• 2024-02

Shabba Ranks

Shabba Ranks

Introduction

Shabba Ranks is a Jamaican dancehall artist, singer, and songwriter. He is known for his energetic performances and his popular songs in the 1980s and 1990s. His music has been described as a mix of dancehall, reggae, and hip hop.

Real Name: Rexton Gordon Date of Birth: January 17, 1966 Place of Birth: Sturge Town, St. Ann, Jamaica Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record producer Genres: Dancehall, reggae, hip hop Labels: VP Records, Elektra, Atlantic Years Active: 1980-present

Early Life

Shabba Ranks was born Rexton Gordon on January 17, 1966, in Sturge Town, St. Ann, Jamaica. He grew up in a poor family, and he began singing and dancing at a young age. He was influenced by the music of Jamaican artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff.

Career

Shabba Ranks began his music career in the early 1980s. He released his first album, "Rough and Tough," in 1985. The album was a success in Jamaica, and it helped to establish Shabba Ranks as a rising star. He followed up with the albums "Get Ready" (1986) and "Just Reality" (1987).

In 1988, Shabba Ranks released the album "Rappin' For Life." The album was a huge success, and it helped to bring dancehall music to a wider audience. The album featured the hit singles "Mr. Loverman" and "Ting-a-Ling."

Shabba Ranks' success continued in the early 1990s. He released the albums "Wicked in Bed" (1990), "X-tra Naked" (1991), and "Rough and Ready" (1992). These albums were all successful, and they helped to make Shabba Ranks one of the most popular dancehall artists in the world.

In 1992, Shabba Ranks won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for his album "X-tra Naked." He was the first Jamaican artist to win a Grammy Award.

Later Career

Shabba Ranks' career began to decline in the mid-1990s. His music became less popular, and he began to have problems with his record label. He released the albums "Shabba Ranks Is Back" (1995) and "Shabba Ranks and Friends" (1997), but these albums were not as successful as his earlier releases.

Shabba Ranks continued to release music in the 2000s and 2010s. He released the albums "Shabba Ranks and Friends 2" (2002), "Voice of the People" (2007), and "Shabba Ranks and Friends 3" (2013). These albums were not as successful as his earlier releases, but they showed that Shabba Ranks was still a talented artist.

Personal Life

Shabba Ranks has been married twice. He has five children. He is a devout Christian, and he is involved in several charitable organizations.

Legacy

Shabba Ranks is considered one of the most influential dancehall artists of all time. His music helped to popularize dancehall music around the world, and he paved the way for other Jamaican artists to achieve international success. He is a Grammy Award winner, and he has been inducted into the International Reggae and World Music Hall of Fame.

Discography

Rough and Tough (1985)
Get Ready (1986)
Just Reality (1987)
Rappin' For Life (1988)
Wicked in Bed (1990)
X-tra Naked (1991)
Rough and Ready (1992)
Shabba Ranks Is Back (1995)
Shabba Ranks and Friends (1997)
Shabba Ranks and Friends 2 (2002)
Voice of the People (2007)
Shabba Ranks and Friends 3 (2013)

Awards

Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album (1992)
Inducted into the International Reggae and World Music Hall of Fame (2016)