Roots Archives Forum

quite common is the comment on society, government, etc in roots music, but less often do you hear artists comment on the reggae scene of which they are a part.

i have been listening to Big youth's la luta set lately, and love the "sing another song" chune on which he proclaims " them sing too much song on the same riddim, sing another song for me" and basically tells why creative artists should be making original riddims (which he did a great deal of if memory serves correct).

what ae some other cuts that feature lyrics about the reggae scene?

Dancehall Music by Horace Andy (On Tour) 2008

A surprising view on dancehall music from an old veteran.

I have had interesting arguments with Horace about the subject.

Blessed

another comes to mind, sugar minott's sufferer's choice. he describes how he doesnt have money to pay the hornsmen or afford synthesizers for his chune, but since the drummer and bass are his friend, they play on the cut. he goes through all the roles from musicians to engineer describing the recording process....kinda neat

Various tunes about pirating/copying two of which spring to mind at the moment. Pirate (Coxsone 7" on Throw Me Corn rhythm) by Rapper Robert & Jim Brown

"You see them at the bar wi dem cassette and tape the two of us together they come to imitate
Them a pirate
Them a imitate"

Also the 12" cut of Action Line by The Versatiles & Eric Barnett which features a spoof radio phone in show on producers copying tunes.

Regards

Rob

"Natty Sing Hit Song" tells of Roman Stewart's desire to write a song that will "mash down the town."

In "Skanky Producer," Junior Reid, Don Carlos, and Charlie Chaplin add their collective six cents to the treasury of Jamaican music industry woes.

Luckily for us, Michael Rose didn't leave the music alone and "go look work," as the naysayers advised in "Sponji Reggae."

DB

two datc tunes come to mind "mr deejay" by earl 16, a complaint about how reggae is never played on the radio, although it is popular with the people; "dubbing master" michael israel giving props to a list of producers, engineers, ... in the JA music business of that day.

Also, "Waan Back" by Anthony B is about the "disgraceful" modern dancehall scene. Although not roots, it utilizes the "Night Nurse" riddim to help make a plea for a return to the days of "Water Pumpee" and "Cool and Deadly."

DB