Shabba Ranks

Mr Loverman"

Shabba Ranks! (Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon) aka Mr loverman and Co-Pilot was born on January 17, 1966 in the parish of St. Ann Jamaica.

St. Ann is famous for famous people such as Bob Marley the king of reggae and Marcus Garvey one of Jamaica's celebrated National Hero.

Ranks recorded his first single "What A Heat" at the age of ten (10), this was the launching pad for his music career.

His songs are always very catchy and sometimes controversial. So when he recorded and released "Fresh" for King Jammys in 1987 it was an instant hit. He then recorded and released "Live Blanket" for Digital B (one of my favorite) and "Come From Jamaica" for Jammys that same year (1987).

The birth of Reggaeton music in the early 1990's is said to be influenced by the beat from Shabba hit single "Dem Bow" riddim , this was a track from his "Just Reality" album for Bobby Digital released in 1992.

1992-1993 were the most successful period in his career. During that time he released:

* Albums
1. As Raw As Ever (1991)

2. Mr Maximum (1992)

3. X-Tra Naked (1992)

4. Rough And Ready (1992) #1

5. Rough And Ready (1993) #2

Shabba released thirteen (13) album between (1989-1999).

* Top Singles
1. House Call and Trailer Load of Girls (1991)

2. Love Punaany Bad and Just Reality (1993)

3. Mr Loverman and House Call (feat Maxi Priest 1993)

His gravel toned, rough sounding voice made him instantly recognized worldwide.

Most of his songs were instant hits. When some one talk about Shabba, two of his songs comes to mind, these are "Dem Bow" and "Love Punaany Bad". These two songs are classified as classic in the dancehall.

Other popular songs are:
Peanie Peanie
Roots & Culture
She's A Woman - Featuring Scritti Politti
Trailer Load A Girls
Housecall- Featuring Maxi Priest
Just Reality
Love Punaany Bad
Mr. Loverman - Featuring Deborahe Glasgow
Slow And Sexy - Featuring Johnny Gill
Shine & Crisis
I Was A King - Eddie Murphy Featuring Shabba Ranks
What'cha Gonna Do - Featuring Queen Latifah
Family Affair -Featuring Patra And Terri & Monica
Let's Get It On
Shine Eye Gal - Featuring Mykal Rose
Heart Of A Lion
So Jah Say

Producers such as, Kings Jammys, Bobby Digital, Steelie and Cleevie and Epic Records are the some of thetop producers who have worked with Shabba.

He is the first Dancehall Reggae artist to win the Grammy Awards for the "Best Reggae Album" Category. He won the Grammy for "Raw as Ever" and "Extra Naked" 1993 both for Epic Records.

Ranks is still living and working in New York, USA.

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