Akae Beka's rich, deep, and multi-layered songwriting style, soulful, healing melodies and uncompromising devotion to RasTafari were developed over decades of performing with the St. Croix-based band Midnite and recording numerous albums. At the time of his untimely passing in 2019, Akae Beka had released over 70 LPs, making him one of the most prolific reggae artists ever known.
Jah Grid, features all-live instrumentation roots. Vaughn Benjamin's vocals and writing were exceptional and coupled with mystical and intense music played by veteran roots players. The album was produced by Tippy I, Blackfoot, and Vaughn Benjamin, and included live drums, heavy bass grooves, and melodic keyboard playing. Tuff Lion played guitar on several tracks, and Akae Beka produced and played on three songs. Jah Grid was a powerful listening experience, with each song taking the listener to new dimensions of lyrical content and musical presentation.
After years of eager waiting, vinyl enthusiasts who are also fans of Akae Beka can finally get their hands on a 12" vinyl LP version of this album, thanks to Before Zero Records. This provides the opportunity to appreciate the album's analogue form and the artwork, which is a 12" square masterpiece created by Ras Marcus, the artist who created the powerful visual presence that became associated with much of the I Grade/Akae Beka works over the years.
released January 16, 2024
1. Enter
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K.Itola/ J. Saleem/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Kenyatta Itola
Co-produced by Jaleel “Abja” Saleem
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys, Guitars & Binghi Drums: Tippy
2. In Tent
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Kenyatta Itola
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass & Percussion: Kenyatta, Keys: Vaughn Benjamin, Guitars: Tippy
3. My Joy
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
produced by Vaughn Benjamin
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass & Percussion: Kenyatta, Keys: Vaughn Benjamin, Guitars: Tippy
4. Kin Dread
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Kenyatta Itola
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys & Guitars: Tippy, Guitar: Tuff Lion
5. Spin Doctor
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Blackfoot (Gregory Jackson & Astor Campbell)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Gregory Jackson, Keys: Magama Skosana, Guitar: Tippy
6. Royal Habits
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Kenyatta Itola
Drums, Keys & Guitar: Tippy, Bass: Kenyatta, Lead Guitar: Tuff Lion
7. YHWH
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Kenyatta Itola
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys, Guitars & Binghi Drums: Tippy
8. Before I Lose My Strength
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ K. Itola)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Astor Campbell
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Organ: Magama Skosana, Guitar: Tuff Lion, Guitar: Tippy
9. High Place
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Blackfoot (Gregory Jackson & Astor Campbell)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Gregory Jackson, Guitar: Tippy
10. On
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Kenyatta Itola
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Piano: Magama Skosana, Keys & Guitar: Tippy
All lyrics and vocal melodies by Vaughn Benjamin
Recorded, Mixed & Executive Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
Published by: Schethlya Publishing (BMI), I Grade Music (ASCAP), Garvey’s Ghost Music (SESAC) & Astor Rock Faster Music (SESAC)
Mastered by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred at Holy Mountain Studio, STX
Artwork by: Marcus Wilson Graphic Layout by: Before Zero Records
© ℗ 2006 I Grade Records
Released by Before Zero Records under license from I Grade Records
IGBZRLP007
www.igraderecords.com /
www.beforezerorecords.com
