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February 09, 2008
Top Reggae Producers name best message tunes
By: Joseph Cunningham
Reggae music, and its baby, Dancehall are known internationally to be genres of music with loud voices highlighting the thrills and spills of the global community.
The kind of musical composition, referred to as "Social Commentary Tunes," is dear to the hearts of the Jamaican music fraternity, and the world.
As such, YardFlex has embarked on a mission to highlight the most revered "Social Commentary Songs" in the history of Reggae; selected by the greatest producers in Reggae music.
Today we begin with Sly Dunbar's selections, half of the legendary riddim twins, Sly and Robbie.
"Get Up Stand Up" - Bob Marley.
For its message of liberation and empowerment, and its uncompromising content against systems which oppresses the poor.
"I Shot The Sherrif" - Bob Marley.
Among other explanations given, was the one from Bob Marley himself, about his struggle to be appreciated as a musician at the beginning of his career. During one interview, Bob said humorously, "The way mi had to be determined, all the sherrif mi had to shot."
"Poor People Fed Up" - Bounty Killer.
This was released amidst increasing outcries against neglect from the poor in Jamaican inner cities. The song had a bullet effect against less than diplomatic approaches by local politicians in order to maintain or regain power.
"Buckingham Palace" - Peter Tosh.
This song epitomized what rebel music is. The 'stepping razor' as Tosh was affectionately known, chanted about smoking marijuana in Queen Elizabeth's home.
"Look Into My Eye" - Bounty Killer.
This represented the grieving and desperate poor, who had lost faith in the system, and was regrettably taking matters into own hands.
"The Day The Dollar Die"- Peter Tosh.
The song was prophetic. Tosh spoke about drastic inflation and the high cost of living, long before these things became reality.