When Bob Marley died, I was too young to really know who he was or what his music meant, but I knew one thing: This "Reggae" stuff was infectious and addictive.
Then in the late '80s, when my musical journey had led me to revisit the genre, I found that it had changed. It no longer seemed a diatribe of insurrection for the rastafarian movement. It still spoke of politics and religion, but the vibe had evolved into a more modern and faster groove. Digital instrumentation changed the sound considerably, but with one exception: the music itself was still outrageously contagious, if not moreso than it's more tranquil predecessor.
"Dancehall" or "Ragga" reggae quickly became the current generation's form of expression. Music could be produced cheaply, without the use of a 7 piece band. Just 2 turntables and some samples in the hands of an experienced and creative DJ could create an awesome tune.
Much like rap music in America, Ragga was the music of Jamaica's ghetto youth. As Ragga grew, dancehall artists began to use elements of hip hop, while also influencing American rappers and inspiring them to diversify. Some of the biggest commercial successes were born of that combination such as; Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and hometown T.O. boy, Snow.
The '90s were replete with artists who broke new ground in Dancehall reggae, and that decade paved the way for much of what we hear now. If you have ever been to a rave (I'm just saying, not recommending), you'll recognize another genre spawned by Dancehall known as "Jungle".
Ragga's only blemish is that of a number of artists who, through a series of anti-gay themes, have caused controversy around the world and within the community itself.
On the bright side, most of these artists have at least one song about 2 topics: Sex and Ganja (insert from Sound of Music "These are a few of my favourite things...").
In any case, without further ado, here is a list of my favourite dancehall acts from back in the day, and why I think you should know them:
Yellowman: Eventually dubbed "King Yellowman" (probably self-titled), he was so named because of the fact that he was (and still is) a Jamaican albino. Now, if you've never seen a black albino, it basically makes him look yellow. As a result, grade school probably wasn't easy, but he grew to be "king" just the same. The first song I ever heard was entitled Zungguzungguguzungguzeng (there's really no way for me to know if I spelled that right, but I'll bet you can't actually read it). That, coupled with his unique appearance, and an awesome rub-a-dub style "riddim" was too much to ignore. If you want to explore this man's work, check out his tribute to nature's herbs known as Sensimilla, his seduction song (and I use the term with great sarcasm), Bedroom Mazuka, or his more upbeat collaboration with Beenie Man, and my fave, Weed Dem Out De Dancehall. You will be entertained.
Beenie Man: He began "toasting" at the age of five, and was so good that his uncle Sydney Wolf, who played drums for Jimmy Cliff, encouraged and nurtured his talent. In 1981, at the age of 8, he entered the Tastee Talent contest where he was discovered and eventually became known as Beenie Man. He honed his craft for yeurs with all the big names until scoring his first international hit, Who Am I, in '98. He got so big at home (Jamaica), that he almost de-throned Yellowman as King a de Dancehall, and even made it the title of one of his songs. Check out Jungle Boogie with Sly & Robbie (see Reggae Rundown http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/597047), Love Me Now with future Haitian head of state, Wyclef Jean, and Girls Dem Suga with Mya.
Mr. Vegas: He began doing covers of Jamaican hits at local events, and was never one to shy away from a throwdown. During one little scrap, he was hit in the face with a crowbar (which made his orthodontist furious) and had his jaw wired shut for six weeks. After hearing Beenie Man's hit Who Am I (sim, simma!), he immediately demanded that his unhealed jaw be unwired (now that's a bad-ass!). Apparently, it affected his speech pattern (you don't say...), but didn't stop him from making funky sounds. So many will remember his Head's High in the 90s, and his Pull Up in the '00s, and that's probably enough, but just in case you need more, try his collab with Elephant Man entitled Bun It.
Bounty Killer: The P. Diddy of Ragga, he founded an "association" of Dancehall DJs known as "The Alliance" where he assisted and nurtured future talents like Vybz Kartel, Mavado, and Elephant Man to name just a few. He also collaborated with american rap and pop acts like; Busta Rhymes, Wu Tang Clan, and even No Doubt. He is what you would call "hardcore" and you can hear it in songs like Down In The Ghetto and Bullet Proof Skin. He has been known to show his softer side on songs like Mama. One thing about these hardcore reggae and rap guys; they sure love their mamas.
Shabba Ranks: This guy stormed the burgeoning ragga scene with his unique scraggly bass voice (technical term), and his captivating "riddims". A song from his Just Reality album, Dem Bow, is said to be the rhythmic birthsound of a latin genre now known as "Reggaeton". So popular was this digital percussion sound in Puerto Rico that early reggaeton was simply known as "Dembow". I like Trailor Load A Girls (a tragic lament), but Mr. Loverman was a bigger hit with the masses. The one you will always hear on retro-radio is Twice My Age. Head to Youtube for a nostalgic voyage, or a journey of neo-retro discovery.
