Album Review: Nah Tek It So by Principal (1987)
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Nah Tek It So, the 1987 reggae-dancehall gem from Principal. Released under Club Kokua and produced by the dynamic duo G. Williams and S. Weise, this album is like a time machine straight to the sun-soaked streets of Jamaica. And let me tell ya, it’s got vibes for days.
First off, let’s talk about “Ninja Style.” I mean, c’mon, how can you not remember a track with a name like that? This tune hits you with razor-sharp beats and lyrics so smooth they could slice through butter. It’s like Principal is schooling us in the art of stealth while making us move our feet. The rhythm is hypnotic, and the bassline? Oh man, it’s the kind of groove that makes your neighbors wonder why you’re suddenly dancing in your kitchen at 2 AM. If ninjas partied—and let’s face it, they probably do—this would be their anthem.
Then there’s the title track, “Nah Tek It So.” Now, this one feels like Principal’s way of saying, “Chill out, life’s too short to stress.” It’s got that laid-back dancehall swagger, where every beat feels like a warm breeze on a lazy afternoon. What sticks with me here isn’t just the vibe but the message—it’s almost like he’s reminding us not to take things too seriously. Plus, the arrangement by Williams and Weise? Pure genius. They layered the instruments just right, so nothing feels cluttered, leaving space for Principal’s voice to shine.
The whole album has this raw charm to it, like it was recorded during a jam session fueled by Red Stripe beers and good vibes. You won’t find any overproduced nonsense here—just pure, unfiltered Jamaican soul. And honestly, that’s what makes Nah Tek It So stand out. It doesn’t try too hard; it just is.
But here’s the kicker: listening to this record now, decades later, it feels oddly timeless. Like, sure, it came out in ’87, but slap on some headphones today, and it still bumps. Maybe that’s the magic of reggae-dancehall—it ages like fine rum. Or maybe Principal was just ahead of his time. Either way, hats off to him.
So, if you’re looking for an album that’ll transport you to another era without boring you to tears, give Nah Tek It So a spin. Just don’t blame me when you catch yourself busting ninja moves in the mirror or humming “Nah Tek It So” while stuck in traffic. And hey, who knows? Maybe ninjas really do listen to dancehall. Stranger things have happened.
Rating: 8/10 – solid gold, mon.
