The concept of time holds a special meaning for Protoje. Three of his most recent studio albums reference the past, present, and future. This is a conscious state of mind that is synonymous with roots reggae, yet Protoje elevates his thoughtful soliloquies into nimble wordplay, effortless flows and melodies. His recipe for success has made him undoubtedly one of Jamaica’s most innovative musicians for over a decade. The latest chapter, Third Time’s The Charm, adds to the trilogy of albums he’s dropped since his GRAMMY nomination for A Matter Of Time (2018). Protoje’s journey as a man, a father, and as an entrepreneur in the music industry is crystalized on the artist’s new 10-track opus. The LP, released in partnership with Protoje’s label In.Digg.Nation Collective and RCA Records follows In Search Of Lost Time (2020), which planted a new flag for Protoje and his network of homegrown Jamaican talent he’s helped develop over the past two years. At long last, Third Time’s The Charm is a bookend to an era that began with the 2020 pandemic.
Ten Cane Row feat. Jorja Smith
Then the versatile MC doubles-down on his love ballads with endearing compliments on “Ten Cane Row” featuring the British soul singer Jorja Smith. Iotosh is at the helm, while Llamar “Riff Raff Keys” Brown lays a blanket of soft keyboard chords on the JA meets UK collaboration.
“Late at Night” feat. Lila Iké
The song is a layered gem of Protoje’s diverse palette of influences. The song’s rhythmic framework samples “Late at Night” recorded by iconic Jamaican lover’s rock songstress Pam Hall and reggae architect Gussie Clark in the early 80s. The updated version with Lila Iké’s warming vocals adds deeper sentiment of social commentary on the original that was sung by American soul groups of the 70s like The Stylistics and The Jones Girls. Cadenza, the UK’s heavyweight DJ & beatsmith co–produced “Late at Night.” Other notable contributions come from Natural High Music and Wade Johnson on organ, Lamont “Monty” Savory’s guitar solo, and Donald Dennis on bass.
Family feat Jesse Royal
“Family” reunites Protoje with long-time friend and collaborator Jesse Royal. These two kindred spirits channel their humility and gratitude for the support from their loved ones over Iotosh’s production, which features a silky-smooth trumpet played by Okiel McIntyre.
Incient Stepping
Protoje’s meditative standout-track is a theme of positive affirmations. Protoje is at his most spiritually grounded on over the hypnotic rhythm, produced by Zion I Kings, which consists of Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred on keys, drum programming by Romaine “Teflonzincfence” Arnett, and David “JAH David” Goldfine on bass guitar and kette percussion.
Hills
The first single produced by 8TRACK & IV the Polymath, bridges the gap between long on-and-off stints of lockdowns in Jamaica due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trap-style bounce of “Hills” creates a feel-good vibration to compliment the sobering surroundings of his hilltop studio in the tropics, where Protoje has found solace through the pandemic.
