Anyone tuned into the reggae and dancehall scene from the late 1990s to the early 2000s will instantly recognize the influential work of Collin “Bulby” York and Lynford “Fatta” Marshall. As producers and mixing engineers, their fingerprints are all over a significant share of the era’s biggest hits and albums. They collaborated with heavyweights like Sean Paul, Sizzla, Capleton, Buju Banton, Elephant Man, Beres Hammond, and Beenie Man, and worked closely with leading labels such as VP Records, Heartbeat Records, Jet Star, and Greensleeves. Their own productions, released under the Fat Eyes label, made waves through standout compilations including Fat Eyes Delite Volume 1 (1997), Fat Eyes Dee Lite (2001), Fat Eyes Presents Dancehall Attack & Dee Lite (2003), and Fat Eyes Dancehall Dee-Lite (2004), cementing their legacy as key architects of modern Jamaican music.
After the duo split in 2016, Bulby York stepped forward with Epic & Ting, a star-studded album featuring artists such as Sizzla, Maxi Priest, Bounty Killer, and Lee “Scratch” Perry. He followed up in 2018 with Master Blaster, a vibrant collection of 11 riddim tracks that spanned genres—from roots and rocksteady to reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, and Afrobeat. In 2021, he teamed up with VPal Music to release the compilation LP Heartcrafted. Now, continuing his sonic journey, Bulby presents 5, a digital release that will delight any reggae lover.
Featuring 12 tracks that blend roots reggae and lovers rock, this collection showcases top-tier vocalists riding expertly crafted riddims laid down by first-class musicians, all under the seasoned production and engineering of Bulby York. The album draws from both the treasured archives of Fat Eyes and more contemporary sessions. Opening with Brother 2 Brother, a timeless duet between Beres Hammond and Junior Tucker introduced by Tommy Cowan, the set immediately transports listeners to 1997. Nearly three decades later, the track still resonates, setting the tone for what follows. Bunny Rugs delivers a stirring rendition of Burning Spear’s Marcus Garvey, while roots classics like Cocoa Tea’s Babylon Burning and Freddie McGregor’s Hide And Seek continue to elevate the listening experience. The romantic side of reggae shines in the latter half, with heartfelt selections like Morgan Heritage’s Solid Woman, Luciano’s The Sweetness, and With Me by Pressure Busspipe & Malica, rounding out a compilation that’s both nostalgic and fresh.