Conscience Release Notes

Conscience

Benny Culture/

Singie Shante

MEGAWAVE Records MEGW 0162

Conscience is the debut CD by reggae duo Benny Culture and Singie Shante. Performing combinations from 1998 until Benny Culture's untimely death in 2004, their authentic old-world Jamaican values and reliance on God (Jah) come through strongly in their music and reflect their rural roots. They were among the most positive voices coming out of the Caribbean at the turn of the century. This 13-song set includes ten songs with The Gumption Band and three House remixes by U.S. DJ/producer The Groovematist.

Benny Culture began performing when he was 15. His consciousness lyrics and unique chanting style captivated and excited audiences immediately. By the time of his death, his philosophy had deepened and his music had matured, in the roots reggae tradition, while his following continued to grow, especially around his boyhood home in Port Antonio on the island's Northeast coast. He performed his thought-provoking, yet humor-filled original songs in the more sophisticated, urban Kingston setting, as well, and on Jamaican radio. He also produced dub plate recordings for sound systems in Jamaica, Britain, and Europe.

Singie Shante has been singing all his life and feels that singing is his life. Singie's relaxed easy style has been likened to great Jamaican singers Garnet Silk and Tenor Saw. His smooth, melodious tones and his positive, uplifting lyrics have made him a favorite for stage shows with live bands and sound systems in mostly rural Jamaica. He can also be heard on Jamaican radio. Singie's Rastafarian ideals of love and unity provide a strong foundation for his music. He is as comfortable with the tough issues as he is with romantic love songs. He has been a leader in the musical response to HIV/AIDS, and other major social issues.

Having toured throughout the world, The Gumption Band is well known in its own right as well as for its work as the former backing band for Jamaica's number one singing superstar, Beres Hammond. Noted, Michigan-based DJ/producer The Groovematist contributed House remixes.

Please click here to read an independent review: http://www.musicbox-online.com/reviews-2008/culture-shante-conscience-01032008.html

lead vocals:
Benny Culture
Singie Shante

keyboards & synth bass:
Dwight "Duke" Dawes [except Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix)]
Mechial "The Groovematist" White [Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix) only]

drum programming:
Rolando "Phanso" Wilson [except Justice, Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix)]
Mechial "The Groovematist" White [Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix) only]
Dwight Dawes [Justice only]

electric & acoustic guitar:
Robert "Gus" Angus [except Conscience, Strange Things (Remix), Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix)]
Mechial "The Groovematist" White [My Type of Girl (Remix) only]

bass & tenor bass :
Michael Fletcher [Conscience, Strange Things (Remix) only]

vocal production:
Dale "Anthony Selassie" McLaren [except I Can Make a Difference, Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix)]
Mechial "The Groovematist" White [Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix) only]

backup vocals:
Paul "Lymie" Murray and Dalton Browne [except Justice, Gun or God, Strange Things (Remix), Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix)]
Peta-gae Soltau, Karena Brown, Chantelle Ernandez & Marshalle Genus [Justice only]
Dwight Dawes, Robert Angus, Rolando Wilson & Benny Culture [Gun or God, Vineyard, Strange Things (Remix) only]
Mechial "The Groovematist" White [Chant Rastafari (Remix) only]

recorded & mixed by:
Dale "Anthony Selassie" McLaren [except I Can Make a Difference, Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix)]
Gee Jam Studios [I Can Make a Difference only]
John Palmer [Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix) only]

produced by:
Rolando "Phanso" Wilson [except Justic e (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix)]
John Palmer and Mechial White [Justice (Remix), My Type of Girl (Remix), Chant Rastafari (Remix) only]

mastered by:
John Palmer

executive producers:
John Palmer
Sheila Middaugh-Evans

photographs:
Sheila Middaugh-Evans

layout:
John Palmer

Conscience
Benny Culture/Singie Shante

1. Conscience 4:04
2. Justice 4:07
3. Gun or God 4:02
4. My Type of Girl 4:08
5. Strange Things 3:54
6. Vineyard 3:55
7. I Can Make a Difference 3:44
8. Far East 4:00
9. Chant Rastafari 4:03
10. Strange Things (Remix) 3:58
11. Justice (Remix) 7:56
12. My Type of Girl (Remix) 4:49
13. Chant Rastafari (Remix) 5:24

Conscience

Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.
Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.

In front of me they're smiling,
Then behind don't want to see my sun come shine.
I'm working so hard I've got to be moving.
Can't you see its Jah-Rastafari-love I believe in?

