Album: 7 Year Itch

Artiste: Protoje

Genre: Reggae

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

At the end of seven years of writing, singjay Protoje puts his words to music in a 13-track album that shows introspection and depth.

With a number of autobiographical songs, as well as songs about the society, love and more, '7 Year Itch' has a little of everything for everyone. With witty lyrics Protoje's unique reggae, mixed with dub-style deejaying, is different from the norm of what audiences have come to expect. Persons who have been following the singjay since his debut with the popular Arguments years ago, might be familiar with songs such as Dread and JA, as well as the recently released Rasta Love with Ky-Mani Marley, that has been getting rotation on air.

Outside of the established songs, Protoje shows his skills on songs like the title track, The Seven Year Itch. An autobiographical song, The Seven Year Itch chronicles Protoje's struggle in the music, as he talks about going to school for 17 years to enter into music as a profession, as he says, "it doesn't seem fair." He deejays, "I've been doing this for seven years/I never mek a dollar/neva mek a change/I say/Nah go give up/nah go neva slow/ gonna hold it down for seven more."

softer side

In Overtime he shows his softer side once more, as he will put in the overtime to court his girl. The follow-up song, Roll, is also dedicated to the ladies, as he asks, "yuh wanna roll wid a pro today? Then roll with Protoje." Wrong Side of the Law is very tongue-in-cheek as he deejays about his encounter with a police for smoking marijuana. The album closes with two collaborations, one from newcomer Jah 9 for the poignant After I'm Gone, and overseas-act Gentleman, with Growing Up.

For a debut album, '7 Year Itch' is without a doubt a good effort. With strong lyrics, melodies and a unique style, Protoje manages to find his own unique niche in the local market. Each song gives listeners a different vibe throughout the 13 tracks. On his next effort, it would be good to see the singjay exploring more, genre-wise, and expanding the borders of his creativity lyrically as well.

Track Listing:

1) The Seven Year Itch

2) Dread

3) Arguments

4) Rasta Love ft Ky-Mani Marley

5) Overtime

6) Roll

7) In the Streets (Interlude)

8) JA

9) Wrong Side of the Law

10) No Lipstick

11) On the Road

12) Growing Up ft Gentleman

13) After I'm Gone ft Jah 9

-K.H