Jamaican reggae singer Windel Beneto Edwards (aka Gyptian) will try to lyrically seduce the ladies with the crossover hit "Hold You (Hold Yuh)" when he performs next week at 4th & B.
Gyptian crossed over to mainstream music in May, breaking through the Billboard's Hot 100 at No. 96, peaking last month at No. 77. Gyptian now joins fellow reggae artists Sean Paul, Shaggy and Third World (sans the surname Marley) in reaping the financial benefits of appealing to popular music fans.
Currently touring behind his very anticipated new album Hold You -- which was released Tuesday on the reggae record label VP Records -- Gyptian appeals to his female fans with ballads "Beautiful Lady," "Where You Belong," and "So Much in Love" on the record, with a liberal dose of piano and moderate-to-heavy use of Auto-Tune. The radio-friendly tracks "Nah Let Go" and "All In You" feature upbeat tempos, showcasing Gyptians' ability to reach dancehall reggae fans.
The seductive track "Tease Me (Haffi Easy)" will surely have women physically taunting men on the dance floor. On "Rendezvous," Gyptian reminisces about an unforgettable evening with a woman, overlaid on a classic roots riddim, infused with an electric guitar. Honorable mention: "L.U=V.E" serves as an instrumental interlude, featuring an orchestra and brass, and also creatively blending the sound of rain and bird tweets.
The sexy 26-year-old dreaded Rasta is not a complete stranger to hit singles. "Serious Times" and "I Can Feel Your Pain" were an instant success with reggae fans when they were released. Gyptian is firmly defining himself as a master of lovers rock, captivating the hearts of many women; this will be the must-see reggae artist this summer -- I highly recommend purchasing, "Hold You."
Starting the reggae vibes at Gyptian's show at 4th & B next Wednesday will be Dash Eye, and Rashi of Tribe of Kings sound system and MC Chris Bonafide with Judah Eskender Tafari, who are opening the show. Doors open at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 28. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. VIP admission is $30.
Album Grade: A-
