Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 press sheet by David Katz

Hugh ‘Redman’ James is one of the greatest Jamaican music producers of the late 1980s. Raised in a musical household in the west Kingston slum of Hannah Town, with his mother a sound system selector, Redman gained his initial schooling in the music business from none other than King Tubby, the legendary sound system owner and dub mixer that was responsible for voicing and mixing some of the greatest reggae of all time. After being immersed in sound system culture during his youth in the 1960s and 70s, Redman began sitting in on sessions at King Tubby’s studio, but migrated to Hartford, Connecticut in 1978 in search of steady employment. Returning to Jamaica a few years later, he established a popular sound system in Kingston and began producing music with King Tubby’s assistance in 1985, working with the Roots Radics during a time of great uncertainty in Jamaican music, as the new dancehall style came to prominence; early work featured Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and Frankie Paul, as well as rising stars such as Little John and Horace Martin. Then, following the computerisation of dancehall, Redman began producing some of the most popular music of the day, crafting durable and complex rhythms with a broad team of players that included Steely and Clevie, augmented by members of the Browne Bunch and other players. Redman helped establish a number of total unknowns in this era, including Carl Meeks, Dave Bailey and Wayne Palmer, and became a serious contender for King Jammy’s crown. But the producer was ultimately frustrated by the dramatic changes to sweep Jamaican music in the early 1990s, and subsequently retreated from the music industry Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 compiles the best work from his glory days, with half of the twelve vocal tracks coming complete with corresponding dub versions.

Traditional 1970s ragamuffin roots played in pure 1980s digital style.

Message music with a dancehall vibe, King Jammy mixes it up with conscious tunes from superstars like Dennis Brown, Cornell Campbell, Wailing Soul & Horace Andy.

Digital goes romantic. Lover’s Rock meets dancehall in King Jammy’s Studio.

Love and romance ina digital style, King Jammy presents songs of devotion over his fresh, hard-hitting computerized rhythms

Murder in the dancehall tonight! Jammy's leading artists boost up the sound system.

The heart and soul of dancehall - singing about the sound over crucial rhythms, challenging a sound boy to come test Jammy.

Opening the new series - recorded on 22nd March 1986, another cut to King Kong’s Victim that has never seen the light of day until today. Backed with Tubbys digital relick on Yabby You masterpiece.

Another unreleased material from Tubby’s studio. Although dancehall was the thing back then this tune is going to another direction by drawing a great roots vibes.

Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 press sheet by David Katz

Hugh ‘Redman’ James is one of the greatest Jamaican music producers of the late 1980s. Raised in a musical household in the west Kingston slum of Hannah Town, with his mother a sound system selector, Redman gained his initial schooling in the music business from none other than King Tubby, the legendary sound system owner and dub mixer that was responsible for voicing and mixing some of the greatest reggae of all time. After being immersed in sound system culture during his youth in the 1960s and 70s, Redman began sitting in on sessions at King Tubby’s studio, but migrated to Hartford, Connecticut in 1978 in search of steady employment. Returning to Jamaica a few years later, he established a popular sound system in Kingston and began producing music with King Tubby’s assistance in 1985, working with the Roots Radics during a time of great uncertainty in Jamaican music, as the new dancehall style came to prominence; early work featured Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and Frankie Paul, as well as rising stars such as Little John and Horace Martin. Then, following the computerisation of dancehall, Redman began producing some of the most popular music of the day, crafting durable and complex rhythms with a broad team of players that included Steely and Clevie, augmented by members of the Browne Bunch and other players. Redman helped establish a number of total unknowns in this era, including Carl Meeks, Dave Bailey and Wayne Palmer, and became a serious contender for King Jammy’s crown. But the producer was ultimately frustrated by the dramatic changes to sweep Jamaican music in the early 1990s, and subsequently retreated from the music industry Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 compiles the best work from his glory days, with half of the twelve vocal tracks coming complete with corresponding dub versions.

Out of all Jammy’s gigantic catalogue, “E20” rhythm could be considered as one of the most destructive ones to date. Jammy found the unreleased track on this rhythm from the vault featuring a familiar face of the 80’s dancehall, King Everal melancholy singing this killer!

A very well-acquainted Dancehall classic rhythm "Tonight". Vena's version is without a doubt one of the top rated remakes alongside Jammys'. Melodious and melancholic arrangement meets Tonny Tuff's gourgeous singing - it's the true charm of Dancehall music.

One of Vena's classic rhythms, Tonight. “Raggamuffin Mi Soup” is a joyful reissue by Thriller U singing mistily and emotionally inna real dancehall fashion! Alog with Little John and Tony Tuff cuts, this one marks the most popular amongst all the rest.

'Rock Them One By One' is a King Jammys' digital remake on 70's classic roots tune 'Wicked Can't Run Away' by Glen Richards. Its version is very detailed to its original but still a tough digital dancehall cut. Eccleton Jarrett's delicate vocal stands out proudly.

In the period of Jammays golden era, Chaka Demus was a prolific artist among others like Admiral Bailey. At this time, Bobby Digital, who was often regarded as the right-hand man of King Jammy, had a popular 'Peanie Peanie' rhythm. 'Original Kuff' was recorded on this rhythm, which can be characterized by its minor chord baseline and choppy riffs and there Chaka Demus performs his catchy lyrics and melody smoothly.

Little John praises King Jammys Super Power with his melancholy vocal and serious lyrics. Anthony Malvo and Collin Roach, who both recorded at King Jammys Recording Studio regularly, sings world renowned song 'We Are The World' in combination.