RiddimJamaica Review:- Shaggy's "Intoxicated"

Shaggy’s latest album release, “Intoxication”, is a finger in the face of the major labels who doubted his appeal and consistency to serve up a solid dose of “feel good” music. 

His seemingly uncharted delivery, beckons listeners to follow shaggy as he flaunts his creative freedom, and participates in a guiltless indulgence of the dancehall soundscape. 

The album open up with the quite obvious “Can’t Hold we “ in which he taunts doubters and haters alike. “Bonafide Girl”, featuring his compardes, RikRok and Tony Gold is spiced with a rocksteady flavour and flared with vintage harmony, exuding the mainstream potential reminiscent of his sneak monster hit, “it wasn’t me”, which also featured the vocals of RikRok. 

For those fans expecting a glossy pop/reggae package, you are in for a pleasant surprise, as Shaggy serves up an edgy, dancehall album, tastefully twisted with his unique combo of witty lyrics and humorous story lines, as evident in the title track, “Intoxication”. 

His usual passive persona is replaced with a more aggressive and adventurous alter-ego, grounded in the roots of dancehall. The experimentation proves plausible with the hiphop tainted track “Woman’s Scorn”, featuring female singer Nasha. Sadly, the double collab with Sizzla and Collie Budd was forgettable and fell short of expectations. 

“Outa control” picked up the pace and set the vibe as a potential club banger. Supported by stable mate Rayvon, Shaggy lays his lyrical chops hard on the tracks infectious bass line, and definitely reiterates his potency on the monster hit, “Church Heathen”, which rocked the airwaves this summer. 

By Track 10, entitled “wear di crown”, featuring female DJ Mischievous, Shaggy has sneaked his audience into his own personal street dance. When “Body Shake” hits the speakers two tracks later, I dare you to say you weren’t dancing!! 

The groove continues with the hiphop induced “What’s Love” Feat Akon. The sexy and saucy “Holla At You” is definitely a radio roaster. Laced with a deadly riddim and spicy lyrics, the track was an unexpected prelude to the albums ending. 

Shaggy closes the dance with a plush lovers rock single entitled “All About Love”, A subtle ending to a very personal street dance with Mr Lover Lover himself. 

His latest concoction was seemingly blended to suit his taste buds first, but has the potential to wet the appetite of the most discriminate reggae music collector. 

So take a sip of Shaggy’s new brew. You just might become….. “Intoxicated”. 

Rated : 3/5

Gibbi Geraz
Senior Correspondent

The Reggae News Agency

www.riddimja.com