Jamaican Slang EditorialTHE Blog for Jamaican Slang, Patois, Reggae, Rastafari, Real T’ing dem and Jamaica

We were on a little holiday for a few days, so you probably noticed a slow down in posts. Despite the time away, we are back and feeling poetic. Speaking of back and poetry, I thought it would be a good idea to post a poem about returning to Africa. For those of you in the know, repatriation (returning to Africa) is a big deal in the Rastafari movement, but is it really the best thing for people of African descent brough over in slavery. The famous Jamaican author Louise Bennett aka Miss Lou contemplates the idea of returning to Africa in the poem ‘Back to Africa‘. By the way, this poem is in Jamaican Patois, so you really get an idea of the grammar and maybe some Jamaican Slang.

Back to Africa, Miss Mattie?
You no know wha you dah seh?
You haf fe come from somewhe fus
Before you go back deh!

Me know say dat you great great great
Granma was African,
But Mattie, doan you great great great
Granpa was Englishman?

Den you great granmader fader
By you fader side was Jew?
An you granpa by you mader side
Was Frenchie parlez-vous?

But de balance a you family,
You whole generation,
Oonoo all barn dung a Bun Grung-
Oonoo all is Jamaican!

Den is weh you gwine, Miss Mattie?
Oh, you view de countenance,
An between you an de Africans
Is great resemblance!

Ascorden to dat, all dem blue-yeye
White American
Who-fa great granpa was Englishman
Mus go back a Englan!

What a debil of a bump-an-bore,
Rig-jig an palam-pam
Ef de whole worl start fe go back
Whe dem great granpa come from!

Ef a hard time you dah run from
Tek you chance! But Mattie, do
Sure a whe you come from so you got
Somewhe fe come back to!

Go a foreign, seek you fortune,
But no tell nobody say
You dah go fe seek you homelan,
For a right deh so you deh!

Source: Black Woman Thinks…

So, should we go back to Africa? I’d love to hear your feedback on this, since it is such a big deal in the Rastafari movement. More Time.

Right now in Jamaica, the ban on “daggarin” is a big issue. For people living “a foreign” (abroad/overseas) this is probably news to you. But before we get into the details, don’t you want to know what is “DAGGARIN?”

No, daggering is not some insane stabbing done by Jamaicans. And no it is not a Jamaican form of sword fighting …pause. The Jamaican Broadcasting Commission, who banned “daggarin” in the first place defines it as “a colloquial term used in dancehall culture as a reference to hardcore sex or what is popularly referred to as dry sex, or the activities of persons engaged in the public simulation of various sexual acts and positions”.

The truth is, I can try to tell you about daggering or you can actually witness it with your own eyes. Here is a video of “daggarin”  done by emerging dancehall artist, Aidonia.

By clicking below you can see the sequel to this video where Mystic Davis, a friend of a friend (Big Up Spliffy!!), talks about daggering and dancing in Jamaica.We are hoping to interview Mystic in the coming months, so stay tuned. Also, pay attention to her Jamaican Patois…real ting dat!

Jamaica Originates: Mystic Talks About Daggering

We’d like to hear your comments on “daggarin”. Should it be banned??? Click here to read more on the ban on “daggarin”.

Here is a video of Mystic doing her thing, just as a bonus!

I was recently listening to some friends talk about their lives in Jamaica and one of the topics was uptown women versus downtown women. The conversation got heated at some points, but it was very insightful and definitely something worth sharing with the rest of the world.

Uptown versus Downtown is a subject that continually comes up in Jamaica, especially amongst people from Kingston. For those that do not know, Kingston, the capital and largest city in Jamaica is divided into two parts: Downtown and Uptown. Although, Downtown and Uptown are divided geographically, there is more to it than just that. It is as if there are two cultures living in one city (even though there are many cultures in Jamaica, to form one Jamaica). Downtown people acti different from uptown people and alot of attention has been placed on the ladies. Here are some perspectives from various Jamaicans on Downtown Women versus Uptown Women.

ok.. its obvious that those terms aren’t locked to geographical location right… cause a ppl can live uptown ad be classified as “downtown” or vice versa, so it based on their vibe, personality etc.

altho, geographical location is highly affecting in jamaica, therefore, a girl living downtown with an “uptown” attitude is probably really “downtown” indeed, and that part of her may come out when she’s angry, letting her guard down etc.

