Album Review: Red Man A Cruise by Elephant Man Tarnado
Yo, let me tell ya about this gem from way back in 2000—Red Man A Cruise by Elephant Man Tarnado. If you're into Reggae with that Dancehall kick, this one’s a must-listen. Straight outta Jamaica, brought to life by Shines Production, it's got that raw energy only island vibes can deliver. Big ups to Shines for arranging and producing the whole thing, while Geovanni handled the mastering. They really put their stamp on it.
Now, this album has some bangers, but two tracks stuck with me like glue: "Man A Cruise" and "Red."
"Man A Cruise" is just... chef's kiss. It’s one of those songs where the beat grabs you right away, and before you know it, you’re vibin’ so hard you forget what you were doin’. The flow Elephant Man brings? Insane. He rides the rhythm like he was born for it (and maybe he was). There’s something about how smooth yet punchy his delivery is—it makes you wanna jump up and move, no matter where you are. You could be sittin' at your desk stressed over bills, but this track will have you chair-dancing like nobody’s watchin’.
Then there’s “Red.” I ain’t gonna lie, when this tune comes on, it feels like a vibe shift. It’s darker, moodier, but still hittin’ all the right notes. The production here is tight; Shines knew exactly what he was doin’. What gets me every time is how Elephant Man switches up his tone—it’s almost hypnotic. Like, you find yourself zoning out, lost in the lyrics, then snapping back like, “Wait, what did I just hear?” Good stuff, man.
This album might not be perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s real, unfiltered, and full of heart. That’s what makes it memorable. Listening to it feels like stepping into a time machine back to 2000s Jamaica—no filter, no frills, just pure talent doing its thing.
Funny thing though—I listened to this album again recently, and halfway through, my neighbor pops his head over the fence asking, “What kinda music is that? Sounds wild!” Wild? Yeah, I guess it kinda is. But isn’t that what makes great music? It surprises you, pulls you in, and leaves you thinkin’ about it long after it’s done.
So yeah, if you haven’t heard Red Man A Cruise, go check it out. Just don’t blame me if you end up cruisin’ around town pretending you’re part of the scene. Trust me, it happens.
