Language: Jamaican Patois, English
Genre: Dancehall, Reggae
Label Number: EK 47310
© 1991 Epic
AllMusic Review by Alex Henderson
When dubwise (often described as reggae's equivalent of rap) evolved into dancehall in the 1980s, Shabba Ranks became one of the style's leaders. Most dancehall has come out on small independent labels, but in the early '90s, Epic saw how popular it had become and signed Ranks. Hard-edged, abrasive and tough, As Raw as Ever thrives on rhythm for its own sake. Listening to such cuts as "Gun Pon Me" and "Fist-A-Ris," one can hear the impact that classic dubwise artists like I-Roy, U-Roy, King Tubby and Big Youth had on dancehall. But while those greats could be very melodic, Ranks usually has little or no use for melody or harmony. Ranks is joined by artists ranging from rapper KRS-1 to reggae/pop singer Maxi Priest on this generally enjoyable, although limited, disc.
© 1991 Epic
AllMusic Review by Alex Henderson
When dubwise (often described as reggae's equivalent of rap) evolved into dancehall in the 1980s, Shabba Ranks became one of the style's leaders. Most dancehall has come out on small independent labels, but in the early '90s, Epic saw how popular it had become and signed Ranks. Hard-edged, abrasive and tough, As Raw as Ever thrives on rhythm for its own sake. Listening to such cuts as "Gun Pon Me" and "Fist-A-Ris," one can hear the impact that classic dubwise artists like I-Roy, U-Roy, King Tubby and Big Youth had on dancehall. But while those greats could be very melodic, Ranks usually has little or no use for melody or harmony. Ranks is joined by artists ranging from rapper KRS-1 to reggae/pop singer Maxi Priest on this generally enjoyable, although limited, disc.
tags: shabba ranks, as raw as ever, 1991, flac,
THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteDancehall or reggae category for these type of releases may make sense.
ReplyDeleteThis album contains both. It contains traditional Reggae music and Dancehall. We are not implying that they are the same thing. They aren't. The genres are based on what the albums contain and this contains both. "Other Genres" is for the music which we own the least on CD. This falls under that category.
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