Mason di Emperor and The Rebel Soulz Family, Live at Tuff Gong Studios

Artwork: Mason Di Emperor/Rebel Soulz/VPAL Music

Mason di Emperor present his new reggae album, Mason di Emperor and The Rebel Soulz Family, Live at Tuff Gong Studios, One Take. Released by VPAL Music and Rebel Soulz, February 15, this album is now available for purchase on all digital platforms. The official video premiers February 18.

A review of the well curated playlist of thirteen tracks, which leads with the title, “Freedom,” and completes with “Overcome,” indicates Mason di Emperor is on a mission to revive the art of living through love and music.

Art and love share a revered space. Separating the two is impertinent pride. And from his memoir, Changed Man, we learnt Mason di Emperor knows the delicate balance between the self and society. Negotiating self preservation and selflessness. A desired and admired trait. Beautiful to experience and death-defying to keep up in a world dividing demands on our time, attention, and resources. And it is this dichotomy that makes music an important part of life.

With this album, a successor of Lover’s Rock, Mason di Emperor and his band, the Rebel Soulz Family, feature a musical and visual album that bridges two elements, art and love. It is a clear and concise production. Recorded live at the renown Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston Jamaica, the session takes us back to the roots of reggae music. A conscience movement of love and respect for the self, one family, and talent. Absent are distractions and disruptions. Rather, penetrating vibes, expert engineering, talent, and professionalism. Harmony.

And this is a key takeaway. Since the ears and the heart connect, whatever we listen to influences perceptions and behaviours, the self and others.

Classified as a reggae album, we prefer to view it simply as music. Simplicity is a beautiful thing. It is extensive and connective. As such, the live band is amazing. And with the number of cultural crossovers and fusion present, what makes this production exceptional is its positive straight talk and professional vibe. Like, listening to a group of friends conversing. Therefore, this is an excellent album for the commute, a relaxed session, and a gift to another.

Focused on developing great work, the people behind the music are rarely on the media’s frontline. Take a minute to acquaint yourself with Mason di Emperor and the Rebel Soulz Family. And visit the official site at, www.masondiemperor.org

Executive Producer: Ryunosuke Takano Produced by Richard Anthony Mason and Rayon Othniel Webb Recorded by Oniel Smith Lead Vocals: Mason di Emperor Keyboards: Rayon "Short Boss" Webb Keyboards: Andrew "Fyah Keyzie" O’Gilvie

Drums: Vaughn "Simeon" Gray Percussion: Sydney "Congo Billy" Watson Bass Guitar: Sandrae "Fyah Bassy" Crasdale Guitar: Javon "Bull" Campbell Backing Vocals: Latoya "Latti" Morgan & Casey Donaldson