A mixed bag of goodies is in store for the avid music fan who decides to explore Shaggy's eighth studio album, Intoxication. A joint venture between the hit-making and trend-setting Big Yard Music Group and New York's VP Records, Intoxication picks up where the dancehall superstar's Hot Shots opus left off.

Intoxication is by far Shaggy's most serious outing since the release of his diamond-selling disc dropped seven years ago. The ingredients are there, dancehall, reggae and up-tempo. A Jamaican-flavoured album with Jamaican producers and musicians. Throw in a dash of rude boy lyrics, conscious tunes and lyrics bordering on societal issues and you have a recipe for serious dance floor action.

Of course the infectious monster called Church Heathen is good for the taking as it re-established Shaggy as a serious contender for dancehall's biggest prize.

The radio-friendly What's Love with Akon; the scrumptious Bonafide Girl taken from the Shanty Town rhythm and featuring talented crooner Ricardo 'Rik Rok' Ducent; Out of Control; Mad Mad World; Wear Di Crown and Body A Shake proved that Shaggy is still on top of his game.

Assistance from the likes of Billboard charters Collie Buddz and Akon in no way detract from the recipe. Tony Gold, Sizzla, Mischieve and Nasha also appear.

Shaggy has sold millions of albums and singles and he has chalked up a string of hit singles locally and internationally. Given the right promotional muscle and charm, Intoxication might just end up where it rightly deserves to be. At the top of the international charts!

NAP Music drops the Spot Check

NAP Music label has issued the Spot Check rhythm. The project is produced by Neville Palmer. Featured are My Herbs by Turbulence; Build It Up by Mr Peppa; Get Over by Major Chris; Spot Check by RDX; Chuck Off by Mr Perfect; The Streets by Kip Rich; Just A Man by Beenie Man; and Bad Man Police by Pinchers.

Additionally, the following titles are now available in record shops. Let The Lion Come/Black Woman by Paul Elliott/Mango Seed; Deceiving The People/Let Jah In by Paul Elliott (Stronger label). The aforementioned singles are being distributed by Energy Beat.

Also available this week from One Love Records are Perfect by Carl Henry featuring Jr Writer; and Hot Gal by Carl Henry (Cesoul label).

Junior Murvin and Ras Shiloh albums released by Greensleeves

Twenty-three years after its initial release, Greensleeves has reissued Junior Murvin's Muggers in the Street album. The 10-track set was produced by the late Henry 'Junjo' Lawes.

The disc contains tracks like Judas and Jesus, Champagne And Wine, Jahovah's Children, Strikes And Demonstrations, Stop The Crime, Jamaican Girls, Hook Line And Sinker, Think Twice and I'll Follow You.

Ras Shiloh has established himself as a beacon within the conscious music circles. His latest album Only King Selassie contains 15 tracks. The set was produced by King Jammys.

Sea Of Love, So Much Heathen, Man From The Mountain, I Know, Rastaman To Africa, Hardcore Steppers, Mama Africa, Praises To Jah, To The King, United We Stand, Don't Deserve My Love, So Proud and Girl Next Door are among the tracks on the album.

Mothers can't father

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'