The night before Alborosie graced the stage at Cali Roots 2023, unleashing a mammoth performance, the legendary roots reggae rocker unveiled his long-awaited album Destiny. This album boasts not only an incredible amount of energy from the man himself but also from an all-star cast of collaborators such as Buju Banton, Kabaka Pyramid, Burro Banton, Jaz Elise, Ezhel, and SUGUS.

This album pumps an immense amount of power through the subwoofers, yet beyond the decibels, Alborosie provides a relatable and humble lyrical masterpiece for conscious and keen listeners. Alborosie explains, “I cannot make music that reflects the non-relevant. My Reggae should relate to the present…”

The album kicks off with “Destiny,” an intriguing preamble to the album, and though the track merely serves as an introduction, the hushed whispers send chills up the spine as the tempo quickens and we hear the sole voice of Alborosie, gearing up listeners for the epic album that follows.

The lead single and second track of the album, “Viral,” continues the bone-chilling feeling established in “Destiny” as it merges with an explosive bass drop that detonates with the force of a hydrogen bomb, all under Alborosie’s iconic vocals. The lyrics within the song dig deep as Alborosie pummels the idea of virality and instant fame, delivering a barrage of witty yet thought-provoking verses that will surely leave a mark on anyone who listens.

“Over My Shoulders,” which features the infamous Buju Banton, feels like reggae royalty. The pure power emitted from this song is incredible. With a persistent bump of the bass that zaps the track to life, Buju’s gritty voice provides a captivating contrast to Alborosie’s commanding and forceful delivery. Their voices resonate through the track like two massive thunderstorms colliding within a wide-open country plain.

Within the track “Rastazeneka,” Albo seems to supply the prescription to Peter Tosh’s “Reggae-Mylitis.” This sticky number tucks laid-back harmonies behind Albo’s mellow delivery, all while horns waft above the track like a low-hanging smoke cloud. Alborosie jokingly states that this song is a vaccine for spiritual people, and while he might not be wrong by saying this, one thing is for sure –  it’s a great tune to jam out when the clock is twenty minutes past four.

“Faith,” featuring Jaz Elise, keeps the tempo slow but the instruments erupt ferociously, supporting an appropriate tone to match the strong message of the song. This number bluntly calls Alborosie’s faith into the album, with Jaz Elise playing the role as if she were the voice of reason. The way Alborosie cooly sings, “for every angel, there’s a demon out there,” followed by the punch of a walloping bass,  it seems to suck the air out of the room only to pump it back in with the injection of the chorus.

If there’s a track that harkens back to the roots of reggae, it’s “No Good Again.”The bass smoothly butters the track while the horns wail throughout. Alborosie roars as he stands up to a repressive system by turning  Bob Marley’s famous line on its head: “The man gonna hear me song! When the music hits, you gonna feel the pain!” His thunderous delivery throughout this song is chilling and feels as though Alborosie is looming right overhead, ready to strike down at a moment’s notice.

While “No Good Again” reaches back to the roots, DJ Burro Banton and Alborosie rip open sound systems with “Give it to Them.” The best way to explain this number is by simply saying to listen to it with a fair warning. This “rub-a-dub” track will throw the body into autopilot and send hips gyrating. The famous Jamaican DJ shreds the track apart, giving each second of the song a distinct taste.

After the sounds of soothing waves and calming guitar within the album’s interlude, the pace slowly picks back up with “Royal Throne.” The addition of Ezhel balances out the track into a captivating blend of tranquility and invigorating energy. Ezhel’s airy delivery effortlessly intertwines with Alborosie’s firm execution.

Perhaps the most sultry track on the album, “Focus,” dishes out a healthy dose of encouraging lyrics that ooze positivity and self-assurance. Its seductive melody beckons listeners into a luscious soundscape where passion and confidence bloom infinitely, urging them to embrace their desires, ambitions, and dreams with unapologetic fervor.

“Nah Sell Out” features Grammy award-winner Kabaka Pyramid. This addition illuminates the track with his vibrant voice that weaves with slamming piano riffs and a drum beat that drives the tune forward like a pounding heart. The duo showcases the raw essence of musical synergy and ignites a fire within the soul.

“General” is a reggaeton banger with its snapping snare along with a pulsating bassline. This mix creates a mighty cocktail that doesn’t stop. “General” highlights Alborosie’s ability to blend genres seamlessly while pushing boundaries and breaking ground.

The penultimate track of the album, “I Got You,” is the perfect love song that radiates pure affection and unwavering devotion. The track begins with a gentle acoustic guitar that sets an intimate tone before opening up into Albo’s delicate singing voice. Each note rings with tenderness, melting the listener’s heart and evoking a sense of warmth and comfort.

“Dubalist” closes out the album with guest vocalist, SUGUS,  singing over a catchy dub tune that hums along with its irresistible bassline and punchy synthesizer effects. The images that Alborosie stirs in the mind are sometimes comical, stating that he feels like Willy Wonka, but the real highlight is how deep Albo dives into the dub. ​​The track offers a masterclass in dub production, with intricate sound manipulation, mesmerizing echoes, and meticulous attention to detail. Albo’s expertise in the genre shines through as he skillfully weaves together elements of reverb, delay, and spaciousness, creating a sonic landscape that is both immersive and transcendent.

Destiny not only delivers incredible music that’s bound to set the reggae world ablaze but also reminds us of the importance of staying true to our passions and using our talents to uplift others. While some might be caught up in chasing trends and seeking validation through likes and shares, Alborosie stands tall as a beacon of authenticity. Destiny isn’t just about catchy hooks or commercial success; it’s about making a real impact and inspiring positive change.