White artists recording reggae in JA

[Jah Glu]

"But please, even if you don't like his music, give Bob his due for wehat he did to promote reggae music outernationally."

No i wont leggo rocker. I dont think Bob Marley did anything then make a stereotype about reggae music in general.

[leggo rocker]

Stereotype?

In what way?

Please could you explain what you mean by that statement.

[Jah Glu]

Of course. That all reggae is "sunshine reggae" i. e. superficial and commercial.

[ez]

Leggo rocker I agree with you, I cut my teeth on reggae listening to Bob Marley, and still love his music. However I do not listen to him as much because over the past ten years or so I have endulged myself in the music beyond Bob become familiar with different eras and styles of the music. That said I understand that Bob has at least on commercial level been considered the end all be all when it comes to reggae. True reggae fans no this just isn't true but to critisze Bob for his success seems rather ignorant(not trying to be too harsh Jah glu).

[ez]

What is superficail about War, Survival, Concrete Jungle, Burnin and Lootin, etc. etc. And whats wrong with Positive Vibration, Could You Be Loved, No Woman No Cry, Coming in From the Cold. ALl these songs have either inspired or picked me up during hard times. Once again there is more to reggae than Bob but you make him sound like hes some kind of boy band, or some kind of rapper like 50 cent or Ja Rule. Please respond Jah Glu.

[I-Lion Tafari]

I listened to Bob when I was a youth of 12 or so for a couple of years. Then I stopped because there were so many other great artists to listen to. During the last 5 years I more and more came back to Bob`s music with a deeper understanding of all what is inside the music and lyrics. Like an insight.
I`m far away of thinking his music is superficial. But if you listen in a superficial way like some people listen to shoo-bee-doop music, you will never understand how rich his music really is.
And...by the way...wealth is no sin. He never trouble no one. Bob spread his message worldwide and earned money on it. Why not? Better he did than any other plastic frankinstine babylon boy gruop with an intelligence of ice cream.
Please do not foget your respect for him.

Roots,
I-Lion

[Jah Glu]

Well ez. I am not talking about the lyrics. but the music. Compare any of his music for island and compare it to lets say "Heart Of The Congos". Then you will see. Bob's music was great for making money. But not at creating an image of reggae to outsiders.

[leggo rocker]

I've just put together an hour long podcast. It starts with Marley's 'War' and ends with his 'Jammin' (both on Island 12inch 45s).

In between I have Sugar Minott, Revolutionaries, Gladiators, Michael Prophet, George Faith, Triston Palmer and Pancho Alphonso.

Bob stands up very well indeed int his company.

And I reckon he could even with a few Congo's tracks thrown in too.

I can't agree with Jah Glu, unless we're talking about the very last Bob Marley LPs where, I agree, things do go a bit 'vanilla' (although the message is still tuff, to the very end.

Jah Bless Robert Marley, he was a true General in the fight against Babylon.

[Jah Glu]

Of course leggo rocker i am talking about the No Woman No Cry songs and in that style

[leggo rocker]

Yes, he sweetened the reggae pill a little here and there to get it down the throat of the babylon influenced masses. But he still got them to swallow it. Nonetheless, he did what others failed to do - he spread the reggae message worldwide. He deserves all respect for that. And he gets mine, unreservedly.

Thank you Bob for turning me on to the reggae vibe. It made my life sweeter and still is doing just that.

Yes, it is true. Bob is just a small part of the whole big reggae picture. But he's the first part most of us white westerners saw.