Dancehall and reggae artiste Bugle has released his fifth album, Apex, a 16-track project that showcases his signature style and features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents in the music industry. The album, which dropped on August 23 via An9ted Entertainment/Evidence Music, includes collaborations with legendary figures such as Maxi Priest, Buju Banton, Damian Marley, Tifa, Capleton, Barrington Levy, and Rory Stone Love. In addition to these established names, Apex highlights up-and-coming artists like Chaps, GiHrl, and reggae stalwarts Ras Shiloh and Military Man.
Bugle, known for his thoughtful approach to music, explained his decision to feature both established and newer artists on the album. “It definitely was strategic. There’s no superstar to me like my local superstars,” he told the Jamaica Observer in an interview. “I’m more excited to work with a Maxi Priest than an Usher, with a Barrington Levy than a Chris Brown, because these are the artistes whose music I grew up listening to. I’m always trying with younger artistes; if you check my track record, you will see I’ve never put out an album without a young artiste on there.”
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The creation of Apex involved a collaborative effort rooted in respect and love rather than financial motives. Bugle emphasized this sentiment, saying, “It was a great experience working with the artistes. Just like the title of one of the songs on this album, you have to have patience; God and time, because money couldn’t get it done the way I got it, only love and respect could.”
Apex delves into a variety of themes, from social issues to personal matters of the heart, reflecting Bugle’s versatile musical approach. The album features tracks like “Brutal Murderer,” a remake of Barrington Levy’s classic 1984 hit “Murderer” with Levy himself contributing to the track, “Come Strong” featuring GiHrl, “Heart Too Clean” featuring Chaps, “Love Again” with Maxi Priest, “Inside Warm” featuring Tifa, and “Thank You Lord” featuring both Buju Banton and Damian Marley. Another standout track is “Hopes (Small World),” which interpolates Capleton’s iconic song “That Day Will Come” from 20 years ago.
Bugle’s inclusion of a remake of “Murderer” was driven by his longstanding appreciation for the song. “Murderer has been a favourite song of mine for years now, so when I was approached by [producer] Flava McGregor to work on that song, I jumped at the opportunity. The people that I worked with on this album were hand-picked so they knew exactly where my head was and where I’m looking to go with this project,” he explained.
Since making his mark on the music scene in the early 2000s, Bugle, born Roy Thompson, has established a reputation for producing thought-provoking and emotionally resonant music. He is best known for hits such as “Nuh Compatible,” “Journeys,” “What I’m Gonna Do (Exercise Everyday),” “Anything Goes,” “Pearly Gates,” and “What Have I Done To You.”
Reflecting on his musical journey, Bugle expressed his continuous growth as an artist. “I’m always growing, and there’s always room to grow even more,” said the Rasta Party artiste. Apex not only demonstrates Bugle’s evolution but also reinforces his commitment to blending the past with the future, bringing together iconic voices and fresh perspectives in reggae and dancehall music.
