Shabba Ranks: The King of Reggae Music

Shabba Ranks is one of the most popular and well-known reggae artists in the world. His music is loved by fans all over, and he is considered to be the king of reggae music. In this blog post, we will take a look at his life and career, and some of his most popular songs.

Introduction

Shabba Ranks (born Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon on December 17, 1966 in Sturgetown, St. Ann, Jamaica) is a Jamaican reggae dancehall musician. He was one of the most popular dancehall artists of his generation and is considered one of the innovators of the “ragga” style of dancehall music. His career began in the late 1980s when he started recording with producers such as Ziggy Marley and Coco Tea, before releasing his debut album Mr. Loverman in 1992. He achieved international success with his album As Raw as Ever, which contained the hit single “Mr. Loverman”.

Ranks has been convicted of marijuana possession on several occasions and has been banned from entering the United States because of his criminal record. In 1996, he was arrested in Florida for possession of cocaine and marijuana, but was later released on bail. In 2001, he pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in New York City and was sentenced to three years’ probation. Despite his legal troubles, Ranks remains one of the most popular reggae artists of his generation and continues to release new music.

Early Life and Career

Shabba Ranks was born in Sturgetown, St. Ann, Jamaica on January 17, 1966. His real name is Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon, but he was given the nickname “Shabba” by his friends and family. He began his musical career in the late 1970s as a deejay for local sound systems. His unique style of “sing-jay” (a combination of singing and deejaying) soon made him a popular figure in the Jamaican music scene.

In the early 1980s, Shabba began working with producer Josey Wales and released his first single, “Mr. Loverman.” The song was an instant hit in Jamaica and helped to launch Shabba’s career. He went on to release a string of successful singles throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, cementing his status as one of reggae music’s biggest stars.

In 1992, Shabba experienced his breakthrough moment when he collaborated with Madonna on her song “La Isla Bonita.” The song was a huge success worldwide and helped to make Shabba Ranks a household name. He continued to enjoy success throughout the 1990s with hits like “Supermodel” and “It’s Alright.”

Today, Shabba Ranks is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in reggae music history. He is credited with helping to bring the genre to a wider audience and has influenced a new generation of Jamaican artists.

Rise to Fame

Shabba Ranks became one of the most popular reggae artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s with his distinctive ragga-influenced style. His debut album, Rough & Tough, was released in 1987 and featured the hit single “Mr. Loverman”, which helped to bring him to international prominence. Ranks followed up with a series of successful albums and singles, including “Respect Woman”, “Just Be Good to Me”, and ” Wicked in Bed”. He also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Johnny Gill. In 1992, he won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for his album As Raw as Ever.

Controversies

Shabba Ranks was one of the most controversial figures in reggae music. His lyrics were often deemed homophobic and misogynistic, and he was criticized for his use of profanity. However, many people also praised him for his unique style and catchy tunes.

Later Career and Death

Shabba Ranks’ career took a turn in the early 1990s when he began to lose interest in making music. He became involved in several legal disputes and was arrested several times. In 1999, he was convicted of cocaine possession and sentenced to six months in prison.

Ranks’ health began to decline in the early 2000s, and he died of heart failure on October 13, 2017, at the age of 48.

Legacy

Reggae music has been around for decades, and Shabba Ranks is one of the most iconic and well-known artists in the genre. He is often referred to as the “King of Reggae,” and his legacy has been cemented in the history of music.

Shabba Ranks rose to prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s with his signature style of reggae music. His biggest hits include “Mr. Loverman,” “Slow and Sexy,” and “No Woman, No Cry.” He has been credited with helping to bring reggae music to a wider audience, and his influence can still be heard in today’s reggae artists.

Shabba Ranks has won numerous awards throughout his career, including Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and BET Awards. He has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Shabba Ranks is truly a legend in the world of reggae music, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.