Ghetto Knowledge The Meditations

Released on February 9, 1999, GHETTO KNOWLEDGE marked a monumental return for The Meditations. After nearly a decade away from the recording studio, the legendary harmony trio reunited to deliver a full-length project that proved their vocal prowess and Rastafarian message remained as potent as ever. The album was met with immediate critical acclaim, with the College Music Journal hailing it as "perhaps one of the best classic reggae albums of the last 10 years."

The album serves as a masterclass in the "Rockers" style of reggae, characterized by deep, driving rhythms and the group's signature three-part vocal harmonies. Throughout the 17-track collection, the trio explores themes of social justice, spiritual resilience, and African heritage. Tracks like "African CONNECTION⁠" and "Ghetto Is A College" underscore their commitment to education and cultural identity, blending conscious lyrics with infectious melodies.

One of the standout features of this release is the group's cover of Bob Marley's "Blackman Redemption." This inclusion is particularly significant because The Meditations provided the original backing vocals for Marley when the song was first recorded. Their version on this album brings their journey full circle, reclaiming a piece of reggae history they helped create while adding a fresh, contemporary energy to the classic track.

The production on GHETTO KNOWLEDGE manages to capture the raw, organic feel of 1970s roots reggae while utilizing the polished sound quality of the late 90s. From the spiritual yearning of "Only Jah Love" to the sharp social commentary of "The Police," the album showcases a diverse range of moods. It stands firmly alongside the group's most celebrated works, proving that their ability to craft timeless "rebel music" had not diminished with time. Today, the album remains a staple for fans of traditional roots and harmony-heavy reggae.