IGBZR7001 - Akae Beka ft. Chronixx - Black Carbon - 7" Vinyl

from Lion's Den

BEFORE ZERO RECORDS presents...

Two of the deepest thinkers in reggae music, Vaughn Benjamin and Chronixx, trade reflections on their collaboration, 'Black Carbon.' Originally released on the 2021 album 'Polarities,' the song is available for the first time as a vinyl single, backed by its dub version. Adorned with the swirling flute of Sheldon Bernard (Beres Hammond, Harmony House) and David Pransky’s brittle, Kora-like mandolin, the twin reggae intellects, with their uniquely delicate voices, introspect on how 'all ah we forward from the same carbon.' The song's message juxtaposes the unity that binds us with a critique of the prevailing narratives and structures that weaken this bond. It underscores the universal truth that we all originate from the same elemental blackness—a truth mirrored throughout humanity and the entire spectrum of creation. Yet, it pointedly highlights how this shared essence is often unrecognised or undervalued in the social and political realms, especially for nations and diasporas connected by the original human hue. The A-side vocal mix is followed by Tippy I’s lavish, questing dub, bringing the instrumentation to the fore. Produced by Vaughn and Zion I Kings.

This series honours both the vocal and version culture of the reggae sound system and the profound lyricism of Vaughn Benjamin. We have consistently received two requests in relation to releasing the LPs: "Can we have dub versions?" and "Where can we read the lyrics?" Our response is the 'Akae Beka - vocal, version and word-sound collection.' Before Zero Records worked with Tippy I Grade to mix a series of dub mixes from a carefully curated selection of his extensive works with Vaughn Benjamin. The vocal and corresponding dub mixes were then cut to wax by Lewis Hopkin of Star Delta and wrapped in a collage made of Ras Marcus's artworks, which he crafted for various LP covers of Vaughn's works throughout the years with the lyrics transcribed and printed on the rear of each sleeve.

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Black Carbon feat. Chronixx
(V. Benjamin, J. McNaughton, L. Alfred, A. Bain, D. Goldfine, A. Stoch, L. Richards, S. Bernard)

Produced by: Vaughn Benjamin and Zion I Kings

Drums : Lloyd “Junior” Richards

Bass: David “JAH David” Goldfine

Organ, Piano, Guitars: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred

Piano, Synths: Andrew “Drew Keys” Stoch

R. Guitar: Edmund Filleuteau

L. Guitar: Edwin “Kenny” Byron

Flute: Sheldon Bernard

Kora: Mamadou Sidiki Diabate

Mandolin: David Pransky

Published by: Schethlya Publishing (BMI), Kobalt Publishing, I Grade Music (ASCAP), Galactic Soul Music (BMI), Haile Tabernacle Music (BMI), Haze Street Publishing (BMI), Mike & Matt Music (ASCAP), JACAP/PRS

Mixed and Mastered by: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred at Holy Mountain Studio, St. Croix, VI

Cut by Lewis Hopkin @ Star Delta Mastering, UK

Original artwork by: Marcus Wilson, Collage and Graphic Layout by: Before Zero Records