Reggae and dancehall pioneer Prince Jazzbo has passed away after a bout with lung cancer. The Prince, born Linval Roy Carter, died Tuesday morning, leaving behind a sterling discography and a legacy of lively and legendary performances. Roy was among a handful of recording artists to breakthrough the blinding poverty of 1970's Jamaica and establish both himself and his slew of labels as pillars within the community.
Beginning his recording career at the legendary Studio 1 (Kingston's Motown) in Jamiaca alongside Coxsone Dobbs (Kingston's Berry Gordy), the producer, DJ and vocalist is best remembered for his highly acclaimed toasting collaborations with fellow innovators Lee Scratch Perry on "Croaking Lizard" and King Tubby on "Denham Town Dub."
News of Prince Jazzbo's passing reached us here at Okayplayer via the dubtronic scientists over at LargeUp--who, as it happens, were about to post Jazzbo's newest video. A true tragedy, in that just days prior to his death he released his first track in years through Stones Throw with another slated for release Sunday. The song and inaugural video "Black Shadow" gives us a taste of the pioneer's infectious flavor and reggae roots, while also finally providing us a glimpse into the inarguable style the man possessed. A life dedicated to refining and proliferating his craft, it certainly was not in vain, as dancehall and reggae enjoy their greatest resurgence in years. He will be dearly missed. The good folks at Roots Archive have his discography for your patronage. Peep Jazzbo's latest release and classics after the drop and check back Sunday for his new single "What A Tribulation." Read what LargeUp had to say, enjoy clips of "Crab Walkin'" and "Croaking Lizard" and then click through to watch the "Black Shadow" video:
Word came to us late last night that Prince Jazzbo, one of Jamaican music’s pioneering deejays, has passed at age 62 following a battle with cancer. Known for ’70s-era toasting classics such as “Pepper Rock,” “Crab Walking” and “Croaking Lizard,” (the latter from Lee “Scratch” Perry‘s Super Ape LP, on which he was a featured vocalist) Jazzbo was also a producer and the owner of the Ujama, Mr. Funny and Count 123 record labels. His legacy can be felt in music from the deejay styles of early ’80s dancehall, to the Beastie Boys, who mentioned him on Ill Communication‘s “B-Boys Makin With the Freak Freak.”It’s funny how time works out, though. Just one day prior to the news of his passing, the very first music video from Prince Jazzbo appeared, on indie/rap label Stones Throw’s YouTube channel. The video is for a song, “Black Shadow,” from Dub Club’s Foundation Come Againproject. It’s a great, surprise treat for fans who’ve spent years listening to the man’s music without knowing how he looks or moves. (A shame, really, since he’s got style and swagger for days). The label also has a new Jazzbo track, “What a Tribulation,” which had been—and still is—set for release on Saturday.
>>>Watch Prince Jazzbo's "Black Shadow" Video (via LargeUp)
