Farewell 2011, welcome 2012. Time to look back at the year gone by, with the artists, albums, singles and riddims that left their mark on us.
- Assassin: With Buju behind bars, Kartel in a league of his own, Mavado in the USA and Busy Signal missing in action, Assassin had a clear field this year in Jamaica. The deejay once again showed impressive consistency (Talk how mi feel, Run the place, Late), still defending thoughtful lyrics and "old-school" dancehall, far removed from the hip-hop / R'n'B of his compatriots. A question of attitude.
- Danakil: A solid third album, "Echos du Temps", recorded between Paris, Kingston and Bamako, a tour that never seems to end and a Zénith de Paris packed to the rafters: Danakil, champions of the French scene!
- Sizzla: A return to roots for the deejay. Besides his best album in years, "The Scriptures" (produced by John John), he was also on every project of the Xterminator revival, cut short by the death of "Fattis". The commotion around his motorbike accident showed, for those who doubted it, that the public's interest in Dada has not faded.
- Bounty Killer: the near-veteran took centre stage again, with a string of hits and a pseudo-clash with Beenie Man, his favourite sparring partner. Bounty Killer knocked Beenie out at Diamond Splash, and came out the winner at Sting. Still on form, the Warlord.
- Vybz Kartel: The bleaching, the reality TV show Teacha's Pet, the lecture at the University of the West Indies, a book, a few songs all the same… and an arrest for murder. Locked up at the end of September, the self-proclaimed "World Boss" (no small claim) saw in the New Year in a cell, and spent the year making the headlines, but no longer for artistic reasons. A real soap opera.
And also:
- Protoje: Armed with his first album, "The seven year itch", produced by his cousin Don Corleon, Protoje took flight this year.
- I-Octane: one of our artists of the year in 2010, I-Octane carried on in 2011. Waiting for the first album in 2012.
- Damian Marley: two good singles (Wanted, Set up shop) and a flop ("Superheavy").
- Mavado: Since joining DJ Khaled on his We Da Best label, Mavado is living the American dream, recording with Drake or Akon. In 2011, he also launched his own label Mansion Records with Delilah.
- Popcaan: The World Boss's right-hand man for years, Popcaan broke free from Vybz Kartel, scoring his first number one with Raving.
- Buju Banton: Arrested and charged in December 2009, found guilty in February 2011, Buju Banton will not regain his freedom until 2019. Unless his appeal, filed in December, has a happy outcome.
- Colonel Reyel: Coached by Krys, Colonel Reyel hit the jackpot thanks to his R'n'B makeover: his album "Au Rapport" sold 200,000 copies. After Celui and Aurélie, Reyel pulled off a new track with Bob Sinclar, Me not a Gangsta. The tally of the FM heist: 800,000 singles sold.
- Hollie Cook – Hollie Cook (Mr Bongo)
- Protoje – The Seven year itch (Don Corleon Records)
- Sizzla – The Scriptures (VP)
- I-Wayne - Life Teachings (VP)
- Alpheus – From Creation (Lone Ark) :
And also:
- Derajah – Paris is burning (Chapter Two)
- Fundé – Hymne à la vie (X-Ray)
- The Mighty Lions – In this time (Ka Records)
- Midnite – Kings Bell
- Danakil – Echos du Temps (X-Ray)
- Paille – Inflammable (Don's Music)
- Stephen Marley - The Revelation Part 1 - The Root of Life (Tuff Gong / Universal)
- Alborosie - 2 Times Revolution (Greensleeves)
- Taj Weekes – A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen (Jatta Records)
EP:
- Tony Curtis – Fight it (Greenyard Records)
- Solo Banton – Music Addict (Jahtari)
- Jimmy Cliff – Sacred Fire (Collective Records)
Mixtape:
- Jahmali - Sounds with purpose (My Youth Foundation)
- Tarrus Riley – Rebel (Maximum Sound)
- Vybz Kartel – Poor People Land (Don Corleon Records)
- Luciano & Capleton – Bun Babylon (Soul Vybz Music)
- Tony Curtis – Fight it (Greenyard Records)
- Assassin – Talk how me feel (DJ Frass)
- Romain Virgo – Rich in love (Lifeline Music)
- Ky-mani Marley, Protoje, Da Professor - Rub a dub soldiers (Don Corleon Records)
- Solo Banton – Music Addict (Jahtari)
- Sizzla – Ghetto Youths Rise (Maximum Sound)
- Vybz Kartel – Summertime (Adde Productions)
- Ky-mani Marley – New Heights (Don Corleon Records)
- Konshens – Do Sum'n (Mi-sick Musik / Ward 21)
- Assassin – Late (Big Ship)
- Mavado - Cleara (DJ Frass)
- Biga – Gypsy Rock (X Ray)
- Soom-T – Soundboy police (Scotch Bonnet)
- Tarrus Riley – Dangerous Love (Troyton Music)
- Damian Marley – Set up shop (Ghetto Youths International)
- Yami Bolo - Babylon System (Furybass)
- Jahvinci – In my life (Not Nice / Corey Todd Records)
- I-Octane – Badmind fi di year (Cashflow Records)
Reggae riddims:
- Skateland Killer riddim (Maximum Sound)
1025
- Jah Army riddim (Ghetto Youth International)
1026
- Antique riddim (Don Corleon Records)
1077
- The Message riddim (Don Corleon Records)
974
- Fuss & Fight riddim (John John)
977
- No Doubt riddim (Diversité)
1052
Dancehall riddims:
- Pepper riddim (Big Ship)
- Overproof riddim (Roach)
- Dancehall Pull Up (First Name Music)
- Island Breeze riddim (Madd Spider Productions)
986
- Summertime riddim (Adde Productions)
- School fee riddim (Subkonshus Music)
Clips:
- Sir Samuel – Urban Classik
- Tarrus Riley – Shaka Zulu Pickney
- Nas & Damian Marley – Patience
- Tom Fire feat. Matthew McAnuff – Brainwash
- Rihanna – Man down
Passings
Philip "Fattis" Burell: At the helm of his Xterminator label, he contributed actively to the roots and spiritual revival of the 90s, launching the careers of Sizzla (whom he managed) and Luciano, and even producing a dub album, "MLK Dub". After a lean spell at the dawn of the 2000s, he had returned to business in 2011 with several riddims. The top producer of the 90s has passed away.
Barry Llewellyn: Together with Earl Morgan and Leroy Sibbles, he founded the vocal trio The Heptones. He is the voice of the famous Book of Rules, which he co-wrote. He could be seen on stage several times with Leroy Sibbles in France in recent years, notably at Reggae Sun Ska last summer.
Leonard Dillon: With the Ethiopians, he delivered, in his superb warm voice, some of the finest rocksteady classics with rasta-inspired lyrics. Left alone at the helm of the group, Leonard Dillon was preparing a new album before cancer took him.
Nono (Blues Party): A passionate militant, a tireless activist at the controls of his Blues Party sound system, Daddy Nono left us in July. He played an essential role in energising the reggae scene in France from the early 90s, and many came to pay him a last tribute at Glazart.
Risto Benji:Michael Benjamin is best known for his work with Jammy and his sons (Gimmi di money, Don't pirate it). Signed to VP in the early 90s, Risto Benji enjoyed one of his biggest successes in 1992 with the hit Passport buddy. He was shot dead in May 2011.
Lloyd Knibb: the Skatalites drummer died at the age of 80, following cancer. Drummer of Jamaica's most famous ska band in 1964, he followed Tommy McCook into the Supersonics, Duke Reid's (Treasure Isle) studio band. In 1983, the Skatalites reformed; Lloyd Knibb kept the rhythm going until April 2011.
Anthony Doyley: Founding member, singer and lyricist of the group Knowledge (an overlooked band rehabilitated by Makasound in 2002 with the compilation "Straight Outta Trenchtown"), Anthony Doley passed away on Saturday 26 February 2011 in London, aged 55.
Blaxxx: The producer Daniel Lewis, better known as Blaxxx, made his mark with essential riddims. On his Blaxxx label, he released the Egyptian riddim (co-produced with Don Corleon), as well as the Slingshot. With Buccaneer, he had set up another label, Black House, which put out the Blackout riddim as well as the Middle East.
Smiley Culture: Famous for his hits Cockney Translation and Police Officer in 1984, David Emmanuel, to give his real name, emerged with the Saxon Sound System, alongside Papa Levi, Tippa Irie and Maxi Priest. He died after the police intervened at his home, from wounds he is said to have inflicted on himself, which his family disputes.
Jah Woosh: Nephew of Theophilus Beckford, Jah Woosh saw his deejay career take off with his very first album, "Jah Woosh", produced by Rupie Edwards in 1974. Also a producer through his labels Septembre, Skyjuice and Original Music, he had left the music scene to settle in Ghana.
Cooper Cat: Spotted by Richie Stephens in 1998, it was with him that Copper Cat (Demar Graham to give his real name) started his career. Regarded as a member of the family, Stephens wrote many songs for him, took him along to his concerts, and produced him on his label Pot of Gold. He was murdered for his mobile phone.
Pretty Rik (Tek9): MC of Tek-9 Movements, the Brooklyn sound system, Pretty Rik, also nicknamed the "Microphone General", died at the start of the year, the victim of a heart attack in his sleep.
And also:
Boulibaï Vibrations: France Inter keeps reshuffling its programmes and has claimed a new victim. The only national radio show devoted to reggae is disappearing: the Boulibaï Vibrations of 26 June 2011 was therefore the last, after eight years spent discovering and promoting Jamaican music.
Dub Vendor: The famous London record shop celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary by closing its doors. After the Ladbroke Grove shop in 2008, the flagship store at Clapham Junction, especially popular with the French on their trips across the Channel, is pulling down the shutters, though it will live on with its online business.
For 2012, we are waiting for:
- The first album from Konshens, I-Octane, Da Professor.
- New albums from Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Ky-mani Marley, Busy Signal (the much-discussed 100% reggae album produced by Shane Brown), Mavado (on We Da Best), Groundation, and also Nuttea and Raggasonic (fingers crossed).
- The take-off of the breakthrough acts Masicka, Jesse Royal, Wasp.
- Danakil: A solid third album, "Echos du Temps", recorded between Paris, Kingston and Bamako, a tour that never seems to end and a Zénith de Paris packed to the rafters: Danakil, champions of the French scene!
- Sizzla: A return to roots for the deejay. Besides his best album in years, "The Scriptures" (produced by John John), he was also on every project of the Xterminator revival, cut short by the death of "Fattis". The commotion around his motorbike accident showed, for those who doubted it, that the public's interest in Dada has not faded.
- Bounty Killer: the near-veteran took centre stage again, with a string of hits and a pseudo-clash with Beenie Man, his favourite sparring partner. Bounty Killer knocked Beenie out at Diamond Splash, and came out the winner at Sting. Still on form, the Warlord.
- Vybz Kartel: The bleaching, the reality TV show Teacha's Pet, the lecture at the University of the West Indies, a book, a few songs all the same… and an arrest for murder. Locked up at the end of September, the self-proclaimed "World Boss" (no small claim) saw in the New Year in a cell, and spent the year making the headlines, but no longer for artistic reasons. A real soap opera.
And also:
- Protoje: Armed with his first album, "The seven year itch", produced by his cousin Don Corleon, Protoje took flight this year.
- I-Octane: one of our artists of the year in 2010, I-Octane carried on in 2011. Waiting for the first album in 2012.
- Damian Marley: two good singles (Wanted, Set up shop) and a flop ("Superheavy").
- Mavado: Since joining DJ Khaled on his We Da Best label, Mavado is living the American dream, recording with Drake or Akon. In 2011, he also launched his own label Mansion Records with Delilah.
- Popcaan: The World Boss's right-hand man for years, Popcaan broke free from Vybz Kartel, scoring his first number one with Raving.
- Buju Banton: Arrested and charged in December 2009, found guilty in February 2011, Buju Banton will not regain his freedom until 2019. Unless his appeal, filed in December, has a happy outcome.
- Colonel Reyel: Coached by Krys, Colonel Reyel hit the jackpot thanks to his R'n'B makeover: his album "Au Rapport" sold 200,000 copies. After Celui and Aurélie, Reyel pulled off a new track with Bob Sinclar, Me not a Gangsta. The tally of the FM heist: 800,000 singles sold.
- Hollie Cook – Hollie Cook (Mr Bongo)
- Protoje – The Seven year itch (Don Corleon Records)
- Sizzla – The Scriptures (VP)
- I-Wayne - Life Teachings (VP)
- Alpheus – From Creation (Lone Ark) :
And also:
- Derajah – Paris is burning (Chapter Two)
- Fundé – Hymne à la vie (X-Ray)
- The Mighty Lions – In this time (Ka Records)
- Midnite – Kings Bell
- Danakil – Echos du Temps (X-Ray)
- Paille – Inflammable (Don's Music)
- Stephen Marley - The Revelation Part 1 - The Root of Life (Tuff Gong / Universal)
- Alborosie - 2 Times Revolution (Greensleeves)
- Taj Weekes – A Waterlogged Soul Kitchen (Jatta Records)
EP:
- Tony Curtis – Fight it (Greenyard Records)
- Solo Banton – Music Addict (Jahtari)
- Jimmy Cliff – Sacred Fire (Collective Records)
Mixtape:
- Jahmali - Sounds with purpose (My Youth Foundation)
- Tarrus Riley – Rebel (Maximum Sound)
- Vybz Kartel – Poor People Land (Don Corleon Records)
- Luciano & Capleton – Bun Babylon (Soul Vybz Music)
- Tony Curtis – Fight it (Greenyard Records)
- Assassin – Talk how me feel (DJ Frass)
- Romain Virgo – Rich in love (Lifeline Music)
- Ky-mani Marley, Protoje, Da Professor - Rub a dub soldiers (Don Corleon Records)
- Solo Banton – Music Addict (Jahtari)
- Sizzla – Ghetto Youths Rise (Maximum Sound)
- Vybz Kartel – Summertime (Adde Productions)
- Ky-mani Marley – New Heights (Don Corleon Records)
- Konshens – Do Sum'n (Mi-sick Musik / Ward 21)
- Assassin – Late (Big Ship)
- Mavado - Cleara (DJ Frass)
- Biga – Gypsy Rock (X Ray)
- Soom-T – Soundboy police (Scotch Bonnet)
- Tarrus Riley – Dangerous Love (Troyton Music)
- Damian Marley – Set up shop (Ghetto Youths International)
- Yami Bolo - Babylon System (Furybass)
- Jahvinci – In my life (Not Nice / Corey Todd Records)
- I-Octane – Badmind fi di year (Cashflow Records)
Reggae riddims:
- Skateland Killer riddim (Maximum Sound)
- Jah Army riddim (Ghetto Youth International)
- Antique riddim (Don Corleon Records)
- The Message riddim (Don Corleon Records)
- Fuss & Fight riddim (John John)
- No Doubt riddim (Diversité)
Dancehall riddims:
- Pepper riddim (Big Ship)
- Overproof riddim (Roach)
- Dancehall Pull Up (First Name Music)
- Island Breeze riddim (Madd Spider Productions)
- Summertime riddim (Adde Productions)
- School fee riddim (Subkonshus Music)
Clips:
- Sir Samuel – Urban Classik
- Tarrus Riley – Shaka Zulu Pickney
- Nas & Damian Marley – Patience
- Tom Fire feat. Matthew McAnuff – Brainwash
- Rihanna – Man down
Passings
Philip "Fattis" Burell: At the helm of his Xterminator label, he contributed actively to the roots and spiritual revival of the 90s, launching the careers of Sizzla (whom he managed) and Luciano, and even producing a dub album, "MLK Dub". After a lean spell at the dawn of the 2000s, he had returned to business in 2011 with several riddims. The top producer of the 90s has passed away.
Barry Llewellyn: Together with Earl Morgan and Leroy Sibbles, he founded the vocal trio The Heptones. He is the voice of the famous Book of Rules, which he co-wrote. He could be seen on stage several times with Leroy Sibbles in France in recent years, notably at Reggae Sun Ska last summer.
Leonard Dillon: With the Ethiopians, he delivered, in his superb warm voice, some of the finest rocksteady classics with rasta-inspired lyrics. Left alone at the helm of the group, Leonard Dillon was preparing a new album before cancer took him.
Nono (Blues Party): A passionate militant, a tireless activist at the controls of his Blues Party sound system, Daddy Nono left us in July. He played an essential role in energising the reggae scene in France from the early 90s, and many came to pay him a last tribute at Glazart.
Risto Benji:Michael Benjamin is best known for his work with Jammy and his sons (Gimmi di money, Don't pirate it). Signed to VP in the early 90s, Risto Benji enjoyed one of his biggest successes in 1992 with the hit Passport buddy. He was shot dead in May 2011.
Lloyd Knibb: the Skatalites drummer died at the age of 80, following cancer. Drummer of Jamaica's most famous ska band in 1964, he followed Tommy McCook into the Supersonics, Duke Reid's (Treasure Isle) studio band. In 1983, the Skatalites reformed; Lloyd Knibb kept the rhythm going until April 2011.
Anthony Doyley: Founding member, singer and lyricist of the group Knowledge (an overlooked band rehabilitated by Makasound in 2002 with the compilation "Straight Outta Trenchtown"), Anthony Doley passed away on Saturday 26 February 2011 in London, aged 55.
Blaxxx: The producer Daniel Lewis, better known as Blaxxx, made his mark with essential riddims. On his Blaxxx label, he released the Egyptian riddim (co-produced with Don Corleon), as well as the Slingshot. With Buccaneer, he had set up another label, Black House, which put out the Blackout riddim as well as the Middle East.
Smiley Culture: Famous for his hits Cockney Translation and Police Officer in 1984, David Emmanuel, to give his real name, emerged with the Saxon Sound System, alongside Papa Levi, Tippa Irie and Maxi Priest. He died after the police intervened at his home, from wounds he is said to have inflicted on himself, which his family disputes.
Jah Woosh: Nephew of Theophilus Beckford, Jah Woosh saw his deejay career take off with his very first album, "Jah Woosh", produced by Rupie Edwards in 1974. Also a producer through his labels Septembre, Skyjuice and Original Music, he had left the music scene to settle in Ghana.
Cooper Cat: Spotted by Richie Stephens in 1998, it was with him that Copper Cat (Demar Graham to give his real name) started his career. Regarded as a member of the family, Stephens wrote many songs for him, took him along to his concerts, and produced him on his label Pot of Gold. He was murdered for his mobile phone.
Pretty Rik (Tek9): MC of Tek-9 Movements, the Brooklyn sound system, Pretty Rik, also nicknamed the "Microphone General", died at the start of the year, the victim of a heart attack in his sleep.
And also:
Boulibaï Vibrations: France Inter keeps reshuffling its programmes and has claimed a new victim. The only national radio show devoted to reggae is disappearing: the Boulibaï Vibrations of 26 June 2011 was therefore the last, after eight years spent discovering and promoting Jamaican music.
Dub Vendor: The famous London record shop celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary by closing its doors. After the Ladbroke Grove shop in 2008, the flagship store at Clapham Junction, especially popular with the French on their trips across the Channel, is pulling down the shutters, though it will live on with its online business.
For 2012, we are waiting for:
- The first album from Konshens, I-Octane, Da Professor.
- New albums from Tarrus Riley, Protoje, Ky-mani Marley, Busy Signal (the much-discussed 100% reggae album produced by Shane Brown), Mavado (on We Da Best), Groundation, and also Nuttea and Raggasonic (fingers crossed).
- The take-off of the breakthrough acts Masicka, Jesse Royal, Wasp.
Report written by La rédaction