JAH Grid, Akae Beka

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.