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this early part of the 21st century, one of
the most popular forms of music is Hip Hop
and Rap. The music is drum and bass driven,
and the vocalist usually doesn't really
sing, but chants the lyrics in a more
rhythmic way.
How different was the situation back in
the late 1960's, early 1970's. It was in
this time, that Daddy U Roy started to chant
over the instrumental versions on his sound
system (a mobile dancehall): a brand new
vocal style was born and it was called
"toasting".
U Roy is the godfather of Reggae
Toasting, and although Hip Hop/Rap was
invented in the USA, the truth is that
Jamaican Reggae Music DJ's are the very
root.
Heavy Roots!
U Roy was the first, but he was quickly
followed by other DJ's who built further on
the concept.
I Roy, for example.
And you better don't check him with no
lightweight stuff, as the title of this
re-release is called. Sixteen recordings,
taken from a three year period
(1972-1975).
And indeed, this is no lightweight stuff!
The selection is crucial, but that's
something you can count on when it's a Blood
and Fire re-release. The disc comes with a
very interesting interview with I Roy
himself, and even with track descriptions
full of noteworthy information.
The tracks themselves come from a period,
where I Roy was already a craftsman in the
business of toasting. He controls his voice
like King Tubby controls the mixing table.
Oh yes, it's a true skill when you can
perform some good toasting!
Another interesting thing on this album
is the style of mixing. As toasting
developed itself, so did Dubwise. No longer
was a "version" just an
instrumental, as the engineer mixed out all
the instruments except the drum and bass.
From mere instrumentals to spaced-out
DUBS, everything is covered on DON'T CHECK
ME WITH NO LIGHTWEIGHT STUFF.
Yes I, sixteen Heavyweight riddims which
will serve as a balanced introduction to the
many works of I Roy. You really need this
one, if you haven't got any I Roy in your
collection.
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