Review: Popcaan Anchors The Unruly Camp’s True Story

In a montage of reflecting, reminiscing, dreaming, hard-working, shot placing, and shot calling, the Unruly Boss Popcaan displays some of the many talents signed to and affiliated with his Unruly Camp.

We see his artistes putting their genius on the True Story Riddim, released in April, with accompanying visuals all compiled in St. Thomas Jamaica, released on June 27.  The collection was produced by Unruly Entertainment and Sky Entertainment, while the videos were shot and edited by KhingCham. For each featured artiste, the medley boasts the first verse and chorus, with even producer Dane Ray and hitmaker Quada putting vocals on the relaxing beat.

The release of the visuals follows the dauntless address of a troll on Poppy’s Instagram page, who alluded that the Unruly Boss was unfaithful in his commitment to his apprentices. Of course, (scheduled or unscheduled), the medley video was later released with a blistering clap back from the Number Don’t Lie singer.

Scheduled or unscheduled, preview or full release, the True Story Riddim and its medley video are a one up for the Unruly camp.

Featured on the medley are:

Valiant – Better than That

Valiant, whose real name is Raheem Bowes, professes realness from long ago. Better than the bad mind, bigger than that, for now, it’s just about holding a steady meditation.

Armed with many artillery, enemies, and backbiters can do nothing to stop the rise. Surrounded by trouble from those close to him, he exercises his trigger fingers to send them packing. Once signed by Unruly Entertainment, he is off to work whilst enemies sleep.

Unruly Cuz – Neva Forget

Unruly Cuz remembers the former time of very little pickings, where poverty reigned supreme. The singjay recounts being wet (though inside) whenever it rained and sharing a single pair of shoes with two other brothers. He dreams of better days when he makes his mother live comfortably, and his father proud of is achievements. With the system as a stumbling block, he perseveres towards the goal.

Oven Boss / Cookkie – Pray

This ‘Bredda’ works hard each day and prays for the door (of opportunity) to be opened to him. Being tasked with the responsibility of the breadwinner Oven Boss employs both natural and supernatural strategies to find that elusive key. He is aware that other ways and means exist; however, he stays clear of the path that will lead him to trouble, as in the case of many of his friends who now reside in their graves.

Prince Ikeem – Trouble

In a serious mood,  Prince Ikeem explains to the person on the other end of the call that he is in hot dispute with others.

He employs various guns for the attack, to turn up on their turf and place trouble right at their feet. In the heat of the day, he gives them a page, flies a few bats, and have the others scampering for cover from the brazen onslaught.

Italis – Unruly Love

In a tone of voice quite similar to Mega and Buju Banton, Italis asks his partner to love him in an unfashionable way.

He is at a loss from the understanding that she was never in love with him, only his money and what it did for her. Now that he is facing hard times, her actions toward him have soured.

J Deva – Need some Changes

Here the deejay is standing up for making positive changes in the make-up of the ghettos. Those in power are oblivious to the cries for change, hence J Deva is rounding up all concerned to withhold their votes until they are taken seriously. He is wondering how it is that the politicians can find food so easily in times of scarcity to woo those who suffer from hunger.

Furnace – Dream Big

Furnace makes it clear that the dreams were there for a long time. Surrounded by negative vibes and sounds, he works hard while naysayers are asleep. Never selling out his friends and family, but being a victim of sell-out, nonetheless, he goes for what he wants. He goes to work ever strapped with the ‘matic in case of any eventualities.

Frahcess One – Monstrosity

With a voice similar to two of the Abundant Life deejay’s former Gaza Empire colleagues in Jah Vinci and Black Ryno, the Frahcess One asks, “How dem a gwaan like dem can dead so?”.

The tough talking, small voiced Unruly deejay belts out gun lyrics boasting about shooting actions in broad daylight. This is a real bad man song, which puts variety to the riddim.

Dane Ray – SubZero

Stepping out of his regular position on the other side of the glass, producer cum deejay Dane Ray spits bars in prolific but unfussy flow akin to artistes hailing from North America. He is portraying his lifestyle as one of luxury, designer gears, hot rides, and many hot girls from varying races. This one is definitely a collector’s item.

Quada – Never Weak

Firm and strong, never accepting defeat, Quada asserts that he never gets weak. In pursuit of the pinnacle (a wind turbine in the video), he works all day and all night, bleaching on the job. At the mercy of non-believers, he is being branded as a gangster when they see the proceeds of hard work. He resorts to playing possum to identify those who would come to his aid.

Zamunda – Make It

Sweet sounding sings along with a very memorable and catchy hook, Zamunda delivers the standout single for all ears. He encourages ghetto youths to work hard to achieve their goals and not to rely on envy and grudge when they see the signs of prosperity on another colleague. “We all can make it” he sings, “all we have to do is try.”

Popcaan – Retribution

On anchor, we have the Unruly Boss delivering a bad man tune in true Poppi style with the catchy bars, “If dem no dead mi no feels good,” he sings, “dem better run away.” He promises bullets to brains, with blood running like Pinesol. To disrespect his family, Popcaan will go to great lengths to defend and exact retribution.

The following day, perhaps to return to the place where good Karma resides, the usually jovial Poppy, having responded to the troll in a not so calm way, released a lengthened mediative quoting of scriptures and a new single.

Whether Dancehall fans have the troll to thank or not, the medley has been performing well across platforms and will be getting rotation in our virtual parties this weekend. Like an album in one take, this medley showcases cadence, lyrical prowess, and obvious experience in delivering a professional package in video and audio.

The Riddim, which you can stream below, also features Doza Medicine’s Work Hard, Geno’s Sleepless, Powakut’s Giva Thanks, Tatik’s Winner, Anarchie’s Nah Guh So, and Synistah’s Dead Man Alone Turn Legends.