about
Akae Beka’s inimitable style of rich, deep, multi-layered songwriting, uncompromising devotion to RasTafari and soulful healing melodies developed over decades of performing with St. Croix based band Midnite and countless recordings. At the point of his untimely passing in 2019, he had released over 70LP’s. He is without a doubt one of the most prolific reggae artists ever known.
Rule the Time, originally released as a CD LP in 2007 is a full cup of innovative, deep, roots reggae that showcases outstanding musicianship alongside the visionary vocal and lyrical powers of Vaughn Benjamin. Lovers of the “old-time” heavyweight roots will deeply appreciate this unique album with its potent drums, deep bass, enchanting melodies and live horns. The production on Rule the Time was led by Vaughn Benjamin and Tippy I of I Grade Records, with additional co-production by Kenyatta Itola, Tyrone “T Rock” Davis and Seth Theodore of Million 7 Sound. Vaughn’s creative musical arrangements and one-of-a-kind basslines provide the anchor for the unique sound of this album.
Following 16 years of anxious anticipation, for the countless Akae Beka fans that are also vinyl connoisseurs, this LP is now being released as a 12” vinyl LP courtesy of Before Zero Records. This offers the listener not only the chance to enjoy this LP in an analogue form but also the chance to hold the artwork as a 12” square masterpiece, created by the hands of Ras Marcus, the artist who gave the powerful visual presence that became synonymous to much of the I Grade / Akae Beka works over the years.
credits
released January 16, 2024
1. Stretch Out
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred, T. Davis)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred & Tyrone “T Rock” Davis; Drums: T Rock; Bass, Keys,
Guitars: Tippy I; Trombone: Balboa Becker; Tenor Saxophone: Garrett Kobsef; Horn Arrangements:
Balboa Becker and Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
2. His Majesty
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred)
Produced by: Vaughn Benjamin; Drums: T Rock; Bass: Kenyatta Itola; Rhythm Guitars, Keys:
Tippy I; Lead Guitar: Tuff Lion; Kette: Vaughn Benjamin; Trombone: Balboa Becker; Tenor
Saxophone: Garrett Kobsef; Horn Arrangements: Vaughn Benjamin, Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
3. Is Real
(V. Benjamin, S. Theodore)
Produced by: Seth Theodore; Drums, Bass, Keys: Seth Theodore; Guitars: Benny Torres;
Trombone: Balboa Becker; Horn Arrangements: Balboa Becker
4. In HIM
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred)
Produced by: Vaughn Benjamin: Drum Programming, Keys: Vaughn Benjamin; Bass: Kenyatta Itola;
Drum Programming, Guitar, Keys: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
5. Love and Light
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred, K. Itola, T. Davis)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, Kenyatta Itola & T Rock; Drums: T Rock; Bass: Kenyatta Itola; Keys, Rhythm
Guitars: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred; Lead Guitar: Tuff Lion
6. Rule the Time
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred)
Produced by: Vaughn Benjamin; Drum Programming, Keys: Vaughn Benjamin; Bass: Kenyatta
Itola; Drum Programming, Guitars, Keys: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
7. Born in the Time
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred, K. Itola, T. Davis)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, Kenyatta Itola & T Rock; Drums: T Rock; Bass: Kenyatta Itola; Keys, Rhythm
Guitar: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred; Lead Guitar: Tuff Lion; Percussion: Abja; Trombone: Balboa Becker; Tenor
Saxophone: Garrett Kobsef; Horn Arrangements: Balboa Becker, Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
8. Again A Lion
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, Vaughn Benjamin; Drums: T Rock; Bass, Keys, Acoustic Guitars: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred;
Electric Guitars: Tuff Lion
9. Listen
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred)
Produced by: Vaughn Benjamin; Drums: T Rock; Bass, Keys, Guitars: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred; Keys: Vaughn Benjamin
10. Good Thoughts
(V. Benjamin, L. Alfred)
Produced by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred; Drums: T Rock; Bass, Keys, Guitars, Melodica: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
All lyrics and vocal melodies by Vaughn Benjamin
Recorded, Mixed & Executive Produced by:
Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred
All Songs Published by: Vaughn Andre Benjamin
Music (BMI) & I Grade Music (ASCAP);
Additional Publishers: Million 7 Music (BMI) –
Track 3; Garvey’s Ghost Music (SESAC) –
Mastered at LION and FOX Recording Studios by Michael Caplan
Original Artwork by: Marcus
© 2007 I Grade Records
Unauthorized Duplication is a Violation of Applicable Laws.
