Michie ‘BahdGyal’ Mee, Canada’s Queen of Hip Hop, has graced us with an 18-track album entitled ‘BahdGyals Revenge’ and this is a body of work you must hear.
Michie’s greatness has always been her pen, when it meets paper, when it meets the recording booth, when it meets the dopest beats which leads to this album and the world stage. Gifting us with Hip Hop interlaced with Dancehall and Reggae as well as Rock n’ Roll (track 15 “What You Talkin’ Bout”), Michie’s revenge is the absolute statement that Hip Hop is not dead. No disrespect to Rappers, Trappers and those in between.
The Queen’s voice comes after the announcement by Chuck D (track 1 “Intro”) who confirms Michie’s genres of Hip Hop, Reggae and Rock n’ Roll. Mich takes a moment to lyrically lay the foundation of how she arrived where she is (track 2 “Forgot About Mich”). After that, it is straight cruise control on her sonic highway.
“Made It” featuring Tonya P pays homage to Michie’s hometown of Toronto, and “BahdGyal Bubble” brings out the hardcore attitude of Dancehall that tumps through the psyche of anyone who thinks that we cannot throw-down north of the border. Remember, Toronto has the largest Jamaican population outside of New York and Michie is proud to represent that.
Bringing her roots from Jamaica to the fore, “Whey Mee Get It From” honors the Mothers before her. Artists such as Sister Nancy, Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Lady G, Marcia Griffiths, Spice Official, Carla Marshall and Sister Carole paved part of the road Michie has traveled. Paying respect to these Ladies and more shows the level of respect the BahdGyal has for fellow Queens in Reggae and Dancehall.
Where there is a Queen, you will find a King which makes me appreciate the song “Love.” The album version is a 2020 upgrade from the original acoustic version released in 2011 (don’t get it wrong, both versions are straight fire). Lindo P perfectly compliments Michie’s flow who shows a vulnerable side of women – the ones who on rare occasions admit to wanting and needing love. If black love needed a sound, this song is it.
The album ends with “Made It” (Remix) featuring Kenny Cee. Although Michie performs this song with Tonya P (track 7), this version ends with heavy elements of Soul that allows Kenny’s lyrics to shine like the beacon of light they are intended to be … yes life will get tough and throw curves but we have to be strong and survive. That is Michie’s ‘revenge;’ she is strong, and she survived. Peep her album cover art ... see that single rose growing through the concrete!
Wait ‘til you see what comes next!
Connect with The Queen on IG @michiebadgyalmee
Stream Bahdgyals Revenge on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3iqxsmcVilI19SYpSqVEfu
