Chronixx

Chronixx’s long awaited sophomore album, Exile, released via Forever Loving Originals, is truly a masterpiece that reggae music hasn’t experienced in quite some time. Arriving 8 years after his Grammy-nominated debut, Chronology, this 17 track project takes the listener on a deeply meditative, soul-stirring journey. Executive produced by Inflo, Exile strips away polished and commercial modernity and anchors itself in the warm, organic and analog textures of 1970s roots reggae and lovers rock, with a lovely dose of vintage soul and a little dash of funk.

On Market Chronixx shows just how adept he is at toasting over a riddim. Set over an infectious and funky bassline, Chronixx vividly describes heading out to the market with his baby mother. He touches on everything from the high price of callaloo and global inflation to big respect for local farmers and a big up to iconic toasters Nicodemus, Super Cat, Burro Banton and Early B.

Sweet Argument instantly cements itself as a lovers rock classic. Paying elegant homage to reggae legends like Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown, the track blends a smooth, rolling bassline with Chronixx’s velvety vocal delivery, capturing the emotional push-and-pull of romance. The narrative deepens on the brilliant I Know What You Feelin, a tender track that questions and reassures a loved one.

Notably, Chronixx assumed extensive multi-instrumental duties on Exile, playing every instrument on tracks like “Saviour,” “Hurricane,” “Resilient,” and “Love Is On The Mountain.” This commitment to entirely live instrumentation marks a significant achievement in a contemporary landscape increasingly dominated by digital production and A-I.

Another towering stand-out track is I and I. Rooted deeply in the concept of oneness, the song uses a hypnotic, heavy dub riddim as a backdrop for some of Chronixx’s sharpest, most introspective lyricism. A gritty realism cuts through the peace on Scheming, where he rides a moody, bass-heavy riddim to dissect trust and betrayal. This wariness makes the warmth of Family First stand out even more. It’s a tender anthem dedicated to bloodlines, ancestral roots, and protecting the inner circle at all costs.

Arguably the best track on the album, Hurricane serves as the undisputed emotional heartbeat of the record. Closing out Side B, the track shows Chronixx at his most vulnerable as he addresses everyday struggles like personal pain, financial hardships, and lost relationships. Instead of giving in to despair, he offers a hopeful counterweight to life’s storms. Backed by Inflo’s warm production, the track embeds the soothing sound of chirping cicadas beneath layers of lush vocal harmonies. It becomes a comforting balm that encourages listeners to look past the wreckage and let the melody heal them.

Exile completely redefines what modern reggae can be. There are no cheap commercial hooks here, and the slow, deliberate pacing means it’s an album that demands your full attention rather than just passive listening. If you’re willing to sit with it, the record opens up into something deeply intimate and timeless. Chronixx didn’t come back from his hiatus to reclaim a crown—he came back to give a weary world a soothing, resilient masterpiece.