White and born in Ipswich doesn’t really conjure images of reggae music, however YT has arrived upon the scene to blow apart the stereotype and forge his mark in the reggae industry. Cutting his teeth as a youth on the Ashanti Sound System, YT has mastered the nuances of Jamaican patois, which is highly evident by his lyrically chatting on this, his debut release.

His first major 7” of note was the massive ‘England Story’ (a version of Baby Cham’s ‘Ghetto Story’), and this was an instant success. The song delivers a none stop ‘big up’ to UK sound systems and artists in a bid to revive the glory days of the UK reggae sound. This, plus the massive ‘Wicked Act’, a song dedicated to the victims of the 7/11 bombing are both present on ‘Straight Outta Britain’. Alongside these two huge cuts, sit other, very notable tracks, including ‘Longtime’ where he’s teamed up with Luciano for a classic roots track. ‘Surround You’ is at the other end of the spectrum, a massive jumpup drum n bass tune, wickedly danceable. ‘They call him YT’ is cut on JD’s 2010 riddim, a storming cut, which sings of YT’s representation of dancehall & the breaking down of colour barriers in music. ‘Mind’ is a favorite of mine, a heavy b-line thumps along with YT chanting of the birth of reggae in the heart of the Jamaican ghetto. Giving thanks and praise too several of the great foundation artists of reggae music.

‘Straight Outta Britain’ covers a wide range of reggae styles, all in a fine style. YT’s voice is sweet and he seems to have a natural talent for the JA language. His test will be the hardcore Jamaican contingent. He did manage to please the crowd at Jamaica’s annual Sting concert last year, so it would seem that YT is destined for big tings!

Review by 'JumpUp'

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