A Review - Spice "Emancipated"

- The Reggaeologist

Absent of the refined production frills from her critically acclaimed "10", Spice's latest 9-track studio effort, "Emancipated", stays true to her brand ideal; Raw, Unapologetic, and Provocative.

Kicking off with the unimpressive "Clap Clap", the album rolls into the controversial "Tape Measure" which is better heard than seen, with "Crop Top" changing the pace and is surprisingly one of the few singles that deserve an instant replay.

"Same Mouth" is personally my favourite track on the album, and honestly shows the tethered lyrical maturity that she keeps restraining to please her core besties, but some of her bastard fans will admit this is their favourite "flavour" of Spice on the album.

Spice turns up the heat with "Pop Off", the biggest banger on the album.

This is the bonafide hit on the album. On this track, Spice follows the "Go Dung Deh" blueprint to the T, and delivers a commendable solo effort.

At the halfway mark is "Bake A Man"; easily skippable. It adds nothing fresh to the album's interesting palette and does not showcase the growth expected from an artist who has blossomed into one of homegrown music's biggest international superstars.

"Big Big" is a Tape Measure leftover; "Nuff Man Name" is an unfortunate filler, but she finds a proper finish with "Mi Hate Him", an infectious earworm that will find its way into the favourite playlists of the forever young, the YOLO, and of course, the unapologetic.

Whether you love her or hate her, Spice will always find a way to stay relevant in the Dancehall purview...and as the appointed Queen of Dancehall..it should be expected.

All in all, "Emancipated" might not be as polished as "10", but delivers a well-blended fusion soundscape that is truly "pumpum driven and cocky inspired".