Joseph Israel

Apparently righteousness has taken root in Oklahoma. How else to explain this dreadlocked, red-headed American youngster whose sole purpose in life seems to be channeling Bob Marley? With all-star backing from Earl Chinna Smith (and members of Ziggy Marley's and Luciano's bands) and an innate sense of what makes for good roots reggae, Joseph Israel (real name Joseph Montgomery Fennel) trumps even Matisyahu in the fakin'-Jamaican department. He sports a mean patois, and songs like "Hotta Fiyah" prove this guy has some skills.