Rise feat. Blackout JA, Talisman, Coozie Miller
Potential Badboy

Potential Badboy brings news of his upcoming jungle-rooted album Elusive, with Rise featuring Blackout JA, Talisman, and Coozie Mellers, a powerful anthem uplifting Africa through affirmations of strength, unity, and resistance. The single follows Ticker feat. Jodian Natty and Do What They Say feat. Indigo Reign & Syren Rivers, in the lead up to his anticipated project.

One of the original architects of jungle and a key figure across drum & bass and UK garage since the early ’90s, Potential Badboy continues to evolve while staying rooted in the culture he helped shape. 

On the track, he links up with three artists who deliver the poignant message. Blackout JA, a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist, has worked with Sly & Robbie, Gussie Clarke, Tenor Fly, and Benny Page, among others. He’s hosted Sting and rocked stages like Reggae Sunsplash and Notting Hill Carnival, performing alongside legends such as Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Bounty Killa, and Congo Natty. Talisman, one of the UK’s top roots reggae bands in the late ’70s and early ’80s, supported icons including Burning Spear, The Clash, and The Rolling Stones. Also featured is talented songwriter Courtney “Coozie” Mellers, who has played bass, rhythm guitar, and keyboards on albums for reggae pioneers such as Lee “Scratch” Perry, Sugar Minott, Horace Andy, Max Romeo, and Denroy Morgan.

Potential Badboy describes the track as “a powerful collaboration rooted in mutual respect and a shared love for sound system culture. The artists knew the kind of production they were stepping into, and that understanding made for an effortless, authentic blend of reggae energy with my own sonic style”.

Echoing its authentic production, a personal and powerful message unfolds. Talisman reflects, “Music is the voice for the voiceless… music can be that source of inspiration. [We’ve] teamed up to be that vessel of inspiration. Rise, the trumpet has been sound, wake the town and tell the people the revolution has begun. A change has come.” – Talisman

The single is taken from Potential Badboy’s upcoming album Elusive, his debut project on Tru Thoughts. Speaking on its creation, Potential Badboy describes a period in which he became “increasingly hard to reach, intentionally. For the first time, I had the freedom and autonomy to create without outside expectations.” The result is an album that reflects the sounds and styles he’s most passionate about. A departure from his usual output, while remaining grounded in jungle and drum and bass. It takes a raw, honest approach, with carefully chosen collaborations that resonate with his vision, including features from Havan, Uncle Nuts, Junior Dangerous, Mikey General, TrueMendous and Ragga Twins.