Last year, singer Junior Holt spoke about his plans to record more original songs, and move away from covering his legendary father’s classic tracks. He keeps his word with The Ruler, scheduled for release in late March.

Produced by his son, Bamm Holt, The Ruler hears Holt expressing gratitude to his faith as well as other religions. It will be released on their Voltage label.

“I man was always around spiritual vibes ’cause I man mother and grandmother is churchgoers and my mother is a minister in church. Jah Rastafari is what I learnt about as a young Rastaman growing up in the early ’90s and being around a lot of elders who taught I man certain religions that I never even know of. So with all that knowledge and growing up in the struggles as a young man inspired me to be able to pencil out these lyrics,” he said.

The Connecticut-based artiste is the son of John Holt, arguably reggae’s most influential singer. Since his father died in 2014 at age 69, he and Bamm have covered several of Holt senior’s songs, including Police in Helicopter and Tribal War.

With the recent opening of their recording studio, they are determined to score with fresh material.

Junior Holt wrote The Ruler, which he delivers roots-reggae style to a hip hop-driven beat.

He told Observer Online that it is a sign of bigger things to come.

“The Ruler is a solo project which it’s just I man dealing with it, which eventually will become an album,” he said.
Howard Campbell