I-Skankers Records: Charlie P – Ina The Ghetto

Back in France, the I-Skankers crew have released a new 12’ inch. Over the last couple of years they have been steadily building their label, expanding their own home-made sound system, and bringing in crews from all over Europe to their regular Dub Corner dances – which by the way bring some mad vibes!
Although they have only released two records in 3 years, both of them are impressive.

Their first release brought together french dubmaker Dub Foundry and vocalists Ilements and Ranking Fox – and sold out in an instant. I-Levation Riddim builds on heavy basslines and sawing synths. With “Bless We Jah” Ilements delivers a spiritual Rasta message, while Ranking Fox’s “Don’t You Worry” is an ode to the sound system dance. Dub Foundry’s version brings back memories of classic 70’s dub, albeit infused with steppa rhythms: soulful guitar riffs, djembe drum lines, and echoing melodica cuts and vocals.

This newest release is the result of the collaboration between I-Skankers, Dub Foundry and RDH HiFi during the 2013^th edition of the United Nations Of Dub.

While the first release was maybe more upbeat, this one delivers a much rougher edge, a more somber vibe. However, don’t get me wrong, it’s a great record! Charlie P provides his distinctly conscious lyrics over the militant tune “Ina The Ghetto”, while the B-side explodes with the Dub Foundry and RDH ‘clash’. The names speak for themselves – “Dub is Raw” and “Dub is Harder” are two rough and heavy versions, ready to make the dancehalls tremble!

 ISR12002 – limited edition, 700 hand numbered copies.

A / Charlie P – Ina The Ghetto // Dub The Ghetto

AA / RDH meets Dub Foundry – Dub Is Harder // Dub Is Raw
A.F