With over a decade entrenched in the dancehall scene, Masicka embarks on an international journey with the release of his sophomore album, “Generation of Kings.”
Despite his affiliation with Manhattan-based Def Jam Recordings, the Portmore native preserves his distinctive original style that fans have come to love in his previous work. His penmanship is unmistakably savvy, with writing credits on all 17 tracks and contributions to the production of 10 songs. Collaborating with distinguished producers like Mozeeko Records, Mario Dunw3ll, Hemton Music, and Attomatic Records, the album distinguishes itself from the trap hall era with meticulous attention to detail, seamless cohesion, and an authentic Jamaican expression reflecting a progressive musical identity.
Masicka embodies a distinctive blend of modesty and magnificence. Underground dancehall is often associated with extravagance rather than restraint, but he ventured into uncharted territory with “Black Sheep,” narrating his evolution from being overlooked to emerging as a promising figure in Dancehall.
A messianic complex if you will, that permeates the album, positioning himself as a savior for his generation.
Popcaan on “Stars R Us” and Dexta Daps on “March On” showcase Masicka’s leadership and his ability to match up with equally talent artist from the genre even as his anti-establishment sentiments echo in “Reverse Time.” The inclusion of Lila Ike and Chronic Law in “Triumph” adds a velvety painful texture, creating a potent anthem unsuitable for a pop playlist but serving as a compelling and motivating force for disenfranchised youth.
The album takes a romantic turn with tracks like “Angels Don’t Cry,” “Most Wanted,” “Wow” featuring Spice, and “Fight For Us” featuring the Nigerian sensation Fave.
Standout hardcore tracks include “Tyrant,” showcasing Masicka’s vocal talent and lyrical prowess, and the debut single for the album that has created waves in the dancehall space all year. Hardcore tracks “District” and “Carbon” display Masicka’s gangsta persona through fire-laced lyrics. “Limelight,” the second lead-up single produced by Attomatic Records and Hemton Music, stands out in terms of style and lyrics.
Shifting gears again, Masicka narrates his rise from adversity to kingship in tracks like “Rainfall” and “Broken Home,” masterfully illustrating his ascent from a challenging past to his current status as a dancehall king. The authenticity and raw emotion in these tracks contribute to the album’s rich and diverse narrative.
The album concludes with two songs dedicated to Masicka’s female fans: “Wet,” featuring Haitian American sensation Fridayy, and the sensual dancehall track “Waterfall.”
While Masicka goes for the crown with “Generation of Kings,” lyrically, his lack of an evident commercial crossover song exposes potential weaknesses. His demonstrated growth, comfort, and mastery of his craft leans heavily on decadence and potent lyricism. Despite this, the project serves as a testament to Masicka’s ability to tackle diverse topics in dancehall.
He exudes formidable ambition, yet it’s tempered by unassuming qualities. A true achiever, he manages to convey his convictions about his career without sounding too preachy and there’s a genuine, open quality to his voice that humanizes the overall grandeur of his musical pursuits.
As he aims for mainstream recognition, “Generation of Kings” stands as a strong starting point in his journey.
★★★★☆
“Generation Of Kings” Is Released By Def Jam.