Red Dragon: It was 1990 when I first heard the words "Al mada gyal, a Red Dragon have a nickname fi dem" and I was hooked. I swear I don't understand 99% of what he's saying, but I know "he have a nickname fi dem" and it is perhaps this mystery coupled with a take-charge vocal style and some outstanding rhythms that captivated underground audiences. He is this lists lesser commercial success, but you wouldn't know it from his fans and fellow musicians. Listen to Yuh Body Good, the aforementioned Kun Kum Kum, and his own personal testimonial of the farmer's finest, Light My Spliff.
Chaka Demus & Pliers: Just two established musicians who got together to make some funky music. The first Jamaican act to have three consecutive Top 5 hits on the UK Chart, they don't do gangsta, politics or homophobia. They scored hits with Tease Me and a crazy cover of Twist and Shout. Their biggest '90s hit is Murder She Wrote which they performed alongside Alicia Keys at the 2007 American Music Awards.
Buju Banton: "Walk like a Champion, talk like a champion!" Never have such inspirational words sounded sexier. Buju (we're on a first-name basis) just has a rough quality in his voice, but it works like Teddy Pendergrass shouting "You got, You got, You got WHAT I NEED!". He is politically outspoken and rhythmically gifted. Wanna Be Loved is a melodic groove, Champion is a bass-kicking pill, and mainstream audiences will appreciate his duet with Nadine Sutherland entitled What Am I Gonna Do.
General Degree: Master of the double entendre, he is now just known as "Degree". This veteran DJ has been scoring solid dancehall hits since the late 80s with his first hit Granny. He's wild and crazy, but I must let the music speak for itself. Listen to Hot Wata and Boom Boom. If you find you can't handle that much funkiness, he once put out a duet with Maxi Priest called Baby Boo. Dat buoy make a real bangarang afi dis bashment! (Translation: This man can kick it.)
Mad Cobra: This good christian boy took his stage name from a character in the G.I. Joe comics, but after that, he is all original. Never one to mince words, he had 5 hits in '91 and '92, and has dealt with much controversy over his anti-gay lyrics. Unlike General Degree he doesn't wax poetic, as evidenced by his huge hit Flex. On the gangsta tip, check out Press Trigger and Unexpected. Caution: Not for the faint of heart.
For all the music lovers who were unaware, I hope this helps lead you bigger and better sounds.
Nuff respect, mon.
Join my Facebook page for more. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backbeat-by-Mike-Benhaim/283506288354
Then in the late '80s, when my musical journey had led me to revisit the genre, I found that it had changed. It no longer seemed a diatribe of insurrection for the rastafarian movement. It still spoke of politics and religion, but the vibe had evolved into a more modern and faster groove. Digital instrumentation changed the sound considerably, but with one exception: the music itself was still outrageously contagious, if not moreso than it's more tranquil predecessor.
"Dancehall" or "Ragga" reggae quickly became the current generation's form of expression. Music could be produced cheaply, without the use of a 7 piece band. Just 2 turntables and some samples in the hands of an experienced and creative DJ could create an awesome tune.
Much like rap music in America, Ragga was the music of Jamaica's ghetto youth. As Ragga grew, dancehall artists began to use elements of hip hop, while also influencing American rappers and inspiring them to diversify. Some of the biggest commercial successes were born of that combination such as; Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and hometown T.O. boy, Snow.
The '90s were replete with artists who broke new ground in Dancehall reggae, and that decade paved the way for much of what we hear now. If you have ever been to a rave (I'm just saying, not recommending), you'll recognize another genre spawned by Dancehall known as "Jungle".
Ragga's only blemish is that of a number of artists who, through a series of anti-gay themes, have caused controversy around the world and within the community itself.
On the bright side, most of these artists have at least one song about 2 topics: Sex and Ganja (insert from Sound of Music "These are a few of my favourite things...").
In any case, without further ado, here is a list of my favourite dancehall acts from back in the day, and why I think you should know them:
Yellowman: Eventually dubbed "King Yellowman" (probably self-titled), he was so named because of the fact that he was (and still is) a Jamaican albino. Now, if you've never seen a black albino, it basically makes him look yellow. As a result, grade school probably wasn't easy, but he grew to be "king" just the same. The first song I ever heard was entitled Zungguzungguguzungguzeng (there's really no way for me to know if I spelled that right, but I'll bet you can't actually read it). That, coupled with his unique appearance, and an awesome rub-a-dub style "riddim" was too much to ignore. If you want to explore this man's work, check out his tribute to nature's herbs known as Sensimilla, his seduction song (and I use the term with great sarcasm), Bedroom Mazuka, or his more upbeat collaboration with Beenie Man, and my fave, Weed Dem Out De Dancehall. You will be entertained.
