Explore the vibrant intersections of

Protoje's 2015 album Ancient Future bridges 1970s reggae roots with 90s hip-hop, defining the Reggae Revival and pushing the genre forward.

Tracklist

  1. Protection — Protoje ft. Mortimer
  2. Criminal — Protoje
  3. Who Knows — Protoje ft. Chronixx
  4. All Will Have to Change — Protoje
  5. Love Gone Cold — Protoje ft. Sevana
  6. Stylin' — Protoje
  7. Sudden Flight — Protoje ft. Jesse Royal & Sevana
  8. Bubblin' — Protoje
  9. The Flame — Protoje ft. Kabaka Pyramid
  10. Answer to Your Name — Protoje

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Evening's here — let's set the mood.

Protection — Protoje ft. Mortimer

Protoje’s 2015 album, Ancient Future, marked a pivotal moment, bridging reggae’s past with its present. This third studio album, considered his finest work at the time, opens with "Protection" featuring Mortimer. It immediately sets the tone for Protoje's vision: a blend of roots, dancehall, and hip-hop that would appeal to a wider audience, while still drawing on historical narratives to impact the present.

Criminal — Protoje

Next up is "Criminal," a track that powerfully showcases Protoje’s ability to fuse genres. The Legendary Reggae review specifically called it a "street style hood anthem with a ‘Dre-esque’ riddim," reminiscent of the 1990s West Coast sound. This track truly embodies the "gutta fabulous" sound crafted by producers like Philip “Winta” James, pushing reggae's boundaries with a distinct hip-hop edge.

Who Knows — Protoje ft. Chronixx

Here’s a standout collaboration that cemented Protoje's place in the Reggae Revival. "Who Knows" features Chronixx, an artist Protoje has collaborated with on multiple occasions, showcasing their deep musical connection. This track perfectly exemplifies how Ancient Future brought 1970s reggae influences into a contemporary context, becoming a defining moment for both artists and the album.

All Will Have to Change — Protoje

Protoje’s lyrical prowess truly shines on tracks like "All Will Have to Change." He’s known for examining modern society on both macro and micro levels, and this song is no exception. It delves into the album’s overarching theme of bridging the gap between the past and present, while pushing things forward, embodying the "ancient future" vision of cultural reflection and progress.

Love Gone Cold — Protoje ft. Sevana

Protoje’s commitment to nurturing new talent is evident throughout Ancient Future. On "Love Gone Cold," he features Sevana, one of the artists uplifted by his In.Digg.Nation Collective. Her soulful contribution adds another layer to the album's multifarious sound, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that Protoje fosters, blending roots, dancehall, and hip-hop with fresh voices.

Stylin' — Protoje

"Stylin'" is a testament to Protoje’s unique brand of reggae, a fusion heavily informed by elements of American hip-hop. This track further illustrates the album's ambition to push boundaries and evolve what reggae can be. It's an undeniable example of Ancient Future's wider commercial appeal, showcasing Protoje's impressive skills as both a lyricist and vocalist.

Sudden Flight — Protoje ft. Jesse Royal & Sevana

This track doubles down on the collaborative energy, featuring both Jesse Royal and Sevana. Protoje has spoken fondly of working with his In.Digg.Nation peers, mentioning Jesse Royal specifically for always making him laugh. "Sudden Flight" captures that vibrant synergy, showcasing the collective's talent and the album's rich, evolving soundscape, blending diverse voices into its narrative.

Bubblin' — Protoje

"Bubblin'" perfectly encapsulates the "gutta fabulous" sound that young producers like Philip “Winta” James and Don Corleone cooked up for Ancient Future. This track keeps the energy high, blending infectious dancehall rhythms with Protoje's signature lyrical flow. It highlights the album's success in appealing to a wider audience, pushing reggae forward while honoring its roots.

The Flame — Protoje ft. Kabaka Pyramid

Another powerful collaboration on Ancient Future comes with "The Flame," featuring Kabaka Pyramid. Kabaka is another key artist associated with the Reggae Revival and Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation Collective. This track underscores Protoje's role as a cultural catalyst, bringing together dynamic forces in modern music to create an uncompromising, boundary-pushing sound that defines the album.

Answer to Your Name — Protoje

Closing out Protoje’s groundbreaking album, Ancient Future, is "Answer to Your Name." This track leaves listeners with the enduring message of Protoje’s vision: a blend of the past and present, challenging modern perceptions while staying true to reggae’s roots. It’s a compelling conclusion to an album that redefined what it means to be a Jamaican musician in the 21st century.

Thanks for listening to OffStereo. May Protoje’s 'Ancient Future' inspire you to explore the boundless, vibrant intersections shaping music's ongoing story.