Popcaan believes new album has Grammy potential
Dancehall artiste Popcaan released his sophomore album, Forever, late last week. The much-talked-about compilation was one of the most highly anticipated albums to be released by a dancehall artiste in recent times, especially after receiving a huge endorsement by Canadian rapper Drake in the weeks leading up to its official release.
Based on the responses so far, Popcaan believes this effort may just land him the coveted Grammy nomination.
Speaking with THE STAR in a post-performance interview at the recently concluded Reggae Sumfest, the entertainer expressed satisfaction at the work he has put into his second album, and believes the compilation has what it takes to go all the way to the top.
“Me done sing bout the Grammy from long time, enuh, and we stronger now, so is supm weh ordain by the Almighty. When the right time forward, the Grammy a go appear and this album, I put in a lot of work on it, myself, Dre Skull and the other producers; so it’s a masterpiece,” he said. “Everybody a give me good reviews about it and so I have a good feeling about it. It’s already number one in a lot of countries and me just grateful and a thank the Almighty and the fans dem.”
The artiste revealed that the album is already climbing several international charts across the US, the UK and several charts across Europe.
He said the album and its imminent success will be good for dancehall music.
“People always bash dancehall and say dancehall artiste nah make good album and we only sing bout one thing. Me glad me can put this album on the platform where people can say this was a good and different album. It’s a great look for dancehall.”
Popcaan may feel Forever is Grammy-nomination worthy, but based on several reviews from music critics, the artiste may need to ‘wheel and come again’.
The UK’s Guardian likened the compilation to ‘supermarket jerk chicken’ in its analysis and said the album promises depth that never surfaces.
“Yes, lead single Wine for Me is irresistible, genius enough to be played alongside Turn Me On or Hold Yuh. Firm and Strong and Lef My Gun are also excellent, but so much of Forever is underpowered and deracinated pop, lacking the filth, grit and deadly sub-bass of his mentor Vybz Kartel,” read part of the Guardian review.
American online magazine Pitchfork was a little less brutal in its review pointing out that there are some good moments on the album, but said it takes way too long for those good parts to surface.
“Like panning for precious metals, Forever requires sieving through plates of glinting sediment before discovering treasure,” a part of their review read.