Why do they clean up their clothes
And not clean up their hearts?
They and their guy Satan still walk.
They clean up their clothes
But not clean up their hearts.
They and their bad-mind guy still talk.

Well, it's the height of bad-eration and their judgment
On the man who builds walls and who runs fence.
I tell them, render your heart and not garment;
In the King Selassie, man should put his confidence.
Word-sound is power,
I say word-sound is strength.
Come in Singie Singie with the message for them.

Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.
Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.

Every time we make a move to improve
They want to see us lose, but I know we are here to improve.
Every time we make a try to get a bly (break)
The system is so hard to survive.

Enough of them teach culture but are filled up with bad mind,
They vex when they see the next D.J. shine.
Culture they teach but are filled up with bad mind,
Vexed too when they see me moving on the front line.

Now I'm solid like a rock, just like a star I shine,
Have some culture tune come to blow their mind.
Every time they hear my voice it's like a brand new design.
Come, Singie Singie, you run border line.

Why you want to rejoice just to see us go down?
When I know there's a true and living king
Who rules and reigns. He sits on his throne.
I want to go home.

Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.
Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.

Enough of them are back-biter, Anti-Christ in the place.
Wicked people should want to re-consecrate.
Judgment, I tell them, stand up at the gate.
You better start praying before it's too late.

Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.
Conscience is like a whip,
So you better be careful how you use it.


Justice

Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.
Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.

To each he gave talents and special abilities
And to create and live in love peace and inity (unity);
So we can strengthen one another to live in unity
And all who are in bondage, we're here to set them free.

Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.
Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.

No matter the skin color, class, yes, or creed
It's only Rastafari: one aim, one destiny.
And, yes, we've got the power to love universally.
That is my opinion; that's my philosophy.

Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.
Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.

Take these chains off my feet and set me free.
Take the strain off my brain and ease my pain.
For so long we've been mistreated. How long will this go on?
Yes, I pray that Jah will guide us through the wind and storm.

Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.
Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.

To each he gave talents and special abilities
And to create and live in love, peace, and inity.
So we can strengthen one another to live in unity,
And all who are in bondage, we're here to set them free.

Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.
Must I be forever looking, trying to find equal rights and justice?
We're no better than each other in the sight of His Majesty.


Gun or God

Yeah, Psalm 52, man
I and I say, why boastest thou thyself in mischief?
Oh Mighty Man, the goodness of King Salassie endureth forever and ever.
Benny Culture on the case again, I tell them.

The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe that some man can diss Jah.
The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe, I can't believe.

Well, see the gun in your hand, that is Satan's rod;
The one on your hip, that is Satan's handbag.
Gun-work money, blood money is what you have.
When you have your gun, you don't remember God.
A pure robbing, robbing is your intention;
Killing, killing like you're going to eat man.
All upon your mind is pure contention.
If evil you study you won't live long.

The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe that some man can diss Jah.
The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe, I can't believe.

Well I say the same gun that when some man will run down;
Any time the gun they bust, a man gone under ground.
The same gun I catch them giving praise,
I tell them the same gun shortens their days.
The same gun that shot the bad man down, it also shot the policeman down.
The money that they take to buy a gun, food you should buy instead.

The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe that some man can diss Jah.
The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe, I can't believe.

Guns make you sick, guns can't heal man.
A gun shot is no pill nor medication.
When you're horny a gun you can't wine on,
And when you're hungry, the gun shot you can't nyam (eat).

So respect is due to the Almighty One,
The Man who makes you fit,
And makes you firm and strong.
Everlasting life, that man can live long, any time
I hold the mike I have to bust this one.

The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe that some man can diss Jah.
The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe, I can't believe.

Well, see the gun in your hand, that is Satan's rod;
The one on your hip, that is Satan's handbag.
Gun-work money, blood money is what you have.
When you have your gun, you don't remember God.
A pure robbing, robbing is your intention;
Killing, killing like you're going to eat man.
All upon your mind is pure contention.
If evil you study you won't live long.

The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe that some man can diss Jah.
The boys who want guns more than how they want Jah &endash;
I can't believe, I can't believe.

[repeats]


My Type of Girl

Who goes? Benny Culture and Singie Singie. The empresses (ladies)
They tell us to fling it, fling it Singie Singie.
True and a royal empress, yes, for me. Oh, well now.

My type of girl,
She's the number one in the world.
My type of girl,
Can't you see? Can't you see?

Trodding through the midst of life with an angel by my side
Traveling to know the world, far and wide.
She's a true, an empress lady. She's the one for me.
She satisfies my soul with her naturality.

