Story by Nicole ‘Nikki Z’ Duhaney. Photos by Roy Sweetland
If you grew up in the 80’s you had the privilege of growing up in an era where music was bursting with creativity. Each artist having his own outlandish style that gripped audiences creating life-long fans and nostalgic memories that will last a lifetime.
One such voice that dominated the late 80’s and presented a tidal wave of energy on every stage he touched, is the voice of a ‘Tiger’. The musical career of this minstrel of music started as ‘Ranking Tiger’, not just a performer but a DJ as well, playing for Black Star Sound System. It was as a DJ that he honed in on his technique and ability to connect with his audience and fans; ‘no holds barred’ is the only way to describe him on stage.
It wasn’t until the late 80’s at a UWI Students Union event that his career reached new heights where the track ‘Puppy Love’, his first official hit became a household anthem. It didn’t take long after that for music lovers to dub him ‘The Prince Of The Dancehall’.
In an era that spawned so many great and creative talents like Ninja Man, Shabba, U-Roy, Sister Nancy… Tiger was in a league of his own. Usually dressed in his signature ‘mesh marina’ gold chains and rings, and though smaller in stature than a lot of the other big names, he was so much larger when he touch that stage.
‘Tiger in the place it’s a Bam Bam’ if you listen to this legends music you will hear a unique ability to story tell. His gritty delivery captivated ears and not a body would stand still when his vibrancy was coming through the speakers; ‘No Wanga Gut’, ‘Love Line’, ‘Come Back To Me’, ‘When’. For years Tiger dominated the scene with the help of producers like Fattis Burrell, Sly & Robbie, King Jammy, Donovan Germain, Gussie Clarke and so many others.
In 1989, Tiger created dancehall history and became the 1st artist to crossover into the US hip hop scene when he collaborated with The Fat Boys on ‘Tings Nah Go Suh’. This pairing led him to also score a deal with Columbia Records and in 1993 released the album ‘Claws Of The Cat’, featuring classics like ‘Nobody move’, ‘Groovin’ which were produced by Dave Kelly and ‘Beep Beep’, ‘Just Look’ co-Produced by Sly Dunbar. It seemed like Tiger was just starting to reach his peak and nothing could stop him from growing from ‘The Prince Of Dancehall’ to King.
Unfortunately this was not to be so, as in 1993 Tiger was struck off his motorcycle by a Diplomat while riding in Kingston, St Andrew. The horrific accident left this rising dancehall legend suffering from extensive body and head injuries including a contusion of the left, right and frontal lobes of the brain as well as severe impairment of memory, concentration as well as personality change. As described by a family friend, ‘There are days where he seems lucid and others that are just tough on him’.
Now 61 Years Old and a resident of Standpipe, he is cared for mainly by his devoted daughter Rhia. One only has to pass by the big unfinished house of this great culture contributor to know that time has not honored what he has brought to the culture.
Although the island of his birth has yet to give him his flowers, his contribution lives on worldwide.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 11 #2 at any supermarket, pharmacy or book store near you.
Follow the Buzzz on Instagram and Facebook
Share this post:
Story by Nicole ‘Nikki Z’ Duhaney. Photos by Roy Sweetland
If you grew up in the 80’s you had the privilege of growing up in an era where music was bursting with creativity. Each artist having his own outlandish style that gripped audiences creating life-long fans and nostalgic memories that will last a lifetime.
One such voice that dominated the late 80’s and presented a tidal wave of energy on every stage he touched, is the voice of a ‘Tiger’. The musical career of this minstrel of music started as ‘Ranking Tiger’, not just a performer but a DJ as well, playing for Black Star Sound System. It was as a DJ that he honed in on his technique and ability to connect with his audience and fans; ‘no holds barred’ is the only way to describe him on stage.
It wasn’t until the late 80’s at a UWI Students Union event that his career reached new heights where the track ‘Puppy Love’, his first official hit became a household anthem. It didn’t take long after that for music lovers to dub him ‘The Prince Of The Dancehall’.
In an era that spawned so many great and creative talents like Ninja Man, Shabba, U-Roy, Sister Nancy… Tiger was in a league of his own. Usually dressed in his signature ‘mesh marina’ gold chains and rings, and though smaller in stature than a lot of the other big names, he was so much larger when he touch that stage.
‘Tiger in the place it’s a Bam Bam’ if you listen to this legends music you will hear a unique ability to story tell. His gritty delivery captivated ears and not a body would stand still when his vibrancy was coming through the speakers; ‘No Wanga Gut’, ‘Love Line’, ‘Come Back To Me’, ‘When’. For years Tiger dominated the scene with the help of producers like Fattis Burrell, Sly & Robbie, King Jammy, Donovan Germain, Gussie Clarke and so many others.
In 1989, Tiger created dancehall history and became the 1st artist to crossover into the US hip hop scene when he collaborated with The Fat Boys on ‘Tings Nah Go Suh’. This pairing led him to also score a deal with Columbia Records and in 1993 released the album ‘Claws Of The Cat’, featuring classics like ‘Nobody move’, ‘Groovin’ which were produced by Dave Kelly and ‘Beep Beep’, ‘Just Look’ co-Produced by Sly Dunbar. It seemed like Tiger was just starting to reach his peak and nothing could stop him from growing from ‘The Prince Of Dancehall’ to King.
Unfortunately this was not to be so, as in 1993 Tiger was struck off his motorcycle by a Diplomat while riding in Kingston, St Andrew. The horrific accident left this rising dancehall legend suffering from extensive body and head injuries including a contusion of the left, right and frontal lobes of the brain as well as severe impairment of memory, concentration as well as personality change. As described by a family friend, ‘There are days where he seems lucid and others that are just tough on him’.
Now 61 Years Old and a resident of Standpipe, he is cared for mainly by his devoted daughter Rhia. One only has to pass by the big unfinished house of this great culture contributor to know that time has not honored what he has brought to the culture.
Although the island of his birth has yet to give him his flowers, his contribution lives on worldwide.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 11 #2 at any supermarket, pharmacy or book store near you.
Follow the Buzzz on Instagram and Facebook
Share this post: