Papa San - Victory

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Dubbed “the Fastest Mouth in Jamaica”, Papa San aka Tyrone Thompson has a reputation as a talented musician, masterful storyteller and gifted lyricist. Hip hop star Busta Rhymes credits Papa San as one of his earliest influences. He became a Christian back in 1997 and this is his first fully-fledged Gospel project. Writing all the songs himself he manages to integrate elements of gospel, reggae, dancehall, and hip hop into an album that has a strong poppy feel that will appeal to a mass market. I suppose that’s my only disappointment, as I was expecting something with a harder, Trenchtown sound but despite that, ‘Victory’ is seamlessly recorded and Papa San is in fine form throughout. He is joined by dancehall queen Chevelle Franklin adding diva-style vocals on the soulful “Touch From You” and on “Only Jah Mercy”, Shabba Ranks adds his distinctive vocal stylings to an already energetic attack. Throughout, this is a clear, uncompromising Christian message set to a genuine reggae groove. The feel of sunshine and the sound of The Son.