Shabba Ranks

Sony Legacy dipped into the archives and pulled out a fistful of Ranks' most popular cuts for this compilation. Culled from the five albums the DJ recorded for Epic between 1991 and 1995, Greatest Hits is obviously aimed at American fans. There again, the label gave Ranks an incredibly long leash, allowing him to record in Jamaica with the island's hottest producers and rhythm teams, and the artist repaid the favor by refusing to compromise his rough and ready style one iota for an international audience. And thus his reputation remained unsullied at home and abroad. The 16 cuts featured here provide an excellent overview of Ranks' music, from his early raggamuffin days to his later conversion to more cultural concerns. The DJ's initial breakout came via a series of pairings with singers, including J.C. Lodge on her international smash "Telephone Love." A clutch of those collaborations appear here, notably with Mykal Rose on the hit "Shine Eye Gal," Maxi Priest on "Housecall," "Chevell Franklin" for "Mr. Loverman," and Cocoa Tea and DJ Home T on "Pirate Anthem." As the album is not chronological, it's difficult to chart Ranks' progress, but the varied lyrical themes signposts the way. From the conquesting hero of "Wicked in Bed" and "Bad and Wicked," albeit often with tongue in cheek, as on "Trailer Load a Girls," to the more thoughtful "Rough Life" and "Roots & Culture," on which he defends his toasts, the DJ connected with Jamaican dancehall crowds and eventually the world. This compilation shows precisely why. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide