Reggae-rock troubadour Blindman makes a passionate plea in his new powerful single, “Legalize It.” Based on the tragic tale of Jawara Tosh, son of reggae great Peter Tosh, "Legalize It" is an anthem of personal tragedy transformed into a rallying cry. Jawara’s tragic loss of life in New Jersey’s custody due to archaic marijuana laws has risen as a song that demands justice and reform.
In tribute to Jawara's memory, Blindman tapped reggae royalty, Aston Barrett Jr. (son of the legend and architect of reggae's foundation), laying down the monumental, rolling bass groove with Bob Marley’s guitarist Don Kinsey cranking the riff right back to where it first rode "Legalize It." Both their talents combine to lend it an authenticity and historical gravity, enough to make this more of a tribute than a rallying cry.
Featuring powerhouse vocals from yet another Blindman find, former Stephen and Ziggy Marley Melody Makers singer Rica Newell, Blindman also tapped Josh Gannet (Redman, Wu-Tang Clan) to mix the record, providing the bridge of raw energy and studio-finessed polish that fans have come to expect. The result is a deep roots-reggae undertone accented by aggressive rock guitars and a rhythm that both gets the people moving and makes them think.
“Legalize It” is Jawara’s defiant shout against injustice and the antiquated rules that killed him. Blindman’s new video is a reminder of reggae’s perennial power to shake systems and a tribute-and-love-letter to the past, and a call-to-action for the future.