Legend Of Dancehall
So I’m ambling along, minding my business, waiting for the climate here in Philly to make the permanent pivot from “stay in, read a book” temperaturess to “ay yo, where is the hot flow set, and whose picking me up!?” weather. Everyone knows that when the time comes to ditch the coats and long pants for shorts and t-shirts, everything is better. Your coffee is more robust, your job doesn’t suck nearly as bad, and the music? Oh, the music. It’s always 10 times better when you enjoy it at a lively cookout or pushing the whip on a weekend with the sunroof open or top down, heading to nowhere in particular, just enjoying life as we should. So, imagine my sheer delight when I was tasked with reviewing a special re-release of an album by one of the absolute legends of dancehall, the one and only Sister Nancy. Her seminal release, One Two, is rightfully getting the spotlight with a special limited edition vinyl version for both the selectas, and those audiophiles who prefer their chunes via this medium rather than a CD, or streamed version.
Collector’s Item
This long player is sure to get people’s attention as it is a bright blue hue. I don’t even own a record player, but I’m tempted to cop this collector’s item, simply for the conversational value along with the fact that the album itself is a scorcher and the go to selection for Nancy’s ardent fans. Why is that? The sheer amount of hits included on One Two brought a cheese grin smile on my face when I got a gander at the track list. From the first bass line of the title track, I could only shake my head at how insanely dangerous in the dance Nancy is. Her voice, as powerful and sharp as a straight razor, cuts through the top shelf riddims and transports you to the crowded dances where this fem DJ made her mark. Sure, everyone who even claims themselves as much as a lukewarm reggae fan knows that Bam Bam is on the short list of all time reggae tracks, but please don’t forget to lick a shot for Ain’t No Stopping Nancy, Gwan A School, Roof Over Mi Head, Only Woman DJ With Degree and the murderous sing styled Coward Of The Country all of which are voiced over super producer and hit maker Winston Riley’s legendary soundscapes. What’s exceptional about One Two, was that not only was it Sister Nancy’s debut, but she was able to bogart her way on the scene, right as dancehall was taking off due to the efforts of the men that started the movement. The list reads as a who’s who of DJ’s with Yellowman, Eek-A Mouse, Brigadier Jerry, and Josey Wales all vying for the title of king of the dance yet Nancy never ceded an inch when it came to confidence and skill, and had no problem chattin’ about it. “Nuh bwoy cyaah tek mi” she confidently stated on the Answer riddim backed Transport Connection, and who are we to argue?!
Proper Due
At the end of the day, no matter your favorite early dancehall artists, Sister Nancy has to be given her proper due. It’s easy to say that there’d be no JC Lodge, Shelly Thunder, or Lady Saw without her, let alone a Spice, Shenseea or a Koffee. That’s low hanging fruit as far as this fan is concerned. Ms. Ophlin Russell, didn’t need a handout or any reggae suffrage movement to get to the heights she’s achieved in her career. In Bam Bam, she has not only an iconic song, but the most sampled reggae track in history, she’s earned countless accolades and awards, and STILL has a career that continues on HER terms. Her well-known legal battles over her royalties now behind her, she continues to tour and perform worldwide while serving as a mentor and advocate for the current generation of female reggae artists. Sister Nancy, with this special re-issue of One Two has truly whet my whistle for the summertime, and as well gets her very deserving homage from the game she helped go global. And don’t think I’m kidding about that turntable! Amazon has a nice chea…I mean inexpensive one for $44.00. Right up my alley!