Shabba Ranks is a Jamaican dancehall musician who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His unique style of toasting, which blends traditional Jamaican reggae with elements of American rap and hip-hop, is known for his deep, gruff voice.
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Early Life and Career
Shabba Ranks was born Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon on January 17, 1966, in Sturgetown, Jamaica. He was exposed to reggae music from an early age while growing up in the impoverished Kingston neighborhood of Seaview Gardens. As a teenager, he began toasting at local sound systems, and eventually caught the attention of producer Bobby Digital, who recorded his first single, “Heat Under Sufferers’ Feet,” in 1985.
Over the next few years, Shabba Ranks’ star continued to rise, as he released a string of hit singles and established himself as one of the most popular dancehall artists in Jamaica. In 1988, he released his debut album, “Rough & Ready, Vol. 1,” which featured collaborations with several other popular Jamaican musicians, including Cocoa Tea, Johnny Osbourne, and Admiral Bailey.
Rise to Fame
Shabba Ranks’ big break came in 1990, when he released his second album, “As Raw As Ever,” which included the hit singles “Wicked Inna Bed” and “Peeny Peeny.” The album was a massive success, both in Jamaica and internationally, and helped to establish Shabba Ranks as a major force in the world of dancehall music.
Over the next few years, Shabba Ranks continued to release hit albums and singles, including “X-Tra Naked,” “A Mi Shabba,” and “Mr. Maximum.” He also collaborated with several American hip-hop and R&B artists, including KRS-One, Queen Latifah, and Maxi Priest, further expanding his reach and influence.
Net Worth
As of 2023, people estimate Shabba Ranks’ net worth to be around $1 million. While he may not be as active in the music industry as he once was, he continues to tour and perform, and his legacy as one of the greatest dancehall musicians of all time remains secure.
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Personal Life
Shabba Ranks and his wife, Michelle Gordon, have been married since 1992, and the couple has several children together. He is known for speaking out against homosexuality due to his deeply religious beliefs, which has faced criticism.
Legacy and Influence
Shabba Ranks’ influence on the world of dancehall music cannot be overstated. His deep, booming voice and his unique style of toasting helped to define the genre and paved the way for countless other artists to follow in his footsteps. He music is celebrated and enjoyed by fans worldwide, while he remains a beloved figure in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Discography
- Rough & Ready, Vol. 1 (1988)
- As Raw As Ever (1990)
- X-Tra Naked (1992)
- A Mi Shabba (1995)
- Mr. Maximum (1998)
Controversies
While Shabba Ranks’ music has been celebrated by many, he has also been involved in several controversies throughout his career. In 1992, he drew criticism from some quarters when he made homophobic comments during a performance at London’s Finsbury Park. Due to the incident, which triggered protests and boycotts of his music, Shabba Ranks was dropped from Epic Records.
Comeback and Recent Activity
Despite the controversy, Shabba Ranks has continued to perform and record music over the years. In 2011, he released a new album, “Shabba Ranks and Friends,” which featured collaborations with several other Jamaican musicians. In addition, he tours and performs globally, as well as in Jamaica, and is still highly respected in the dancehall music world.
FAQs:
Q: What is his real name?
A: His real name is Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon.
Q: What is net worth?
A: As of 2023, people estimate his net worth to be around $1 million.
Q: Has Shabba Ranks won any awards?
A: Yes, he won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1992.
Q: What controversies has he been involved in?
A: Throughout his career, he has been involved in several controversies, including making homophobic comments in 1992.
Q: Is Shabba Ranks still active in the music industry?
A: Indeed, he continues to record and perform music, and is highly respected in the dancehall music world.
Conclusion:
Shabba Ranks contributions to the world of dancehall music are undeniable. His unique style of toasting and his deep, gruff voice helped to define the genre and paved the way for countless other artists to follow in his footsteps.
Despite being involved in several controversies, he remains one of the greatest dancehall musicians of all time.