Assassin's gravel-rough voice has been a recognizable presence in dancehall for a while. In recent years, his thunderous flow has boomed out in hip-hop too, adding texture to songs by Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar; earlier this week, his voice resonated over the Grammy stage during Kendrick's performance of "The Blacker The Berry." Though he has made his name through hardcore dancehall, the artist also known as Agent Sasco is returning with Theory of Reggaetivity, an all-reggae album filled with classic one-drop grooves and melodies.
"This is my first full reggae album. I consider it the true spirit of the genre," Assassin told The FADER over email. "Music is the primary mission, where the vibe leads the process and everyone—including the musicians, producers and artists involved—contributes to the understanding that we are a part of something far greater than all of us and that within itself was magical."
Theory of Reggaetivity is out on February 19; stream it below until then.
