Artist: Cutty Ranks Album: Six Million Ways to Die

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

An in-depth Review of Cutty Ranks' Six Million Ways to Die

Cutty Ranks, a Jamaican dancehall artist, released Six Million Ways to Die in 1996, a time when dancehall music was exploding on an international level. The album uses a mix of reggae beats, fast-talking lyrics, and bass-heavy rhythms to create a danceable and enjoyable experience. In this review, we will delve into the artist's background, the genre of the album, the best songs on the album, and the most innovative parts while highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the album.

To understand Cutty Rank's music style, we need to understand his journey. Born Philip Thomas, Cutty Ranks began his career in sound systems, competing with other upcoming artists in Jamaica's dancehalls. His first single was released in 1986, and from there, he became known for his fast delivery of lyrics and commanding presence on stage. He is credited with pioneering the fast-rap style that would later be known as toasting, influencing other artists like Tupac Shakur and Busta Rhymes.

Six Million Ways to Die is a classic dancehall album, with Ranks' signature deliverance and a strong emphasis on bass-heavy rhythms. The album features collaborations with other popular artists such as Beres Hammond, Wayne Wonder, and Tony Rebel. The style of the album reflects the '90s dancehall culture, with its focus on sound systems and the party scene.

The standout tracks from the album include Who Say Me Done, with its unique blend of techno and dancehall beats, and The Stopper, a nod to Ranks' earlier work in the sound system scene. A Who Seh Me Dun and Limb By Limb boast Ranks' rapid-fire delivery and ability to switch between singing and toasting. These tracks, along with others, are what make the record a classic part of the dancehall canon.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of samples. The opening track Intro / Six Million Ways to Die uses samples from the movie Blade Runner and The Terminator, setting the mood for the album's futuristic and dark undertones. Another highlight is Living Condition, which samples the theme song from the movie Shaft and features Ranks' storytelling skills.

While the album is a classic part of the genre, it is not without criticisms. Some have accused it of being formulaic, with Ranks sticking to his known style without much experimentation. The themes of the album often revolve around sex and partying, which is common in dancehall genre, but may not be everyone's cup of tea.

In conclusion, Six Million Ways to Die is a definitive part of dancehall music history, with Cutty Ranks' fast delivery and bass-heavy rhythms creating a memorable listening experience. The album's use of samples and collaborations with other popular artists add to its innovative nature. However, the themes and formulaic nature of the album can leave some feeling unimpressed. Overall, Six Million Ways to Die is a classic dancehall album that is worth a listen for any lover of the genre.