Roots of Creation - Oh Lord [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Cali Reggae at its best!

Roots of Creation are a vibe, and their latest single, ‘Oh Lord’ will take you straight to church. No, not that kind of church. I am talking about the kind of spiritual engagement that goes beyond the walls of any institution and delves into the groove and rhythm of life.

This is the kind of track you jam riding solo, or while stoking an ember on your way to enlightenment. Or you can blast it with friends and all sing along. Either way you will be happy listening. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ben Barbic - Social Climber [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The writing here and the message of these lyrics easily won me over. I do wish the track had a bit less production as the Autotune got in the way at times, but Ben Barbic overcomes that with his passionate delivery.

The track straddles a Hip Hop, Dancehall Reggae vibe and kept me leaning in for the entire ride.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bedouin Soundclash - Walk Through Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a tough track to put a label on. Reggae? Pop Punk? American? There are elements of all three, but no matter what you call the genre, Bedouin Soundclash has given us an infectious track that burrows its way deep down in your soul. “Walk Through Fire” stuck with me through multiple listens and I found myself singing along long after the track had ended. This is one that will continue to impress no matter how many times you listen. A fun, energetic build and easy to join in chorus makes it a clear hit in my eyes. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

FII3RD - Your Type [Review]

Review: 4 out of 5

“When Afrobeats meets the sound of the West Coast. FII3RD latest single “Your Type” blends instruments to create a lush R&B sound. The track is about knowing your type and the qualities that they possess. FII3RD expresses admiration and determination to prove his love.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Ragga Lox - Spliff and Beer

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Covid is still around to torment us all, but maybe just maybe the end is close at hand. Either way, sometimes you just gotta take a moment and enjoy a ‘Spliff and Beer.’

Ragga Lox offers this track as a chance to take a deep breath and enjoys life’s simplest pleasures alongside good friends. The groove and build is tranquil and perfect for cracking one open while lighting up to find your relaxation.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bootleg Rascal - Sharks (Remix en Español) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Bootleg Rascal gives us a track that hits like a Bad Bunny/Jack Johnson Reggae fusion. The rhythm and musical groove hook you in and the mix of languages lyrically works well to keep the track fresh and exotic in its sound. This is simply one of those songs that seduces you and gets you singing along even in the places you don’t understand the language. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

DYLVN x LALAKI - Girl Of My Dreams [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes we find ourselves in a relationship more of convenience than true love and passion. And sometimes while stuck in such a staid relationship we come across that spark of life that lets us know the we need a change. ‘Girl of My Dreams’ is about such an encounter and the daydreaming that comes with such a discovery. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kash'd Out - Always Vibin' (Acoustic) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes you need to put on a song and simply kick back and relax. ‘Always Vibin’ is the perfect addition to that playlist of tracks for the times you simply want to chill.

Kash’d Out delivers the good time vibes in a low key Reggae/Ska style so fire one up or mix up a cold drink and feel the waves roll over you.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Blessed - Dancehall Vaccine [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“ I found myself dancing in my seat with this one. Blessed new single ‘Dancehall Vaccine’ will have you dancing and rocking. The lyrics are about what type of man a woman wants. Despite his list of preferences you still will be engaged. throughout the whole song. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Difion - Blessings [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Difion gives us ‘Blessings’ with this uplifting and positive Reggae track. Riding a tranquil vibe the track offers smooth vocals and a calming beat and melody to deliver a message of hope.

Staying positive is something we all struggle with at times, and this is the kind of track that can help put your mind in a state that helps with that task. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Irie x The Elovaters - Turn Me Up [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track delivers a nice summer vibe. ‘Turn Me Up’ brings a Reggae sound along with a Pop like vibe that simply feels like the combination of sunshine on your face, and cold beer on your hand. The vocal groove is one that is easy to fall into, and the beat carries you along without effort.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mishcatt - Goofy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nothing can bring out the ‘Goofy’ in a person quite like the initial euphoria of falling for someone new.

Mishcatt captures that sentiment so well here with an energetic flow and rhythm that is full of Reggae sound and Pop sensibilities. If you can’t get up and move to this beat — then you are an entirely different kind of goofy.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SM Familia x Ranking Joe - Nada Te Falta [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“How about a little Latin infused Reggae to get you up and moving?

SM Familia offers this multilingual track that also feature Reggae icon Ranking Joe. The beat and groove are infectious enough that if like me, you do not speak Spanish, you can still feel the passion and energy within the beat and performance.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Todays Youth - Feel It [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is an uplifting genre bender that hints at Reggae, Pop, and a vintage Rock sound without ever fully committing to any well-defined genre. The single brigns a big sweeping vibe that almost reminded me of ‘We Are The World’ in its message and spirit.

The vintage message at the end of the video is a nice touch that brings the lyrics home quite well.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

ymblacksea - reggae love [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“‘Reggae Love’ is one of those track that some people might refer to as an ear worm because it settles in your mind and refuses to leave. YOU can;t help but move and sign along to the steady beat and the chorus that comes with it. Somewhat reminiscent of UB40 and ‘Red, Red Wine’ in that aspect. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Julian Marley & Junior Reid - Mother Nature [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Stalwarts of Reggae, Julian Marley and Junior Reid team to deliver this soulful cry for ‘Mother Nature.’ You can feel the scars we’ve inflicted int he tone and emotion of the track which is about performance and the sound, more than it is about clever wordplay or intricate writing.

Close your eyes and let the spirit of the piece come to you. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Pocket Band - Just For You [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Straight up, low key rock song with a a hint of Reggae and a smooth pop groove to the chorus.

There is something decidedly West Cost feeling about this Chili Pepper-esque track. An easy groove to fall into and ride out makes this a track you could roll down the highway with or hang out with friends beer in hand.

The current times makes the latter feel especially nostalgic but tracks like this make me feel like we will get back to those days soon. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ben Barbic x Craigy T - Close 2 Peace [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With true to genre vibe and sound, Ben Barbic and Craigy T serve up ‘Close 2 Peace.’ Lyrically the track calls for peace, while acknowledging how far away such an achievement can feel. This cane be taken as a global scale thought, or simply within your own soul.

The energy is chill even when the pace accelerates. This is a track that makes you ponder after the last beat has faded from the speakers. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ijahdan Taurus x Echo Lair - Summit [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Delivering a nice Hip-Hop flow over a Reggae vibe, ‘Summit’ is both chill and intense at the same time.

The prevailing mood is calming and smooth, but lyrically the track has a depth that is worthy of deep reflection. Of course you can ignore that aspect and simply fire one up while letting the calm Reggae waves wash over you, just as easy as you can lean forward and dive into the words enough to break down the deeper meaning. That is the beauty here is that the track offers both in equal doses and vocally, the tone is the perfect compliment to both takes.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Flow'etic x Natel - Jelly Water [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a nice fusion of Reggae and Rap to this track. Lyrically, the single is about those fake ass friends we have all had to deal with at one point or another.

Playing off of a Jamaican proverb the chorus is catchy and hooks you easy enough. The track is fairly chill, with a low key beat and melody. Well produced the blend of music and voices is interwoven to perfection. This one is all about mood and vibe. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)