Overall, the album lives up to expectations and indicates that I-Octane’s journey is ongoing.
The album debut at No. 4 on the Billboard Reggae Charts which is an improvement on his last effort that debuted at No. 6.