Masicka releases third studio album 'Forever Reign' on Def Jam
The 17-track project features Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Blaqbonez, Kraff Gad and Lila Iké, and was followed by a headline show at Barclays Center.
NEW YORK, United States. Jamaican dancehall star Masicka has released his third studio album, Forever Reign, a 17-track project distributed by Def Jam Recordings.
Ronnie Tomlinson, the Jamaican entertainment publicist and chief executive of Destine Media, Inc., said the album marks "the latest evolution of an artist whose uncompromising lyricism, storytelling and ambition have helped establish him as one of the leading voices of his generation".
"Across Forever Reign, Masicka reflects on faith, survival, ambition, success, loyalty and the sacrifices behind his journey," said Tomlinson, a Brooklyn resident.
For Masicka, the title is a declaration. "Forever Reign means I'm here to stay. Yes, there's room for everyone, but my lane is carved out, and we're going to soak up the space," he said. "The most important thing is to stay humble and focused."
Collaborations and producers
The album features Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez, dancehall artist Kraff Gad and reggae singer Lila Iké. Production comes from longtime collaborator Mario "Dunw3ll" Dunwell, Dre Skull, Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor, Supa Dups, IzyBeats, Dready, Telz, Razzy and others.
It opens with "1 Psalm", the collaboration with Marley, which Tomlinson said "immediately establishes the spiritual foundation underlying Forever Reign". Masicka described the track as "a powerful, spiritual and motivational record".
"One prayer a day, if we can pray and ask God to forgive us for our sins and protect us, then we're good," he said.
On "Honor Roll", Masicka joins rising dancehall artist Kraff Gad. "His style is different, and he reminds me of myself when I was coming up and hungry," Masicka said.
Other tracks include "Oak Tree", "Pointless", "Shakazulu", "Spend", "Good", "Slip and Slide", "Boasty", "Cross the Waters", "Wicked Spell", "It's Not Too Late", "AK Fire", "Time and Palace", "Breaking Chains" and "Parables".
Barclays Center headline show
Forever Reign follows the albums 438 and Generation of Kings, the latter being his first full-length release after signing with Def Jam.
Tomlinson said that one day after the album's release, Masicka headlined at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 15. "The back-to-back moments, a new album followed by an arena performance, underscore the meaning behind the project's title," she said.
"With Forever Reign, Masicka makes his intentions clear: He is not simply occupying the moment," she added. "He intends to remain."
