Papa San - Real & Personal

Published Thursday 26th October 2006
Papa San - Real & Personal
Papa San - Real & Personal

STYLE: Reggae
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 16148-3946
LABEL: GospoCentric 828767128023
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2006-02-28
RRP: £14.99

Reviewed by Paul Poulton

It's unbecoming to slather praise on a fellow member of the human race, but there are moments on this CD worthy of giving Papa a good slap (on the back, of course). Some followers of his previous work may not be altogether happy with the clinical construction of this album, which just happens to coincide with his move from Jamaica to Florida. Eddie "Trendsetta" Perez (who is now a Christian and formerly produced people like Ashanti and KRS-1) helped record and write it. "Good To Me" is such an excellent song, with its tense synthesized figure running throughout, and Papa's fun but real lyrics, how often do we say that God has been "nice to me"? Not very, but it's true, maybe we should say it more often. Most agreeable are the dulcet female vocals which carry the melody of the songs around which Papa's dancehall style vocals weave. A flirtation with reggaeton, the Spanish hip-hop vibe, can be heard on "Stand Strong". Papa's work before he became a Christian was pivotal in helping reggae move forward, and his work after his supernatural conversion continues to mine the rich seam of reggae's history whilst also digging deeper.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Product Description
On his new project, Real & Personal, Papa San gets just that as he continues his exploration of faith-based themes in his fresh, sonically entertaining style for reggae fans everywhere. The CD, produced by Papa San, Eddie Perez, Maurice Gregory, and Rohan Harrison, is notable in its musical accessibility and recognisable rapid-fire lyrics along with solo highlights by special guests.

Papa San describes Dancehall reggae as 'just a branch off of the reggae tree. It was first called toasting in the early '70s when artists, who became referred to as DJs, began to put lyrics more to rhythms than melodies. It was built less off the keyboard and more from a hardcore beat.'

'Some Christian forays into world music unfortunately sound inferior to their mainstream counterparts. Not so with Papa San …the production… is first-rate. Reggae is still something of a niche genre beyond the Caribbean… but fans should eat it up. I'm glad Papa San's on the team, sharing the gospel of Christ with an all new audience.' Christianity Today

'Regardless of whether you understand the reggae dancehall style, and no matter whether you can figure out the heavy chat or not, the one truth that comes shining through with Papa San is his sincerity and his obviously deep and new-found joy and love for Jesus Christ.' Gospel Flava

Songlist includes: Jus' She Di Word; Stand Strong; It's All About You; Oh Zion; For You Lord; Good To Me; More Life; Come Out A Di Building; Rise Up; Cornerstone; He's Coming and Tell Me Why

Reader Comments

Posted by Monesa in Raleigh NC @ 16:41 on Jun 28 2009

OMG i was sitting in the car on the way home listening to 103.9fm and they started playing this man named papa san i was like boooomboocladddd!!! they got a reggae gospel artist ...i love reggae music is my life and to have a gospel one i blasted the radio like never before....i most definitly have to look into his albums my godd!!! sooo hot!!!!



Posted by EMMANUEL JUDE in KAMPALA UGANDA @ 21:52 on Jan 27 2009

I love you Papasan I love yor music and just wanna say God bless .



Posted by Nkeramihigo emmanuel in Kampala Uganda @ 18:42 on Feb 25 2008

You 2006 visit to kampala changed my life. I belived that God has the most talented and life changing entertainersbecause of your honourable and pure music and message
Long live Papa San. I am waiting for you again to come to Uganda



Posted by minister rosa in brooklyn new york @ 08:36 on Dec 25 2006

Papa San is by far my favorite reggae gospel artist. I respect and admire him because of his thought-provoking lyrics and his ability to ride the rhythms like a jockey. I saw him minister live through music at a church concert in Brooklyn, New York, and I was on cloud nine. He even stayed afterward to sign autographs....he was so humble. May God bless Papa San as he continues to prove that the pen is mightier than the sword. His art transcends generations...I listen to his tracks with my teenagers and my little ones as well.



Posted by emmanuel nkeramihigo in Kampala-Uganda @ 20:04 on Jun 18 2006

papa san may not be aware but he is one great contributor to the kingdom of God.l long for atime he will come to share with Ugandans his lifestory and the need to abstain so as to fight AIDS.visit us at prime time edu-tainment rallies at makerere university in kampala.say hello to mama abigail.



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