usually uptown girls are classified by: brown skin (obviously not all), rich, most time dont tek bus, maybe have a car by age 18.. tho thats really uptown. usually long relaxed hair, salon every weekend. when them go uwi etc them party girl, always dressed up and all glammed.. classified as freaks cause they usually stray to the bisexual, oral sex loving type of girls. they twang too, they dont try to speak like a normal jamaican, but sugar coat their accents with usa phrases such as “and like”, “omg” etc etc.. usually dont know ho to do chores because they have helpers etc.

downtown girls may be classified as “butu” in an uptown setting. they speak creole, no sweetening. they style and fasion is usually dif from uptown girls where jamaican fashion is dif from new york fashion for that season. their hairstyles will differ likewise… certain disciplines are instilled in them such as gay is wrong, oral sex is wrong. even tho this doesnt say that they arent just as bisexual, lesbian or “freaky” as any other… uptown girls are more bold and OUT THERE with their “freakiness”
downtown girl listen more danchall music than uptown girls. usually wear less make up. generally more skilled in cleaning cooking etc

That is really a very raw perspective, but the feedback given below is really a clear picture of the differences or perceived differences.

Uptown Girl = Uptown girl is a girl that is from an uptown neighborhood in Kingston. She would have received a good education, and have many of the American amenities at her disposal. She would have a helper, driver, a pool, gardner, etc…She as someone mentioned before, would be able to get her hair and nails done weekly, as well as attend all of the “expensive” uptown parties.In days gone uptown girls, were usually mixed race, lighter skinned, long relaxed hair, etc….Now that has changed as some “Downtown” people have moved into some uptown neighborhoods

Downtown = is usually poor, uneducated ghetto people. They would like in other parts of Kingston, they would be the ones to sport the different weave hairdos, in all the different colors. Their manner of talk is different from someone that lives uptown. They would shop in certain stores, and frequent certain parties. They would dance more slack, and go on their heads etc…

This might seem strange for many people living in North America or homogeneous cultures, but this is the reality for many societies in the Caribbean, Latin America, and other places around the world. Many people go to Jamaica and never really get in touch with this aspect of society, but it is the perceived reality in Kingston.

No Jamaican Slang covered in this post, just a valuable insight into Jamaican Society. To read more commentaries about Uptown vs. Downtown, click here. And if that is not enough, listen to this Richie Spice tune to catch the vibez. Zeen!

Richie Spice - Uptown Girl

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Jamaica is world famous for its beaches, weather, music and people, but Jamaica also has some scrumptious dishes too. Although, major fast food chains like Kentucky Fried Chicken and Popeye’s are popular among Jamaicans (Yes, Jamaicans love chicken), nothing can “ramp” with the true Jamaican cuisine, so we decided to rank the top 10 Most Popular Jamaican Dishes. This list is in no particular order, but somethings ARE more popular than others, like jerk chicken. Forward!

1 - Jerk Chicken

2 - Jerk Pork

3 - Patties (Beef, Chicken, Saltfish, Ital, etc)

4 - Guinness Ice Cream

5 - Oxtail

6 - Curry Goat

7 - Dumplings

8 - Mackerel Run Down

9 - Callaloo

10 - Ackee

There a certainly things missing, but they just don’t make the top ten! Jerk Chicken is rightfully at the top because chicken is well loved in Jamaica.

Swine Flu has taken the world by storm over the past few weeks and it seems like the chaos is winding down, but for Rastas there was never anything to worry about. Rastas lead a Ital (derived from Vital) lifestyle. 

Ital is a term used by Rastas, derived from “vital”, which means a natural  and healthy way of life. One of the main aspects of the ital lifestyle is the ital food. Ital food focuses on purity because the body is a temple and should not be polluted with impure substances. Also, it is important to take  care of your body out of respect for yourself and the most high. An Ital Diet is largely vegan, but some rastas do eat fish. Salt is still an item of debate, but PORK is definitely prohibited as are preservatives and chemical ingredients. All ingredients in food must be as natural as possible.

Pork is the lowest form of food possible for Rastas and many other faiths around the world. Pork is the worst of all meats to eat since harmful parasites, which are always in pork remain alive even after incredibly high temperatures. Pigs are also scavenger animals.

I remember watching my grandfather feed his pigs and how they would eat almost anything. Rastas and many other religions are on to something. Stay swine flu free by staying away from that pork.

From the get go, I gotta say, DJ Serg is talented! The music really does all of the talking, but I needed to put it out there. 

Showtime - Dancehall Mix Volume 5 is the most recent release from the Bay Area selecta and it does not disappoint. Serg brings out all of the latest riddims and only plays the best songs on each riddim. If you haven’t stayed up on your dancehall in 2009, this mix is the perfect refresher. One thing that Serg does, and maybe without realizing it, is do some Gaza (Portmore) vs. Gullyside (Cassavapiece).  Gaza vs. Gullyside is a big deal in Jamaica right now, so by listening to this mix you will get exposed to some of the music that each side is putting out. 

