Akae Beka .Jah Grid.

Akae Beka's rich, deep, and multi-layered songwriting style, soulful, healing melodies and uncompromising devotion to RasTafari were developed over decades of performing with the St. Croix-based band Midnite and recording numerous albums. At the time of his untimely passing in 2019, Akae Beka had released over 70 LPs, making him one of the most prolific reggae artists ever known.

Jah Grid, features all-live instrumentation roots. Vaughn Benjamin's vocals and writing were exceptional and coupled with mystical and intense music played by veteran roots players. The album was produced by Tippy I, Blackfoot, and Vaughn Benjamin, and included live drums, heavy bass grooves, and melodic keyboard playing. Tuff Lion played guitar on several tracks, and Akae Beka produced and played on three songs. Jah Grid was a powerful listening experience, with each song taking the listener to new dimensions of lyrical content and musical presentation.

After years of eager waiting, vinyl enthusiasts who are also fans of Akae Beka can finally get their hands on a 12" vinyl LP version of this album, thanks to Before Zero Records. This provides the opportunity to appreciate the album's analogue form and the artwork, which is a 12" square masterpiece created by Ras Marcus, the artist who created the powerful visual presence that became associated with much of the I Grade/Akae Beka works over the years.
credits
released May 5, 2023

1. Enter
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K.Itola/ J. Saleem/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys, Guitars & Binghi Drums: Tippy

2. In Tent
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass & Percussion: Kenyatta, Keys: Vaughn Benjamin, Guitars: Tippy

3. My Joy
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass & Percussion: Kenyatta, Keys: Vaughn Benjamin, Guitars: Tippy

4. Kin Dread
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys & Guitars: Tippy, Guitar: Tuff Lion

5. Under Management
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys: Vaughn, Guitars: Tippy

6. Spin Doctor
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Gregory Jackson, Keys: Magama Skosana, Guitar: Tippy

7. Royal Habits
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred)
Drums, Keys & Guitar: Tippy, Bass: Kenyatta, Lead Guitar: Tuff Lion

8. The Bringers
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Capmbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Gregory Jackson, Keys: Magama Skosana, Riddim Guitar: Tippy
Lead Guitar: Tuff Lion

9. YHWH
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys, Guitars & Binghi Drums: Tippy

10. Before I Lose My Strength
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ K. Itola)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Organ: Magama Skosana, Guitar: Tuff Lion, Guitar: Tippy

11. Third Eye by Jah Rubal
(G. Hendrickson/ V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Keys: Vaughn Benjamin, Guitars: Tippy

12. High Place
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ A. Campbell/ G. Jackson)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Gregory Jackson, Guitar: Tippy

13. On
(V. Benjamin/ L. Alfred/ K. Itola)
Drums: Astor Campbell, Bass: Kenyatta, Piano: Magama Skosana, Keys & Guitar: Tippy

Tracks 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, & 13 produced by: I Grade (Laurent “Tippy” Alfred & Kenyatta Itola)
Track 1 co-produced by Jaleel “Abja” Saleem
Tracks 3, 5 & 11 produced by Vaughn Benjamin
Tracks 6, 8 & 12 produced by Blackfoot (Gregory Jackson & Astor Campbell) & I Grade
Track 10 produced by I Grade and Astor Campbell
All lyrics and vocal melodies by Vaughn Benjamin, except track 11- lead vocal by Jah Rubal

Recorded, Mixed & Executive Produced by: Laurent “Tippy” Alfred
Published by I Grade Music (ASCAP), Garvey’s Ghost Music (SESAC)
& Astor Rock Faster Music (SESAC)
Mastered by: CDM Studios, NYC (www.cdmstudios.com)
Artwork by: Marcus