LISTEN: Reggae Roast - Stop That Train / Mr. Bossman
After the release of our "Turn Up the Heat" debut album which featured the cream of the UK dub scene and was released through Trojan Reloaded in 2020, we're back with a brand new release, guaranteed to set dance floors alight this summer.
The lead track 'Stop That Train' features true MC legend Ranking Joe from Jamaica, as well as Reggae Roast Soundsystem frontman and award-winning vocalist Donovan Kingjay. The lead track is a contemporary take on the classic "Stop That Train" by Keith & Tex with Donovan"s sweet vocal take on the original the perfect complement to Ranking Joe"s quick-fire lyrics.
'Mr Bossman' is a killer 90’s dancehall style track with Ranking Joe riding the riddim in fine style alongside Donovan Kingjay, who laments the treatment received by workers from their bosses in their fancy cars and houses, while they are stuck in poverty.
The release epitomises the sound that we've been championing for over a decade, with a nod to the 80's and 90's nostalgia whilst simultaneously bringing the music into a new era.
Ranking Joe is one of the original mic men to chant / chat lyrics on the mic. Following on from innovators such as U Roy, their style influenced a slew of other 'Deejays' or 'Rappers' who would talk on the mic and hype up the crowd. This technique of chatting on the mic was later adopted by DJs in New York like Kool Herc and it later developed into their own style: Hip Hop and later in the UK as Grime. Ranking Joe was one of the first to popularise the style in the UK, Saxon Soundsystem MC's such as Papa Levi, Tippa Irie, Daddy Rusty & Sandy were heavily influenced by Ranking Joe's first tour of the UK with revered Soundman Ray Symbolic. He has been active ever since with releases on Greensleeves, Joe Gibbs, Trojan, Ariwa and many more.
Donovan Kingjay is the Reggae Roast Soundsystem Frontman and award winning vocalist. As a figurehead of the UK Reggae scene his soulful voice, and charismatic persona make him one of the UK's most sought after singers. He has twice won Best UK Vocalist at the UK Underground Music Awards and continues to release consistently quality output through various labels across and UK and internationally.
