A. Barry Brown – What You Dont Know
Rankin Joe – Another One Bit The Dust
B. Jah Thomas And Life – In Dub
Label: Jah Life – J.L. 013
This edition of Double 12” Spin spotlights the New York-based production duo of Hyman Wright and Percy Chin, founders and owners of Jah Life Records. Their work served as a vital musical bridge between New York and Kingston, resulting in enduring, now-classic productions featuring some of reggae music’s most influential figures.
Born and raised in the gritty streets of West Kingston, Jamaica, Barry Brown was immersed in the island’s pulsating soundsystem culture from a young age. He cut his teeth at soundsystems like Tape Tone, honing his musical instincts. After a brief stint with the group The Aliens, Brown embarked on a solo career. Initial efforts met with limited success, but a pivotal turning point arrived when he began collaborating with the renowned producer, Bunny “Striker” Lee. Barry Brown achieved his first taste of success with the singles Mr. Money Man and Give Thanks and Praise. However, it was Step It Up Youthman that truly propelled him to prominence. His voice, a soaring high tenor, was instantly recognizable amongst thousands. Drawing heavily from the harsh realities of ghetto life and the vibrant soundsystem culture that shaped him, Brown infused his lyrics with raw authenticity.
Barry Brown was a fixture on the Jamaican charts throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, collaborating with legendary producers like Bunny “Striker” Lee, Linval Thompson, Niney The Observer, Sugar Minott, and Coxsone Dodd, alongside his own self-produced work. The rise of digital riddims in the Jamaican music scene presented a challenge, diminishing his chart presence. However, he remained a highly sought-after performer on the live circuit and the vibrant soundsystem scene. In the early 2000s, he released a new album alongside Mafia & Fluxy. Sadly, plagued by personal and health struggles, his life was tragically cut short in a studio accident in 2004.
The 1980 12″ single was produced by the New York-based Jah Life and Jah Thomas. The flip side features a dub version, though the mixing engineer remains unidentified. The vocal track is followed by a dynamic toast delivered by Ranking Joe in his inimitable style. Even though the label shows them as two songs, Barry and Ranking Joe’s parts are actually one long track. The deejay Ranking Joe, originally known as Little Joe, made his name on Jamaica’s sound system circuit, renowned for his rapid-fire toasting style. While he released several notable albums and actively produced music, his primary focus remained on the sound system scene. His dedication to reggae is evident in his recent release of a new album with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.
A. Scion Sashay Success – Every Style Get Regular
B. Scion Sashay Success – If A Minstrel
Label: Jah Life – JL 041
Unfortunately, detailed information on Scion Sashy Success, the artist behind the second 12″ single with two tracks, is limited. This often-overlooked artist, born George Narcisse in Kingston, Jamaica, relocated to New York City in the 1970s. His musical journey gained momentum upon meeting Hyman Wright and Percy Chin, the renowned production duo of Jah Life Records. Scion’s singles, Can’t Leave Jah Alone and Dancehall Queen, achieved significant success within the burgeoning New York dancehall scene.
Scion Sashy Success continued to release strong singles, and in 1984, he embarked on an international tour alongside renowned artists like Tenor Saw, Barrington Levy, and Supercat. This tour significantly boosted his profile, particularly in the UK, where Greensleeves Records released some of his music. His debut album, Success, achieved considerable success, driven in part by the popular soundclash anthem Sound Boy Fall (aka Done Dead a-Ready).
While a promising career seemed to unfold, the trajectory shifted. Subsequent singles were released sporadically, and his second album, In The Balance, didn’t arrive until 1991. Despite these setbacks, Scion established his own label, San Salvage, where he nurtured emerging talent alongside producing his own music and reissuing his classic recordings. While specific details about his current endeavors may be limited, he continues to release new music, primarily in digital formats. His most recent offering is a 12-inch single on the Black Redemption label, showcasing his ongoing creative output. Moreover, he maintains a dedicated and passionate fanbase that continues to appreciate and support his musical journey.
The A-side showcases the popular dancehall hit Every Style Get Regular, while the B-side features the more introspective If A Minstrel, a lovers’ rock track also included on the album Success.
[All tracks were ripped straight from vinyl using SoundForge. They’re in high-quality WAV format (24-bit/96kHz). I used a Technics SL-1210MK2 turntable with an Ortofon cartridge.]