What a precious empress I've got.
Since I got this girl, yea, I don't worry nor fret.
What a precious empress I've got.
Since I got this girl, I don't even smoke cigarettes.

(kiss) Woman, hold a big kiss there!
(kiss) Woman, take the next one here!
(kiss) This one here is for Sheila!
(kiss) Take this one here for the braughter (extra)!
I'm gonna hug you up and kiss you all over.
But one thing, I won't pass the navel, oh no.

My type of girl, she's the number one in the world.
My type of girl, can't you see? Can't you see?
My type of girl, she's the number one in the world.
My type of girl, can't you see? Can't you see?

I'm gonna request a love song for all of the loved ones,
Every good woman must need a good man.
I'm gonna request a love song for all of the loved ones,
Every good woman must need a good man.

She don't want a man who's full of contention;
Don't want a man to come pop off her hand;
Don't want a man that's too weak to "woman."
She wants a man with loving that's strong (strong, strong!).

Often times sitting in the park, I can remember sharing thoughts.
You chase away my sadness, ooo you make me laugh.
We made our vows that we will never part.
A trueness of our love, it's coming straight from my heart.

My type of girl, she's the number one in the world.
My type of girl, can't you see? Can't you see?
My type of girl, she's the number one in the world.
My type of girl, can't you see? Can't you see?

(kiss) Mama Civilization!
I've never seen a man yet who didn't come from woman,
So respect from all men is due to woman,
She could have just one foot or one hand; she could even be a "cho" or a "go-along" (trashy).
Ready, we're ready to live in love and be strong.


Strange Things

Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Now the fire, yes, the young have to blaze,
And let them change their wicked ways.

We were here from the ages of B.C.
We were here for many, many centuries
Praising Haile Adoni.
Yes, in those times we were so humble and free.

Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Now the fire, yes, the young have to blaze,
And let them change their wicked ways.

I see men, lovers of vanity,
Having no love for humanity.
They're causing pain and misery,
But I will humble my self in the sight of the Almighty.

Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Now the fire, yes, the young have to blaze,
And let them change their wicked ways.

Now a days the youth have no fun, fun.
That's why there're so confused; shooting their brothers down.
Killing for pennies; killing, yes, for pounds.
When you think they're smiling, it's only just a frown.

Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Strange things are happening now a days. It's always.
Now the fire, yes, the young have to blaze,
And let them change their wicked ways.

[repeats]


Vineyard

I and I say what's sweet to the mouth shall surely be bitter to the belly;
And what is bitter to the mouth shall be sweet to the belly.
Mother Earth teaches me, I tell them.
Benny Culture upon the case once more again.

Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If you eat things with a face, it is one of the biggest mistakes.
Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If it is not a green bush (vegetable), woman, don't put it on my plate.

Well, a long time I've been telling them that meat will condemn them,
But they just say "Rasta, youth, you must have a problem."
But now diabetes has started to kill them.
They nyam (gobble up) the hog that the dog kills in the pen;
They nyam the mad cow that England sends;
They nyam the patty that comes from dog meat;
Now I hear some a say they don't like meat again,
They are tired of spending money with Doctor Ken.

Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If you eat things with a face, it is one of the biggest mistakes.
Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If it is not a green bush (vegetable), woman, don't put it on my plate.

Well many say they are a prince, many say they are a king,
But visit their yard and they nyam wing wing (chicken).
And their brethren around the back nyam the same thing,
And then come out onto the street and preach Rasta doctrine.
But anywhere a guy hides, lighting shall find him.
Can't hide from Jah, this is a serious thing.
Be careful of the meat and the tin thing.
Be careful of anything you buy from Mr. Chin (any grocer).

Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If you eat things with a face it is one of the biggest mistakes.
Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If it is not a green bush (vegetable), woman, don't put it on my plate.

Well, many say they are a Ras, but have no "calabash faith,"
Every morning I see them with a restaurant plate.
Boy, he eats pork and the boy, he eats steak,
Nyam out all the things from out of Jah's place.
And the works of The Man now the boy he forsakes.
It's the bread of sorrow I see they will have to taste.
Watch what you cook, and make no mistake,
'Cause you know that destruction is out there waiting.

Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If you eat things with a face it is one of the biggest mistakes.
Man must eat out of his vineyard straight,
If it is not a green bush (vegetable), woman, don't put it on my plate.

[repeat]


I Can Make a Difference

I say the arms of flesh will fail you,
Dare not trust your own.
If you do, HIV will distress your home.

HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.

I can make a difference, but I don't know about the profit (if it will help me).
I, man, can even make money, but I don't know if it will make me happy.
Well, you can see how much destruction a tek we,
When man does not listen to the words of prophecy,
When the righteous them talk and never listen to we,
They skin up them teeth and laugh after we,
Now AIDS starts to lick down the Black family, a pure balling in the community.
Mother lose her daughter, father lose him son, just because the HIV disease come.

HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.

There are lots of beautiful ladies out there,
So you have to take caution, you must be prepared, be prepared.
Ooo, it seems so nice, but it could be your worst nightmare.

HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.

Well, I'm a father, I'm a brother, I'm a lover, I'm a son.
Careless sex is what we come to send down.
Can't say you love and then give your love burn,
Gone to Buff Bay as your woman's back is turned.
It's this same thing makes disease have to come.
Not three days yet but you want to lie down with this sexy girl,
True, she's fat and she's round.
Keep your mind on your woman, you'll live to have fun.

HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.
HIV can kill any man. Use a condom.

Again, I can make a difference, but I don't know about the profit.
I, man, can even make money, but I don't know if it will make me happy.

Now, I say, guide me Jah-Jah, as I trod along, and listen to the voice of a true Rasta man,
Who never went to high school to get an education,
But I know I can teach love and compassion.
So what? I can make a difference, but I don't know about the profit.
I, man, can even make money, but I don't know if it will make me happy.
Again, I can make a difference, but I don't know about the profit.
I, man, can even make money, but I don't know if it will make me happy.

[Repeats]


Far East

Ethiopia is calling me, ya-oh, ya-oh, ya-oh.

Back to the Far East, there's no war, only peace.
Back to the Far East, righteousness increase.
Back to the Far East, there's no war, only peace.
Back to the Far East, righteousness increase.

I can see the red, green and gold staring at me.
I can see my people want to be free.
Let the war and the destruction cease.
Release the chains and let us be.

Back to the Far East, there's no war, only peace.
Back to the Far East, righteousness increase.
Back to the Far East, there's no war, only peace.
Back to the Far East, righteousness increase.

This and that man say he is from Zion
When I know many are wrong.
We are only here to sing King Alpha song:
Free my people, free them out of Babylon.

Back to the Far East, there's no war, only peace.
Back to the Far East, righteousness increase.
Back to the Far East, there's no war, only peace.
Back to the Far East, righteousness increase.

Tower of Babel is falling, and I can't wait to see it in the morning.
Tower of Babel is falling, and I can't wait to see it in the morning.
Take me home 'cause I know that I'm safe.
I know there is a hiding place for a righteous race, race.
Take me back 'cause it's not too late.
There's got to be some space. Take me home.

[repeat]


Chant Rastafari

(original)
I and I say, Jah is the way to life,
And he that believes in Him shall prosper and have everlasting life.
Benny Culture on their case once again,
My brother and sister.

(remix)
I and I say, this is a prayer for the whole wide world,
A prayer for every boy, woman, man, and girl.
Benny Culture on their case once more, man.

Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith and roll the chariot along.
Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith.

Well, me tell them, this time is not for Mr. Lucky, not for Mr. Best,
Only who the Almighty Father request.
Fittest of the fittest them must have success.
Man must walk, leave the heathen, out of congress (the whole body).
'Cause no wicked guy can put me to no test.
Enough of them go on like they're better than the rest,
Tell them to go their way and don't take no check (look back).
But if you don't give thanks, the Almighty shall vex.

Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith and roll the chariot along.
Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith.

It doesn't matter what you say 'bout righteousness.
Man, if Jah calls upon you, you might be next.
So mind how you program and how you a flex.
In the midst of life's plan you need to look out for death.
That means trials and crosses are the biggest object.
And the rumors they will spread and try to fill Culture's head,
They want me to praise the Pope and they tell me 'bout how the King's dead.
I'll not leave my God and praise them instead.

Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith and roll the chariot along.
Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith.

Now, it's true you live down in the ghetto where they call it the slum.
That doesn't really mean to say you have to pick up the gun.
By the sweat of your brow, I know the dollars have to run.
That means one day, one day, the alms house will go down.
Man you have to have faith and not take life for fun.
Live by the gun, you shall die by the gun.
You can't say I didn't warn you from when I was young.
So come, help me lick the nyabingie drum, again.

Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith and roll the chariot along.
Chant Rastafari night and day long.
Man hold the faith.

[repeat]

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Last updated September 8, 2022.
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