Natural High’s Cane Fields: Back to Reggae’s 70s Activist Roots

In the 1970s we saw Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and other reggae artists lean into social activism within their lyrics. This reflected a wider movement within music globally as young people and communities lost faith and trust in their governments. Gender, racial and class inequalities and injustices became front and centre in music. This activism then faded away in the early 80s, but came back with punk, folk and gangsta rap in the late 80s / early 90s. From the late 90s on we have seen more socially active artists and I would argue that this is the most socially conscious music has been since 1971. Natural High, along with modern reggae luminaries Karbaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal and Wayne Marshall bring a modern twist to that 70s fight the power vibe.

Musically, what Natural High has done here is one of the strongest hip hop reggae crossovers out there. Deep 4/4 beats with some atmospheric backing vocals sounds like something off a Kendrick Lamar record and not a reggae track. There are bits of acoustic guitar and dub beats that remind you of this track’s reggae roots, but this is a modern hip hop reggae fusion through and through. The beats and arrangement works well with the team-up nature of the track. Everyone gets a verse, which is followed by a reggae style chorus with guitar. The music is simple, effective and well executed…plus you can bop to it.

Lyrically is where this track really sets itself from the rest. First of all, in true 90s hip hop style this is a big team-up track…and in all good team-up tracks, everyone needs their space. This track does well giving each artist room to shine, but not too much. No one steps on the other and each person compliments the next. Variations in vocal style also helps keep the listener interested and engaged in the track. Themes within the track draw connections between the slavery and inequality of the past to modern day issues of race, gender and class. Much like how they were forced to work in the cane fields for nothing, there are millions of people who work today and do not have their basic needs met due to the colour of their skin and oppression. Ultimately, the only thing left is to burn the fields down and start again.

It is this 70’s era burn it down and fight the power activism that works really well in the track. They bring that social justice passion to modern day issues in a way that most mainstream songs do not. I also love a great team-up song with some heavy hitters in the genre and this song delivers. This will probably be a top 10 song for me and is an example of how artists are moving reggae forward into new dimensions.

Listen to Cane Fields