XKaliba, also known as "Original Nine Fingers", the chanter from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands has released his second album "For the People." It is full up of crucial tracks taken from the compilation albums "Black Star Liner" and "Itinual Jah" along with newer tunes that creates some real conscious music, "For the People". XKaliba’s music is an authentic, Rastafari driven sound, enveloped inna roots and culture message.

After losing his right index finger in an industrial metal shop accident in St. Croix, XKaliba decided to not let his disability stop him on his mission to become the celebrated chanter that he has become today. XKaliba chants songs for a reason, and that reason is to inspire and motivate mankind in a positive way.

The first track, "United States of Ethiopia" starts the album off with a strong foundation message of Marcus Garvey’s visionary dream. XKaliba’s asks "how long you gonna take to reach Zion gate?", and points out the need for African solidarity and upliftment through repatriation. 

The next track "Gone Up" is testament to babylon system’s dysfunctional economy.  XKaliba reasons, "Gone up, gone up, everyting gone up, except the poor man’s pay, that’s why the system corrupt."  Yeah mon, truth and rights every time. The poor and downpressed need a voice to help dem inna these strugglin’ times.

The song called "Extinction" warns Jah people about dem heathens who think they can go on about life without any regard for Jah Plan. "hotta fya burn". Nuff said. XKaliba backs up his statements with the track "Life". Don’t take this for a joke ting, if more people had respect for the life that Jah gave us all then there would be no need for all the wars and killing seen? Raspect life, Raspect yourself, Raspect Jah!

A real, feel good melody carries the next tune called "Reggae Lives On".  XKaliba hails up all the greats who have ascended unto Zion, Garnet Silk, Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Jacob Miller, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Early B, Prince Fari, and Dennis Brown. A worthy tribute that celebrates the contributions these great reggae singers have made to the global community.

The last track "See and Know" features two guest singers Donny Dread and Yahadanai. Yes Rasta youth listen closely. "Selassie I see an know what a gwaan inna dem whitehouse, inna dem courthouse".  Haile Selassie I the first guides and shields all the righteous youths who denounce the wicked system.

This is some respectful works from the "Original Nine Fingers" man from St. Croix.  If you have the privilege of seeing this Rasta chanter live you are really in for a performance. Total niceness. There is something so honest and pure about his stage presence. A man can sing about Selassie, about truth and rights, and Rastafari roots and culture, but if he don’t live by him words then his performance reflects that. I hold XKaliba in the highest regard, highest caliber! Trod on mi Idren, and continue Jah works for Iver.

Blessed Love,

M. Patton
BigUpRadio.com staff writer