Doing it like dad

Simone Morgan

Friday, February 10, 2012

SEVERAL reggae/dancehall artistes have taken the path set by their parents in contributing to the production of the music. Below are three producers who continue the musical legacy their parents started.

* Stephen Marley

The son of reggae legend Bob Marley produced two of his younger sibling Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley albums Welcome To Jamrock and Halfway Tree. Both albums were successful on especially on the international market claiming a total of three Grammy Awards. The singer/producer also worked extensively on the collaborative album Distant Relatives featuring American rapper Nas and Junior Gong, which made its debut at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart in 2010.

* Stephen McGregor

Often referred to as 'Di Genius', this son of reggae vocalist Freddie McGregor. He has carved his name as being one of dancehall's finest producers from as early as age 16.

The singjay/producer is the brainchild behind a host of layered dancehall riddims which featured some of dancehall finest artistes such as Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Mavado and Beenie Man. Some of his productions include the 12 Guage, Tremor, Ghetto Whiskey and Red Bull and Guiness Riddim.

*Squidly Cole

Not only a versatile songwriter and drummer, Squidly Cole has also earned himself numerous producing credits. His most recognised and succussful being with Christopher Meridith on the duet Turn Your Lights Down Low featuring Lauryn Hill and the late Bob Marley. The song gained major success on the international charts and was nominated in the category ofr Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the Grammy Awards in 2001. The son of reggae singer Strangejah Cole, his career started at the age of 13 where he played drums on Barrington Levy's hit song Black Black Roses.