Before Zero Records

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Portugal
Lisbon
Before Zero Records

Before Zero Records is a record label based in London, UK. Founded by Kibir La Amlak a reggae sound system, studio and label.

Founded Kibir La Amlak a reggae sound system, studio and label. Music that is culturally, politically or spiritually relevant - comes from artists and creators that not only live for their music but also live and breath the reality of their music. Before Zero’s deepest commitment is to the integrity of the music it releases. This includes how the music is released, marketed, and promoted. Born out of the UK reggae sound system scene, specifically, RasTafari roots reggae, a music steeped in social, political commentary, with a deep spiritual essence, an African liberation struggle, which is as urgent today as it was 60 years ago; it goes without saying, no matter what the genre, format or style - the substance of the labels output and the value for the listeners are of highest importance.

05/01/2026

The continued relevance of the work of is forceful on the movingly topical Rastafari statement Imandment To Heart. Taken from 2021’s album Polarities and produced by Vaughn Benjamin & with at the helm, the track presents a striking contrast: an uplifting major-key Rub A Dub rhythm, powered by renowned Jamaican drummer Kirk Bennett, sets the stage for scathing lyrics linking “chaos theory,” refugee crossings, and prophetic judgment. Vaughn Benjamin calls for a moral law “written upon the inward part” amidst global turmoil. Released on 7” vinyl for the first time by .zero.records , the single is backed by a B-side dub sculpted sonically by Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred at his Holy Mountain Studio in St Croix.

This series honours both the vocal and version culture of the reggae sound system and the profound lyricism of Vaughn Benjamin. We have consistently received two requests in relation to releasing the LPs: “Can we have dub versions?” and “Where can we read the lyrics?” Our response is the ‘Akae Beka - vocal, version and word- sound collection.’ Before Zero Records worked with Tippy I Grade to mix a series of dub mixes from a carefully curated selection of his extensive works with Vaughn Benjamin. The vocal and corresponding dub mixes were then cut to wax by Lewis Hopkin of and wrapped in a collage made of Ras Marcus’s artworks, which he crafted for various LP covers of Vaughn’s works throughout the years with the lyrics transcribed and printed on the rear of each sleeve.

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24/12/2025

The next series in the Vocal, Version & Word Sound Collection. “Charges,” a standout track from the Polarities LP released on 7” vinyl for the first time. Arriving amidst an era of global economic shifts, the release feels forcefully timely. Genius metaphorical wordplay and wide-ranging subjects are distilled into a cohesive whole as the global economy and its entrapping neo-colonial rules come under the microscope. Produced by with at the helm, the track is anchored by the rock-solid drumming of Lloyd “Junior” Richards and the propulsive bass of David Goldfine. This release features a previously unheard B-side dub, giving space to the celestial synth work of the late Andrew .keys Stoch.  This series honours both the vocal and version culture of the reggae sound system and the profound lyricism of Vaughn Benjamin. We have consistently received two requests in relation to releasing the LPs: “Can we have dub versions?” and “Where can we read the lyrics?” Our response is the ‘Akae Beka - vocal, version and word-sound collection.’ Before Zero Records worked with Tippy I Grade to mix a series of dub mixes from a carefully curated selection of his extensive works with Vaughn Benjamin. The vocal and corresponding dub mixes were then cut to wax by Lewis Hopkin of and wrapped in a collage made of Ras Marcus’s artworks, which he crafted for various LP covers of Vaughn’s works throughout the years with the lyrics transcribed and printed on the rear of each sleeve.

Distribution

Endereço

Avenida Da Índia Nº 52
Lisbon
1300-472

Website

http://beforezerorecords.com/

Notificações

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