Liu Rui — the name behind the moniker Stinging Ray — brings Beijing back into the international reggae conversation with “The Man From Beijing.” Three roots shape the album’s foundation: Jamaican tradition, Chinese cultural flavor, and hip-hop.

Produced by Jericho for Irie Ites Records, the album carries 16 tracks across a wide spectrum — roots reggae, one drop, rub-a-dub, reflective lyrics, and dubwise energy. English, Jamaican Patois, and Mandarin serve as the mediums for themes of faith, resilience, freedom, identity, and self-discovery. Worth noting: Chezidek shows up as a collaborator on “Mount Zion.”

Six dub versions round out the digital edition in classic Irie Ites fashion. From “ChinaMan Party” to “No Remedy II”, the album travels from a long geographical distance but lands close to the ear. Beijing and Kingston speaking on the same frequency.

(Text:Keyko, Editor & Translation:Sam)