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The "Digital Revolution" occurred in the Jamaican music industry by a single rhythm called "Sleng Teng". The responsible person for the rhythm was King Jammy who was the owner and producer of the Jammys label. The label dominated the scene between year 1985-1989 and released vast numbers of material. Dub Store Records compiles the best of the 80's heavyweight Dancehall from the Jammys catalogue. The collection consists of "Disc One: Vocals & Jeejay" and "Disc Two: Instrumental Dub Version". Each disc features popular songs and instrumental dub versions on "Hevenless", "Love Punanny Bad" and "Far East" rhythm. They also include rare collector's tunes like Anthony Johnson's 'Dancehall Vibes' and some of them are first time to appear on CD. This selection is crucial for all Dancehall lovers. |
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Without mentioning Half Pint, the true story about the Jammys label can never be told. King Jammy adopted a classic song ‘Open The Gate’ and versioned the rhythm digitally. The young Half Pint claims this wild world is ‘One Big Ghetto’. On the flip side, Tonto Irie showcases his skillful and edgy lyrical flow to the same rhythm. |
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Among rhythms produced in 80's dancehall scene, 'Sleng Teng' by King Jammy and Firehouse produced 'Tempo' are considerably the most respected; however, you can never forget 'Stalag' rhythm by Winston Riley lead Techniques, too. King Jammy reproduced this 'Stalag' rhythm with Sly & Robbie and in result, it created shadier atmosphere in comparison to the original Techniques' version.
This is certainly another anthem of Jammys! |
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Nitty Gritty output his hit songs like 'Hog In A Minty' and 'Run Down The World' at Jammys and he had chemistry with minor chord digital rhythms. 'Good Morning Teacher' on 'Stalag' rhythm is a superb song showcases his unique vocal style and lyrics. |
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Prince Junior’s ‘Crucial Boy’ appeared on the King Jammy’s classic LP [Prince Jammy Presents VOL. 2]. Although he recorded a few songs for King Jammy in 1986, much information about the artist remains unknown. However, this ‘crucial ’song preaches equal rights, Justice and Love & Unity over his high-pitched weeping voice with his conscious and profound lyrics. |
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Originally, ‘Like A Dragon’ came out the Wayne Smith’s classical album [Undewr Mi Sleng Teng] while Dennis Brown’s ‘History’ on the flip side appeared in an album entitled ‘History’on the Live & Love label. Both titles are previously unreleased on 7inch vinyl record. |
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Along with the Sleng Teng and Stalag rhythm, King Tubby produced ‘Tempo’ rhythm is considerably one of the most loved dancehall rhythms ever. This record on Tempo rhythm features a soulful love song ‘Run Come’ by roots singer, Junior Delgado and another aggressive song ‘Can’t Ride Computer’ by King Kong. |
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Wayne Smith’s ‘My Sweet Love’ is still gaining its reputation and popularity by the 80’s dancehall listeners nowadays. This Jammys’ distinguishing digital sound can be characterized by its wavy base melody so Wayne Smith’s vocal and lyrics can perfectly fits to the rhythm to make his sweet love song convincing. |
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'The Exit' by Dennis Brown is a tough song on a classic dancehall rhythm 'Screechie Across The Border', which often regarded as one of the best 80's dancehall rhythms.
Comparing to its original – 'Screechie Across The Border' by Courtney Melody, it sounds a little less dynamic but the reconstructed rhythm based on pensive minor chords perfectly matches to the singer's profound vocal and lyrics. |
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Wayne Simth unexpectedly appeared on the top of dancehall scene with Jammys' monster rhythm 'Sleng Teng' in the mid 80's at one burst. Hardcore dancehall fans will recognize this song 'My Lord My God' on 'Screechie Across The Border' rhythm is one of the most popular songs within his Jammys' catalogue. |
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Tonto Irie recorded many songs on popular Jammys' rhythms as one of demanded deejays at that time.
'Life Story' was on side B of 12inch vinyl - "Wayne Smith - Icky All Over" on Greensleeves label. You might notice that this song on 'Sleng Teng' rhythm was specially edited and arranged just only for Tonto Irie's performance. |
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Wayne Smith scored numerous hits at Jammys and one well known is 'Under Mi Sleng Teng'. He also released same title album 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' where he showcased wavy & choppy 'E20' and crisp & clear song 'In Thing' on further computerized [Barrington Levy - Come] rhythm. |
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Tonto Irie left some impressive titles within Jammys catalogue. 'General A General' was recorded on 'African Beat' rhythm, which was versioned many times with regardless of musical generations. This newly build digital rhythm kept its original form and Tonto Irie showcased his old school lyrical flow in a Raggamuffin way. |
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Super Black, who had very characteristic voice like Wayne Smith and Pad Anthony, released a few memorable songs in the late 80’s. Using his voice as a weapon, here he openly sings about his love relationship with his ex-girl friend. |
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Little John, who was one of the most remarkable figures at various sound system dances for his talent, delivers sorrowful vocal with his distinctive lyrical flow on this song ‘Come Do It To Me’. Recorded to a surging and whirling digital dancehall rhythm track ‘Screechie Across The Border’. |
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From its heart-shaking intro, Conroy Smith’s fresh and piercing voice echo to deliver an intense song ‘Love Affair’. Considerably, the song is known for popularity within the Jammys catalogue. Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘In Thing’ by Wayne Smith. |
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Since the early dancehall period, Echo Minott aka Noel Phillips recorded some songs for King Jammy. After having a hit single ‘Murder Weapon’ on the Signet label in 1992, the deejay became absent in the business and away from Jamaica for nearly 2 year. But he came back to the scene with another hit ‘I Am Back’ produced by King Jammy. |
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While digital dancehall was gaining in popularity since 1985, Pad Anthony released a large number of classical songs with King Jammy. ‘Dangerous System’ is one of his major songs. The artist focuses on systematic oppression as his theme to deliver his warning lyrics to the same rhythm track ‘Like A Dragon’ by Wayne Smith and ‘History’ by Dennis Brown. |
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Now veteran deejay Kirk Davis who started his career as Little Kirk back in the 80's, since then he has been on his move. Known for his major songs: 'Screechie Across The Border' and 'Ghetto People Broke', also one of those is 'Don't Touch The Crack'. A tough digital steppers cut. |
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Chuck Turner has recorded his impressive songs at Jammys such as 'I Need You' and 'Run Around Girl'. 'We Rule The Dancehall' is one of those and this tough steppers rhythm was build by notable Steelie & Clivie. His melancholy voice is something very contrary to his aggressive lyrics but that's something it makes this record attractive. |
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