Beenie Man: He began "toasting" at the age of five, and was so good that his uncle Sydney Wolf, who played drums for Jimmy Cliff, encouraged and nurtured his talent. In 1981, at the age of 8, he entered the Tastee Talent contest where he was discovered and eventually became known as Beenie Man. He honed his craft for yeurs with all the big names until scoring his first international hit, Who Am I, in '98. He got so big at home (Jamaica), that he almost de-throned Yellowman as King a de Dancehall, and even made it the title of one of his songs. Check out Jungle Boogie with Sly & Robbie (see Reggae Rundown http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/597047), Love Me Now with future Haitian head of state, Wyclef Jean, and Girls Dem Suga with Mya.
Mr. Vegas: He began doing covers of Jamaican hits at local events, and was never one to shy away from a throwdown. During one little scrap, he was hit in the face with a crowbar (which made his orthodontist furious) and had his jaw wired shut for six weeks. After hearing Beenie Man's hit Who Am I (sim, simma!), he immediately demanded that his unhealed jaw be unwired (now that's a bad-ass!). Apparently, it affected his speech pattern (you don't say...), but didn't stop him from making funky sounds. So many will remember his Head's High in the 90s, and his Pull Up in the '00s, and that's probably enough, but just in case you need more, try his collab with Elephant Man entitled Bun It.
Bounty Killer: The P. Diddy of Ragga, he founded an "association" of Dancehall DJs known as "The Alliance" where he assisted and nurtured future talents like Vybz Kartel, Mavado, and Elephant Man to name just a few. He also collaborated with american rap and pop acts like; Busta Rhymes, Wu Tang Clan, and even No Doubt. He is what you would call "hardcore" and you can hear it in songs like Down In The Ghetto and Bullet Proof Skin. He has been known to show his softer side on songs like Mama. One thing about these hardcore reggae and rap guys; they sure love their mamas.
Shabba Ranks: This guy stormed the burgeoning ragga scene with his unique scraggly bass voice (technical term), and his captivating "riddims". A song from his Just Reality album, Dem Bow, is said to be the rhythmic birthsound of a latin genre now known as "Reggaeton". So popular was this digital percussion sound in Puerto Rico that early reggaeton was simply known as "Dembow". I like Trailor Load A Girls (a tragic lament), but Mr. Loverman was a bigger hit with the masses. The one you will always hear on retro-radio is Twice My Age. Head to Youtube for a nostalgic voyage, or a journey of neo-retro discovery.
Red Dragon: It was 1990 when I first heard the words "Al mada gyal, a Red Dragon have a nickname fi dem" and I was hooked. I swear I don't understand 99% of what he's saying, but I know "he have a nickname fi dem" and it is perhaps this mystery coupled with a take-charge vocal style and some outstanding rhythms that captivated underground audiences. He is this lists lesser commercial success, but you wouldn't know it from his fans and fellow musicians. Listen to Yuh Body Good, the aforementioned Kun Kum Kum, and his own personal testimonial of the farmer's finest, Light My Spliff.
Chaka Demus & Pliers: Just two established musicians who got together to make some funky music. The first Jamaican act to have three consecutive Top 5 hits on the UK Chart, they don't do gangsta, politics or homophobia. They scored hits with Tease Me and a crazy cover of Twist and Shout. Their biggest '90s hit is Murder She Wrote which they performed alongside Alicia Keys at the 2007 American Music Awards.
Buju Banton: "Walk like a Champion, talk like a champion!" Never have such inspirational words sounded sexier. Buju (we're on a first-name basis) just has a rough quality in his voice, but it works like Teddy Pendergrass shouting "You got, You got, You got WHAT I NEED!". He is politically outspoken and rhythmically gifted. Wanna Be Loved is a melodic groove, Champion is a bass-kicking pill, and mainstream audiences will appreciate his duet with Nadine Sutherland entitled What Am I Gonna Do.
General Degree: Master of the double entendre, he is now just known as "Degree". This veteran DJ has been scoring solid dancehall hits since the late 80s with his first hit Granny. He's wild and crazy, but I must let the music speak for itself. Listen to Hot Wata and Boom Boom. If you find you can't handle that much funkiness, he once put out a duet with Maxi Priest called Baby Boo. Dat buoy make a real bangarang afi dis bashment! (Translation: This man can kick it.)
Mad Cobra: This good christian boy took his stage name from a character in the G.I. Joe comics, but after that, he is all original. Never one to mince words, he had 5 hits in '91 and '92, and has dealt with much controversy over his anti-gay lyrics. Unlike General Degree he doesn't wax poetic, as evidenced by his huge hit Flex. On the gangsta tip, check out Press Trigger and Unexpected. Caution: Not for the faint of heart.
For all the music lovers who were unaware, I hope this helps lead you bigger and better sounds.
Nuff respect, mon.
Join my Facebook page for more. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Backbeat-by-Mike-Benhaim/283506288354
