Blog August 9, 2013
5 Great Shaggy Songs That AREN'T "It Wasn't Me." For Real.
Shaggy. Basically everyone who listened to the radio during 2000 either loves- or hates, but that seems like a petty and shortsighted stance- the Jamaican-American star, mostly for his ultra ubiquitous ode to romantic denial "It Wasn't Me." While Shaggy has been out of the American limelight for some time now, in Jamaica, he has regained (and even surpassed) his purely musical popularity by holding a series of highly successful benefit concert for the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Building on that surge of goodwill, and ahead of an upcoming album featuring legendary rhythm section Sly and Robbie, Shaggy is taking his charm to NYC's Prospect Park.
SO- In honor of this momentous occasion, we figured that we would do our best to convince you of the enduring power of Mr. Orville "Shaggy" Burrell's music.
1- "Big Up" (Feat. Rayvon)
http://youtu.be/WKjvjcGxRtg
Released while Shaggy was still based in New York, this local hit was his first release with long-time collaborator Rayvon. A prime cut of 90's dancehall.
2- "Oh Carolina"
http://youtu.be/hYHfh94LfNw
The first step towards international stardom, "Oh Carolina" was a sample-heavy remake of a classic Prince Buster production. Still kills on dancefloors in a "Brimfull of Asha" kind of way.
3- "In the Summertime"
http://youtu.be/cegwHpN6im8
Keeping on that sample-heavy track, the b-side to "Boombastic" is a reggae update of Mungo Jerry's immortal ode to warm weather and leggy ladies. Maybe not the most subtle move, but an undeniable one.
4- "Church Heathen"
http://youtu.be/8Dxq25Toh7k
This track from 2007 is an unusually dark sound for Shaggy. Built around a driving beat and Gregorian chants, it amply demonstrates Shaggy's ability to seriously spit. Also the video has Ninjaman as a priest.
5- "Fight This Feeling" Feat. Beres Hammond
http://youtu.be/YjXBiBKbxlE
Working with lover-man singer Beres Hammond, Shaggy's latest single is produced by Sly and Robbie. It may not be a US hit, but it nails that summertime vibe.
Shaggy is playing TONIGHT at Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect park.
