ZINC FENCE RECORD OF THE WEEK

 

Run Dem Out

Chukki Starr

 

Luciano's God and King on the UK Stingray label was the previous record of the week and now, without apology, we feature yet another prime slice of current UK reggae. The Ajang label is in fact the Stingray team under another name who, in encompassing Luciano's melodic roots and the raw militancy of Chukki Starr, show just how versatile UK reggae is right now. The last time UK reggae was firing like this was back in the late 70s with the lovers rock phenomenon but this time around the range of reggae territory being covered in the UK is much greater.

On Run Dem Out Chukki Starr displays all the venom of a Capleton or a Bounty Killer. In fact a lot of people thought this might be Capleton himself when they first heard it, not that UK reggae has to prove itself by sounding like the Jamaican article. The title reflects the current Jamaican lyrical trend for an Old Testament style purging and hunting down of undesirable elements in the community and here Chukki Starr directs his spleen at those who have sold themselves out to the buying and selling of addictive drugs: "me can't believe some ah them sell out so cheap."

The rhythm is a turbocharged dancehall floor filler but if you want to hear the dub you'll have to buy the Chukki Starr cut. The other pieces to this tune are two value for money double A sides, namely Black Uhuru's Party backed with Sweetie Irie's Dutty Money and President Brown's Rasta Jack alongside General Levy's Nector. The General Levy piece, an appreciative tribute to the opposite sex, features the immortal line "tell them hot girl nah slam for Happy Meal."

Lyric of the year, anyone?

 

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