Boasy Solgy: Clean To Mi Step
Kemarlo Tomlin, Boasy Solgy, presents his dancehall EP, Clean To Mi Step. Released by B2X and VPAL Music label August 2018 on all streaming platforms, this eight track extended play is a brilliant philosophical and musical journal. And it is also a critical work of art that is documenting a historic shift in the social and cultural narrative in the UK which will eventually impact universal perspectives and behaviours.
While each selection delivers a vital narrative, the song “Nuh Dirt” is the anchor point. Lyrical and culturally it delivers a weighted message, so it was great to also have the remix which, features Stylo G, Face (SoSolid), and Smooth Face. The song has a sticky effect, a vibrant rhythm and solid yet catchy lyrics. Boasy Solgy delivers with so much style and fashion that we had to play it a few times. And of course, at every rewind we volume up and boast a little harder.
Then, we questioned the absence of the social angst, the explicit lyrics, and the gritty street violence and gang culture from the grime’s camp. We could not detect it neither in “Nuh Dirt” or the remainder of the EP. Perplexing, since it is the methodology driving music sales in the UK, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Money is to be made.
And, to some extent we are a product of our environment.
As well, an artist’s work is the first reflection of the time, place, and space from which they perceive and move. With the social issues of Windrush, the financial impact of Brexit casting gloom in the public sphere. Gang violence, the unemployment rate, under representation and suspicion of immigrants, particularly those from South Africa, South East Asia, the Caribbean, and the Middle East exacerbate the tension. It also drives the existing culture war into the private sphere, particularly, when the music indigenous to these demographics are repurposed as the cause and effect of the socioeconomic dissonance.
But Boasy Solgy is steadfast on rising above it all while inhabiting the UK and the Jamaican culture. Arguably he is aware, but he is choosing to apply peaceful discipline, focus, and resilience. Even if far removed from many of the environmental threats, this artist is a student and a professor determined to seize every opportunity for the greater good. While it is commendable, money needs to be made. And well intentioned artists with talent meet their internalized wolves of temptation every day.
We like “Nuh Dirt” for its vibrant beat. We also appreciate the iceberg connotation of clean movements. Viewing the video reinforced its positive impact. As the carefree season of summer winds down, the monetization of the song and Boasy Solgy’s brand image and equity remains lucrative. We want to see more of “Clean To Mi Step” on tangible merchandise. And hear Boasy Solgy speaking it at engagements and interviews.
Discipline is the platform of greatness. With this solid foundation already intact, we expect more projects from Boasy Solgy with a behind the scene documentary of his creative process. Boasy Solgy, fire up the lyrics and rev up the bmp, the respect is in place. ©
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