Just as many other styles of music, reggae embodies its own unique sound and can be associated with a particular style or persona. The term "Streggae" is a Jamaican slang term for looking "raggedy or unkempt" and was being used long before "No Woman, No Cry". Just as you have it though, today's Reggae is none other than the dreadlocked, barefooted, tie-dye-wearin', mary-jane loving, Rasta-mon! This all makes perfect sense given that Reggae's birth in America can be attributed to the Jamaican native himself, Bob Marley. Many Reggae artists which have preceded Marley have embraced this persona and passed it down so that later generations have been able to experience the true spirit of JAmmin'.
Now, I by no means am a rasta, hippie, or even come close to being "dreadlocked". Just my being in the presence of pot smoke can result in me having a miserable headache and a bad case of the "paranoids" that has, since I was 16, kept me standing on the outskirts of any 'smoke circle.' Yet, to the contrary of what one may believe, I love nothing more than to kick back to the beat of Bob's Buffalo Soldier or Ub40's Red, Red Wine-- I mean, really, who doesn't? Although each unique person may relate to a particular song in their own individual way, there is something about the repeated stress of that off-beat that makes you wanna move yo' feet!
Well, it just so happens that some of Bob Marley's little protege will be paying a visit to the Lincoln Theatre here in Raleigh, NC tonight. They call themselves SOJA, or Soldiers of Jah Army. (You'll have to do your own research if you are not quiet sure who this "Jah" may be). Although their liberal and very often weed-referencing lyrics do not directly relate to my everyday life, there is still something about the way they rock their Reggae with some streggae that keeps me coming back for more!
That's Jacob. Okay, I know he is oddly beautiful, but bring you're attention back to me now...
The point I'd really like to make is that for generations people have been using music as a way to express their emotions or creativity, or, simply as a way to link themselves to a certain "way of life". As spectators of their art, we as individuals can take what a musician creates for entertainment and find our own way to relate to their beat or lyrics through our own life's experiences.
For instance, you don't have to be from a farm to wanna slap on your cowgirl boots and take a ride on Jason Aldean's "Big Green Tractor", or a from the ghetto to wanna shake it to some Young Jeezy. Although many times there is one particular genre that a person finds themselves favoring- as it likely closely aligns with their own persona or lifestyle, there also are those artists which are able to compose music within their own genre while finding a common ground with listeners from all different walks of life. I mean, most any American of any given age or background can likely say there is at least one of those Bob Marley reggae tunes they know and love. For heaven sakes, the infamous dog "Marley" was even named after him!
As for me, I'm a little bit country, and, yes, a little rock n' roll too, but, just as I enjoy arriving to Kenny in my Justin Boots, I may tonight just have to arrive at the Lincoln Theatre with a small braid in my hair or perhaps tote a long strap-worn-over-the-shoulder-diagonally coin purse that says, "Hey, little darling Jacob, I'm ready to "Stir it Up." I think reggae is fun, free, and happy, and, as for the streggae?
I DIG IT.
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