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. 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. 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. The DJ's initial breakout came via a series of pairings with singers, including J.C. 1 and X-Tra Naked, 93's Rough & Ready, Vol. Shabba Ranks Greatest Hits supports that contention with 16 booming tracks culled from 5 of his Epic/Sony albums: 1991 's Raw As Ever, 92's Rough & Ready, Vol.

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. Why Shabba Because of all dancehall's leading contenders, Shabba swung the heaviest riddim axe. And thus his reputation remained unsullied at home and abroad.

And thus his reputation remained unsullied at home and abroad.

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. Culled from the five albums the DJ recorded for Epic between 19, Greatest Hits is obviously aimed at American fans. Sony Legacy dipped into the archives and pulled out a fistful of Ranks' most popular cuts for this compilation.

Shabba Ranks Greatest Hits 2001 Rar