Damien Beckett, better known as Baby Cham or simply Cham, hails from Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica. With a career spanning 30 years, Cham has solidified his place as one of Dancehall’s most celebrated artists. His fourth studio album, Sherlock, is a testament to his enduring creativity and ability to evolve. Over the years, Cham has collaborated with numerous Hip-Hop and R&B artists, including Alicia Keys, Carl Thomas, Foxy Brown, Mis-Teeq, Shawn Mims, Akon, Che’Nelle, Jentina, Keke Palmer, T-Pain, and Rihanna, as well as countless Reggae and Dancehall legends.

The album cover features Cham’s silhouette against an aerial view of his hometown community, Duhaney Park, located in Sherlock Crescent, a Kingston neighborhood that significantly shaped his music and identity. In a recent interview, Cham explained, “The cover is inspired by the community I grew up in for most of my life—Duhaney Park, Kingston 20. Some call it ‘the ghetto,’ some call it ‘inner city,’ but I call it ‘home.’ I wanted people to see the streets that made Baby Cham, the avenues I walked as a child. I want the youth to know I walked the same roads as them, but I didn’t succumb to them. They can make it too.”

Sherlock opens with a commanding intro that sets the tone for the album, showcasing Cham’s signature style and offering insight into his background and the challenges he has overcome. The hard-hitting anthem “Hustling in My Blood” kicks off the journey, featuring Stephen “Ragga” Marley on the hook and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley delivering an impressive verse. Cham’s vivid lyrics capture themes of street survival and resilience, making this track a standout. It has already amassed over 250,000 views on YouTube within its first two weeks, proving Cham’s ability to stay fresh and relevant.

In “Maddest Life,” Cham explores his fearless lifestyle, delivering a powerful flow over a strong beat and rhythm. His bold persona aligns perfectly with the production, creating a track that exudes confidence. No Dancehall album is complete without a romantic or sensual track, and “Miss Seductress” delivers just that. Cham’s sizzling lyrics and the sultry rhythm make this song an irresistible addition to the album.

Another standout is “Lamborghini Boy,” where Cham emphasizes his global superstar status over a marching band-style drumbeat with strings floating in the background. The impressive production and captivating storytelling quickly earned the song spots on key Apple Music playlists.

The club-ready, high-energy track “What’s Poppin” is designed to get crowds moving. Its infectious call-and-response section, featuring “Ho! Hey!,” makes it a guaranteed hit in clubs across Jamaica and beyond.

In “Hall of Fame,” Cham slows things down, paying tribute to a special muse with a smooth groove and a beautiful hook. The track’s heartfelt tone adds depth to the album, showcasing Cham’s versatility.

The album concludes with “Starlight,” a melodically haunting and reflective track that evokes feelings of gentle sadness, longing, and nostalgia. This final song leaves listeners with a lasting impression, closing out the album on a poignant note.

At just eight tracks and 21 minutes long, Sherlock is a concise yet impactful project. Cham brings an intensity rooted in Dancehall, delivering sharp, fearless, and brazenly real lyrics while displaying a willingness to evolve. For Cham, the focus has always been on the lyrics and their message. “Songwriting,” he stated, “remains a central pillar of my artistry. I’ve got a degree in Literature and two in English,” he joked. “Writing has always been important to me. You’re not always going to write your best song today, but if you keep writing, you might create something great tomorrow. Dave Kelly probably has 1,000 songs with me that never got released—but that’s quality control.”

Cham’s latest work, Sherlock, marks a new chapter in his career and life, emphasizing his status as one of Jamaica’s most celebrated Dancehall artists. With its blend of resilience, storytelling, and musical craftsmanship, Sherlock is a must-listen for fans of the genre and beyond.

One Love – Todd M. Judd