The legendary deejay U Roy was already a veteran in the Jamaican sound system scene, rising to fame in 1969 on the Home Town Hi-Fi, which was operated by Osbourne Ruddock, famously known as King Tubby. That same year, U Brown also launched his deejaying journey at nearly thirteen years old, adopting his stage name as a nod to U Roy and his light skin. He initially performed with various small sound systems including Antone The Killer, gradually building his experience over the following years. In 1975, he teamed up with Bunny Lee, the successful producer from Greenwich Farm, to record his debut album titled Satta Dread, the next year only released in the UK by Klik Records.
Nearly five decades after his debut album Satta Dread was released, the esteemed French label Irie Ites has unveiled the new album from the veteran deejay, titled Still Chanting Rub-A-Dub. While U Brown’s 1976 debut featured exclusively his solo tracks, his latest offering comprises twelve tracks that include ten collaborations with fellow Jamaican artists like Glen Washington, Cornell Campbell, Linval Thompson, and the late reggae greats Frankie Paul and Sugar Minott. Musically, U Brown is accompanied by riddims from the Roots Radics, Mafia & Fluxy, Med Tone, The Ligerians, and Irie Ites All Stars.
Still Chanting Rub-A-Dub effectively immerses the listener in the vibrant atmosphere of the late ’70s/early ’80s, a time when early dancehall reigned supreme. This album, which boasts numerous enjoyable singer/deejay collaborations, kicks off with the lively solo track Run Come Dance, delivered by U Brown with his signature toasting flair. While the energetic opening track impresses, there are even stronger selections within the album, such as Rub-A-Dub School, featuring Frankie Paul. This standout track showcases both artists skillfully riding Irie Ites’ rendition of the riddim originally utilized by Prince Jammy for Black Crucial’s 1983 tune, Mr. Vincent. A bass-heavy rub-a-dub riddim from Roots Radics serves as an ideal backdrop for U Brown and Trinity, transforming Hard Road into an exceptional piece. Additionally, Linval Thompson’s magnificent Ganja Man, which is the title track from an album released earlier this year, returns in a dynamic collaboration. It remains a delightful listen. This also applies to the fantastic collaboration with Eek-A-Mouse, Whip Dem, which might resonate with listeners similarly to Thompson’s Original Ganjaman. The track Ruff Ina Dis Ya Time, a reimagining of Al Campbell’s Jah Love Conquers All on the 2023 Ina Struggle Riddim, concludes the album in an excellent way.
Over his long-lasting career, U Brown has put out albums demonstrating his ability to stand alone. Nevertheless, an album featuring multiple guest artists makes it more appealing and diverse for those not familiar with classic deejay music.