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15 Essential Sizzla Songs On The Reggae Crooner’s 45th Birthday

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The Reggae/Dancehall scene has hardly encountered another artist as militant or prolific as Sizzla Kalonji. With over 55 albums, a Grammy nomination and a Lifetime Achievement Award under his belt, it’s even more surprising that today on his Earthstrong (April 17th), the crooner only turns 45yrs old. He’s remained an influential and inspirational force since he arrived on the scene back in 1995 with suite after suite of acclaimed hits, leading up to last year’s self-styled ‘great classic’, Million Times.

Born Miguel Orlando Collins, the versatile veteran has had successful forays in both Reggae and Dancehall so far, seemingly averse to labels or limits. His latest album is a sensual fusion of R&B and Dancehall elements and he’s been sampled by heavyweights like Jay-Z, 50 Cent and UK drill rapper Kano. Still, it’s his upful, conscious early catalogue, packed with falsettos and flashes of hardcore Dancehall that has endeared him to fans the world over.

Working closely with manager Phillip Fattis Burrell and his acclaimed Xterminator crew (Luciano, Everton Blender, Turbulence) in the mid ’90s, Sizzla seized the world with his signature sound and palatable output. His roots references, pious praise, and fierce commitment to Africa, the motherland, & the Black cause set the Bobo Shanti star apart as he loomed large long past many of his cohorts.

As we celebrate his 45th Earthstrong, here are 15 of his finest works, from the radical to the romantic, that showcase his forward-thinking ethos and full range of artistry.

Just want the tracks? Find our Sizzla Essentials playlist on Spotify.

1. Thank You Mama (2002)

One of the most sonically appealing tributes to matriarchs hands down, Thank You Mama is one of Sizzla’s most widely recognized works. A must-have on many Mother’s Day playlists, his honest songwriting and expressive, emotional lines map the entire incredible journey, — “9 months” through to “manhood” — heaping praise on her strength and support.

2. Got It Right Here (2002)

Got It Right Here highlights Sizzla’s dedication to the use of herb,  one of the tenets of Rastafari. “We got it right here, we smokin’ marijuana like we just don’t care,” he declares moments after the song’s intro, which cleverly alludes to an all-too-common reality for Rasta: “Officer doh trouble him / Ah jus ah one draw yuh know.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTcb7PwysIE

3. Give Me A Try (2003)

Sprinkling his wailing vocals across this lyrical serenade, Sizzla delivers a wonderful lovers rock anthem. Give Me A Try appears on Kalonji’s 2003 album Rise To The Occasion, executive produced by renowned producer Don Corleone. The guitar-led track is still a global sensation, and famed Sizzla fan, Bajan superstar Rihanna, hopped on a remix in 2006.

4.  Black Woman & Child (1997)

Sizzla’s ode to the source of African ancestry, Black Woman & Child, was released in 1997 on his album of the same name. On the masterpiece now regarded as a classic, the singer professes that his love for Black women far outweighs any monetary gain over a smooth, booming beat supplied by the late Bobby Digital.

5. Where Are You Running To (2005)

This three-minute sermon is a warning against ill gotten gains and the pursuit of riches, a simple proverb deftly sung — sins catch up. “Where are you running to now/ Got to be responsible for what you do now…/ Hate will bring you bondage, make good with love,” Sizzla urges.

6. Solid As A Rock (2002)

Solid As A Rock is Sizzla’s most sampled track and with good reason. The sonic meditation contains vivid lyrics and affirmations about life’s oppressive forces. Cold-hearted people and the powers that be are out to rob him of his crown but Sizzla holds firm. Jay-Z as well as rival rappers Ja Rule and 50 Cent each crafted versions of the song around the ‘unshakeable royalty’ motif; Crown (2013), The Crown (2003) and My Crown (2012) respectively.

7. Holding Firm (1998)

Though he’s one of the most versatile hitmakers in the game, songs of empowerment and upliftment are truly Sizzla’s forte. On this 1998 gem, Sizzla infuses his Bobo Shanti faith with a mid-tempo beat and gets preachy about spiritual fortitude. His comforting tactics include praising the Almighty and staying true to one’s roots.

8. Be Strong (1998)

These two simple words make for a compelling narrative on Sizzla’s contribution to the acclaimed Drop Leaf Riddim. His vocals stretch from high pitched to husky as he extols the value of virtue, hard work and ‘standing tall’ over the rootsy pulse. “The world is out there, conquer your fears, and don’t you wait too long”, he sings.

9. Good Ways (1998)

Another of Sizzla’s highly listenable missives with socio-political undertones. The commentary blends with his religious beliefs, creatively anticipating the fall of Babylon and the advancement of the Black race, while pointing the way to Zion. “You haffi have good ways, true grace, you haffi purge fi pass Zion Gate”, Sizzla implores.

10. Praise Ye Jah (1997)

Praise Ye Jah is one of Sizzla’s earliest recordings released on the album of the same name in 1997. An aggressive religious campaign, Praise Ye Jah spares no sentiment in blasting Babylon and the church for their role in brainwashing Africans of their heritage and blackballing the Rastafari movement.

11. Just One Of Those Days (2002)

‘Dry Cry’ as it’s often dubbed by diehard fans is a much-loved, heavily sampled reggae staple. Released on 2002’s Da Real Thing, the song saw major chart success peaking at #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs chart, spending over 3 months at No. 1 in Jamaica and topping the charts in the U.K. Kalonji’s old soul introspection pours out on the “Queen Majesty Riddim”, a Bobby Digital remake of The Techniques 1967 track of the same name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKg0UGhlsA0

12. Ain’t Gonna See Us Fall (2006)

Sizzla delivers a mellow testimony on his success, lauding his faith, his fans, and the circumstances that lifted him to stardom. Released on his 2006 album of the same name, the song appears amid more dancehall-centric material such as Run Out Pon Dem and I’m With The Girls, yet reggae’s high priest still takes the time to “pray onto the most high”, “share all [his] riches and sing for [his] fans.

13. Rise To The Occasion (2003)

Released in 2003, it’s safe to say Rise To The Occasion hasn’t dimmed a day since it dropped. One of the most motivational songs in the modern reggae catalogue, the staple track is bursting with confidence and self-awareness. It’s found favour on the international charts (peaking at #10 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/ Hip Hop Songs chart) and in the hearts of avid Reggae fans who sing it note for note at sessions.

14. Take Myself Away

Take Myself Away is a breezy meditation on two-faced dealings boasting Sizzla’s full vocal range. Limited instrumentals and lulling background vocals help him sing with clarity about those “switching, snitching” and “not behaving”. As he decries the hurtful deeds, he vows to do the honourable thing — free himself and protect his life.

15.  Come Fly With Me

This raunchy Foxy Brown collaboration displays Sizzla’s tendency to capably touch on more risqué material. The artist’s eccentric reasonings have always included an admiration of black women in particular, and over the years he’s shot down criticisms from those who’d prefer a less secular, one-dimensional Kalonji. “That’s fine wit me, make love to me girl/ Wine up on it,I’m here to rock your world,” he spits on the catchy chorus.

‘Don’t Be Disappointed’ Sizzla once sang and we’ve got just the thing for that. Here’s 15 more tracks for lockdown listening or save and enjoy for 4/20.