If there were one word in the English language to describe Hal Linton’s style, ‘smooth’ would be it. Hal’s R&B, inspirational neo-soul style is relatively unique in Barbados, and fans have categorised him with the likes of D’Angelo and Musiq Soulchild.

His performance at the Barbados Hip Hop Festival of Cardiac Arrest, demonstrated Hal’s stage presence and his ability to work a crowd -- notably the female segment. This isn’t the easiest thing to do in Barbados unless you happen to be a soca or dancehall artist and you can pump the crowd with high energy, high tempo tracks. For a turn-the-lights-down-low number like Cardiac Arrest to evoke such a response from a Bajan crowd is an impressive feat. Cardiac Arrest has received airplay in a number of other Caribbean islands and as far away as Sweden and Norway, and lays a solid foundation for his debut album Spirit, Life and Soul, named after the three elements which Hal says contribute to his music. Spirit, Life and Soul features guest appearances by other Bajan artists, including RubyTech, freestyle champion at the Barbados Hip Hop Festival.