Cali P – iThoughts: 10 Year Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Ten years on, the album gets a new lease of life with a ‘Deluxe Edition’ featuring three previously unreleased tracks. Recently, two have already appeared as singles. This Train, produced by Swiss beatmaker AEMKA, is a strong roots-reggae statement built around themes of faith, resilience and perseverance. Cali P reflects on the struggles he’s faced, the protection he’s received and the determination that keeps him going. It’s a solid tune with an appealing riddim and the singer’s familiar lyrical flow.

I Apologise offers a different perspective. Produced by Kongz, the Jamaican drummer who has long worked with Protoje, it’s a more personal song about admitting when you’re wrong and finding the strength to put accountability before pride. The production combines reggae foundations with pop influences, while a riddim inspired by Sly Dunbar gives the track its own character.

The third new addition, Young Brother Soul Sister, brings Cali P together with Natty. Produced by Grammy-winning duo Seani B and Don Chandler, this is a song about self-worth, African heritage and knowing where you come from. It speaks to young people who feel overlooked or underestimated, encouraging them to recognise their value and take pride in their roots.

Back to the original album, the opening track Lyrical Faya is a clever way to revisit Cali P’s beginnings. His debut album gave him a title that has since become something of a personal trademark. Here, he turns it into a song and delivers a performance that fully justifies the name. The equally entertaining Food Inna Di Yard follows. Infectious and well-crafted, it’s one of those tracks that gets everything right, from the lyrical delivery to the musical arrangement.

The next two tracks explore matters of the heart. Do You Love Me is a grower that benefits from repeated listens, whereas On My Way Home immediately catches the ear. The latter features Randy Valentine, and the two singers work particularly well together. It’s an appealing combination that adds another dimension to the album.

There’s more guest action on Coconut Jelly Man, which features Shanique Marie. Her delightful vocals bring a lighter touch to the proceedings. The track is relatively brief, but that’s part of its charm. Capleton, on the other hand, has little interest in keeping things light. On Dem Ago Burn Up, he joins Cali P for a forceful warning to those doing wrong. The heavy atmosphere is evident from the very first note, and both artists deliver exactly what the song demands.

Peace is the message behind Want No War, the album’s final combination tune. With Yung J.R alongside him, Cali P makes a strong call for an end to conflict and violence. He continues the theme on Why So Much Fighting, this time without a guest vocalist. It’s an insightful social commentary, delivered with an appealing old-skool feel.

The closing stretch is particularly strong. Revolution is an excellent solo effort, but Guiding Shield arguably takes things to an even higher level. Produced by Teka over Rootdown Records’ Straight From The Fridge riddim, it has all the ingredients of a standout roots reggae cut. A fitting highlight to close out an album that deserves another spin ten years after its original release.