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| Shabba Ranks |
Real name Rexton Gordon, Shabba is Jamaica's number one DJ (reggae rapper). His gruff growl has graced a series of reggae hits over the past few years, at times more than one record a week, hits the reggae charts from him. For instance, one Christmas, he held four of the top six positions in the UK reggae singles chart. As if that wasn't enough, he was also number one in the Jamaican and New York charts at the same time! Most ragga DJs rise and fade quickly: Shabba never wears out his welcome. Why? Because he is the best.
Shabba released his debut single in 1980 at the age of 15 under the name Co-Pilot, "Heat Under Sufferer's Feet", a record on a roots theme. It didn't sell, and Shabba retreated to the dancehalls to build a following from grass roots level. By the mid-eighties everyone in Jamaica was talking about this incredible talent who had a rhyme for every occasion and a put-down for every challenge. When he re-emerged on record in 1987 he was ready to take on all-comers and he quickly established a reputation as the upcoming DJ. A master of the instant put-down, he cut a multitude of hit singles throughout 1988 for the majority of the leading producers; King Jammy's, Bobby Digital, Black Scorpio, Dennis Star and Mixing Lab. Although his solo records were explosive, his work with other acts like Thriller U, Sanchez, Cocoa Tea, Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs - among others - boosted his profile far further than other rising chatters managed. DJ's and singers often joust in modern reggae and Shabba has taken advantage of the popularity of the genre to dazzling effect.
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