Ackboo - Pharaoh (Tanta Records)

Whereas on 'Invincible' names of famous guests like Horace Andy, Solo Banton, Brother Culture or Linval Thompson still attracted attention, 'Pharaoh' mainly features voices that will be lesser known to the general public, but that didn't necessarily result in inferior music. The title of the album of course refers to Ackboo's (real name Nabil Mostafa) Egyptian roots. The track list counts 12 songs, including 9 vocal tracks, one instrumental (title track 'Pharaoh'), and two dubs, in Ackboo's well-known mix of reggae, dub, trap, electro and hip-hop. Our personal favorites from the track list are 'From All Men Apart' featuring Ras Hassen Ti on vocals, Dapatch's rub-a-dub in 'Give Me A Hand', instant sound anthem 'Youthman' feat. Malone Rootical, and the catchy 'Goodness' featuring Spanish Sr. Wilson on vocals.