Top of the World
- Artist: Slightly Stoopid
- Album released in 2012
- Stoopid Records
- Genres: Reggae & Ska, Rock
Top Of The World is Slightly Stoopid's seventh studio album, released on the band’s own Stoopid Records, on which their previous releases have combined for sales of nearly one million copies. The seven-piece band continues to explore a variety of styles on the new record, with help from some of their biggest influences and heroes.
Reggae legends Barrington Levy and Don Carlos of Black Uhuru are present on the tracks “Ur Love” and “Marijuana,” respectively. Longtime band friend and touring partner G. Love appears on “Hiphoppablues,” and Fishbone frontman Angelo Moore appears on “Ska Diddy.” Ex-Jurassic Five emcee extraordinaire Chali 2na drops his signature verses on “Just Thinking,” while Dumpstaphunk’s Ian Neville and “unofficial 8 member” Karl Denson of Greyboy Allstars also lend their talents throughout the album.
Top Of The World is much more than just high-profile collaborations; the album’s 21 tracks demonstrate the uncanny ability of Slightly Stoopid to mix a diverse selection of influences without losing sight of the touchstones of each distinct genre.
The hip-hop beat of “Top of the World” is threaded with a hypnotic guitar line and undeniably catchy vocal hooks, while “Devil’s Door” is a smooth blast of dubbed-out funk accented by the tight horn section and a psychedelic guitar solo.
The uplifting track “Serious Man” muses over the classic Jamaican sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s, and “Underneath The Pressure” rides a lively ska rhythm that bursts out of the stereo at a dynamic tempo.
The head-nodding meditations of “Just Thinking” mix the band’s sweet vocal delivery with Chali 2na’s acrobatic verbal flow, punctuated by signature saxophone riffs.