Ernest Tulye Nsimbi Lupiazitta has been recording as GNL Zamba for more than a decade. He maintains bases in L.A. and his native Uganda, and his sound reflects both of his homes.

GNL Zamba The Spear (Baboon Forest Entertainment)

GNL Zamba raps a bit here, breaks into a little dancehall patois there and often enough just shouts his anthemic hooks. He fuses 90s hip-hop beats with African reggae, seriously fuzzed-out bass and guitars and utterly infectious grooves.

There is an element of "Haven't I heard all this before?" to the pastiche, but that's largely because there's little attempt to hide influences under the rug. The music ramble all over the place, and GNL Zamba's lyrics keep pushing a message of pride and place.

The ambition is breath-taking, and by and large GNL Zamba comes through. This is an album of massive scope--and one that churns out one earworm after another. The totality is almost beyond comprehension. Breathlessly absorbing.

Jon Worley