Chant Down Babylon is the worst sort of cash-in, released during the Christmas shopping season so Stephen Marley is assured of a hefty payday. Marley claims that the album is intended to complete his father's "unfulfilled mission of securing wide-scale acceptance among African-Americans." Sure thing, buddy. The problem with that idea is that the elder Marley is almost incidental to Chant Down Babylon, little more than a familiar sample that ties together an A-list hip-hop compilation and a roster designed to move units. And at a scant 12 tracks, Stephen has left the door open for the inevitable sequel, just in case he doesn't make enough scratch this time. At least Stephen hasn't resorted to selling his pop's dreadlocks on eBay. Of course, keeping Chant Down Babylon in mind, we're sure the idea has crossed his mind once or twice.
If nothing else, Stephen Marley has inspired us to follow suit. We're readying a disc for next Christmas featuring us rapping over the sound of our late grandfather sitting on his porch, cursing and shooting his B.B. gun at anyone who happened to step on his beloved lawn. The album will also feature our cover of Natalie and Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable," as well as our polka take on "Buffalo Soldier," featuring background vocals by The Three Hanks. And, obviously, we're only doing it to complete our grandfather's dream of gaining acceptance among crotchety old bastards.