Skarra Mucci – Perfect Timing

Vocal Versatility

After a five-year hiatus since his seventh album, The One Love Family, where each track featured guest appearances, the incredibly talented and always entertaining Skarra Mucci is making a comeback with a fresh studio album titled Perfect Timing. Known as King Skarra or The Dancehall President, this artist possesses a rich vocal style that effortlessly transitions between Reggae and Dancehall riddims and Hip-Hop beats, and occasionally Gospel or Soul. His vocal versatility allows him to take on various riddims, a talent he has fully displayed in his previous albums, and Perfect Timing is no exception. The album serves as a homage to reggae of all eras, filled with references to sound system culture, which is to be expected from an artist hailing from Kingston, who recorded his debut single at the age of 9 under the guidance of producer Harry J. This early success generated significant buzz across the island, propelling the aspiring artist into Jamaica’s world of sound systems.

Music Career

Skarra Mucci’s music career took off in the late 1990s when he began collaborating with the Swiss group The Ganglords. This collaboration resulted in the release of the highly acclaimed single Bonx It Pon Me in 2003. Following his success in Switzerland, Skarra Mucci relocated to Germany where his first studio album, Rise And Shine, debuted in 2007. However, it was the release of his album Return Of The Raggamuffin in 2012 that became a pivotal moment for the artist, garnering worldwide success and leading him to tour extensively around the globe.

Collaborators

Moving ahead to the latest album, a collaboration between Undisputed Records and X-Ray Production, similar to The One Love Family, this 13-track collection showcases joint efforts, albeit fewer compared to the 2018 record. Joining forces with Skarra Mucci are French beatmakers/DJs L’Entourloop, his longtime friend Yaniss Odua from Martinique, Jamaican veteran Johnny Osbourne, and musician, riddim maker & producer Manudigital.

Solo Efforts

Skarra Mucci’s mesmerizing vocal is showcased in the first track, Here I Come, which blends roots reggae and hip-hop elements with horns and percussion throughout. The addition of Caleb Sweetback’s Zion Here I Come vocal sample elevates the appeal of this standout song. Following this majestic opener is the matching Revolution, featuring a driving riddim produced by Patko of Conquering Lion Records. The powerful roots reggae piece, Mistry Babylon, continues the message expressed in Revolution and is a standout collaboration with French band Black Bandana. No Matta follows, another big tune with a delightful reggae vibe that demands repeated plays. A surprising moment occurs when Skarra Mucci delivers the acapella Gospel interlude, Free Your Soul.

Combination Tunes

The first half of the album features three combination tunes. Two of these tunes were previously released as singles. The first single, Street Dance featuring L’Entourloop, is a decent effort with Skarra Mucci showcasing a nice flow over a riddim that incorporates old-school Hip-Hop elements. The second single, Roots Rock Reggae featuring Yaniss Odua, is a much stronger collaboration that benefits from an infectious backdrop. Both artists deliver their lyrics in their native language, adding an authentic touch to the track. However, it is the third collaboration, Who Fool Dem, that truly stands out. This track is a sound system killer with a captivating UK steppers riddim that leaves a lasting impression. As the album nears its end, the listener is treated to a noteworthy remake of Johnny Osbourne’s In The Area (What A La La) on King Jammy’s Stalag riddim, taking them back to the mid-’80s. Surprisingly, the blend of Skarra Mucci and Johnny Osbourne’s vocals on this winner works extremely well together.

While not every track reaches top-notch status, this album presents an absolutely delightful and diverse collection of tunes.