Dancehall’s Golden Era: The Most Impactful Producers of the ’90s

Dancehall music emerged from the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, in the late 1970s, but it was in the 1990s that the genre truly blossomed, gaining international recognition and captivating audiences around the world. This era, often referred to as the “Golden Era” of dancehall, gave us some of the most memorable rhythms, anthems, and stars. But behind these hits were masterful producers who crafted the sounds that would define a generation. Let’s delve into the genius of some of the most influential dancehall producers of the ’90s.

King Jammy (Lloyd James):
- Legacy: King Jammy’s groundbreaking production on Wayne Smith’s “Under Mi Sleng Teng” in the mid-’80s essentially ushered in the digital era of dancehall, changing the genre forever.
- Signature Sound: Blended traditional reggae sounds with modern digital rhythms, creating a bridge between the two eras.
- Notable Tracks: “Love Punanny Bad” (Shabba Ranks), “Agony” (Pinchers)

Bobby Digital (Bobby Dixon):
- Legacy: As a protegé of King Jammy, Bobby Digital continued the digital revolution, producing countless hits throughout the ’90s.
- Signature Sound: Digital beats paired with rich melodies and heavy basslines.
- Notable Tracks: “Dem Bow” (Shabba Ranks), “Tek Him” (Mad Cobra)

Steely & Clevie (Wycliffe Johnson and Cleveland Browne):
- Legacy: This dynamic duo transformed dancehall music with their innovative production techniques and vast musical knowledge.
- Signature Sound: Fused electronic sounds with live instrumentation, often incorporating elements from funk, soul, and R&B.
- Notable Tracks: “Mama” (Baby Wayne), “Reggae Put Jamaica On Top” (Tony Rebel)

Tony “CD” Kelly:
- Legacy: Kelly, the younger brother of Dave Kelly, brought a fresh approach to dancehall, producing many chart-topping hits.
- Signature Sound: Vibrant and melodic with clear pop influences, making his productions palatable to international audiences.
- Notable Tracks: “Like Glue” (Sean Paul), “Everyone Falls In Love” (Tanto Metro & Devonte)

Penthouse Records (Donovan Germain):
- Legacy: Known for nurturing young talent, Germain’s Penthouse Records was a force to be reckoned with in the ’90s.
- Signature Sound: Smooth, melodic beats with a touch of soul.
- Notable Tracks: “It’s Growing” (Garnett Silk), “If Jah” (Tony Rebel)

Jeremy Harding:
- Legacy: Jeremy Harding’s contribution to the Dancehall scene was considerable. He’s best known for producing Sean Paul’s breakout hit, “Infiltrate”, and later, “Deport Them”.
- Signature Sound: Clean, modern, electronic-infused beats that were ahead of their time.
- Notable Tracks: “Infiltrate” (Sean Paul), “Who Am I (Sim Simma)” (Beenie Man)

Fatis Burrell (Philip Burrell of Xterminator):
- Legacy: Under his Xterminator label, Fatis produced for major artists, particularly during the early and mid-90s. He was known for his roots-oriented sound, producing for both reggae and dancehall artists.
- Signature Sound: Conscious, rootsy beats that touched on both reggae and dancehall vibes.
- Notable Tracks: “Praise Ye Jah” (Sizzla), “Black Woman & Child” (Sizzla)

Main Street (Danny Browne):
- Legacy: As the founder of Main Street Records, Browne nurtured many iconic dancehall artists and pushed the genre into new territories.
- Signature Sound: Unique combinations of dancehall with hints of jazz and funk.
- Notable Tracks: “Dwayne” (Red Rat), “Heads High” (Mr. Vegas)

Madhouse Records (Dave Kelly):

Legacy: Dave Kelly’s Madhouse Records was a major powerhouse during the ’90s, consistently producing hits that are now considered dancehall classics.
Signature Sound: Edgy beats that often had a raw street vibe.
Notable Tracks: “Bruk Out” (Bounty Killer), “Joyride” (Wayne Wonder)

In conclusion, the ’90s was a pivotal decade for dancehall music, with producers pushing the boundaries and crafting a sound that would resonate with fans globally. Their innovative production techniques and deep understanding of the genre’s roots played a key role in shaping the sound of dancehall during this golden era.

August 7, 2023

Dancehall’s Golden Era: The Most Impactful Producers of the ’90s

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