As far as the DJing, it’s good. This isn’t some mix where a bunch of songs are just played one after the next. Each track is mixed in and the track selection is great. Equally important, you could play this mix in Jamaica or in Iceland and people are going to shake their “battys!” Basically, download this mix and get ready for the summer. This is the perfect vibe for the summertime and Serg does not disappoint.

P.S. - Almost all the songs are great for learning Jamaican Patois!!! Highly Recommended.

Download the Mix HERE

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Tracklisting for Showtime - Dancehall Mix Volume 5

1. Beetlejuice Intro

2. Busy Signal - All About My Money (SINGLE)

3. Demarco - Hustlin Forever (SINGLE)

OUTLAW RIDDIM

4. T.O.K. - Push It

5. Leftside a.k.a Mr Evil - Hardcore

6. Rymzo de Gusto - Can’t Underestimate 

7. Determine - Blast It

BOASTY RIDDIM

8. Chino - Boasty

9. Beenie Man - Pop Off

10. Bramma - Every Man To A Gyal

11. Elephant Man - Horny Wine

ATM RIDDIM

12. Busy Signal - Blaze Up The Herb

13. Bling Dawg - Jamaica Jamaica 

14. Assailant - Dirty Money

15. Busy Signal - Blaze Up The Herb pt.2

16. Assassin - Stimulus Package (SINGLE)

BADDAZ RIDDIM

17. Busy Signal - Hustlin

18. Beenie Man - Ghetto Yutes

19. Elephant Man - Dance

20. Vybz Kartel - Selassie I Luv We

GOOD LIFE RIDDIM

21. Movado - High Under

22. Serani - Badmind

23. Elephant Man - Liv It Up

24. Mr. Vegas - Blessings

25. Vybz Kartel - Hustle Money

CLEAN SWEEP RIDDIM

26. Elephant Man - Please

27. Sizzla - Education Is  The Key

28. Demarco - Ghetto Life Hard

29. Wayne Marshall - Look Ahead

RAIN FOREST RIDDIM

30. Capeton - Stamping Flat

31. Sizzla - U A De Boss

32. Collie Buddz - Par Wid I Mon

33. Beenie Man - Walkout Mi Gal

34. Munga - Change Position 

DALLAZ RIDDIM

35. Elephant Man - Elephant Man

36. Vybz Kartel - Dallaz

37. Munga - Gangsta Sumu

38. Sustain - No Talk Eh Talk

39. Movado - So Blessed (SINGLE)

VELOCITY RIDDIM

40. ZumJay - Been Dere Did It

41. Bling Dawn - Some Times

42. Tornado - Bun Bad Mind

43. Assassin - Smooth Operator 

CASINO RIDDIM

44. Vybz Kartel - Money

45. Beenie Man - Pum Pum Power

46. Anthony B - Ganja Blaze

47. Wayne Mashall - Badness Outta Style

MIGHTY ODAY RIDDIM

48. Bounty Killer & Demarco - Gal Dem Want

49. Frisco Kid - Real Ruff Rider

50. Mad Cobra - Good Fah

51. Vybz Kartel - Watch Your Appetite 

SWAGGA DAGGA RIDDIM

52. Elephant Man - Tip Up

53. T.O.K. - Upinayah 

54. Aidonia - I Like Her

10 POUNDS OF KUSH

55. Sean Paul - Sweat

56. Beenie Man - Jiggle Up

57. Munga - Ride It

58. Demarco & Konshens - Paper Chasing (SINGLE)

COLLIE MONSTER RIDDIM

59. Turbulence - Overcome 

60. Mykal Roze feat Cali P - Mr Collie

61. Vybz Kartel - Mi Talk With Gunshot 

62. John Wayne - The Real John Wayne

63. Sizzla - World Leader In Problem

64. Buju Banton - Sensimilla (Remix)

65. Demarco - Life As A Juvenille (SINGLE)

NYC RIDDIM

66. Beenie Man - Badman

67. Demarco - Dem A Fool

68. Erup & Mr. Peppa - Survival

69. T.O.K. - Hustlers 

70. Demarco feat Tarrus Riley - Over and Over (SINGLE)

So it is finally here, a new album from Jah Cure (born Siccature Alcock, 11 October 1978, Hanover, Jamaica), the rising reggae star who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly raping a woman in Jamaica. If you are just learning about Jah Cure, you should know, this guy is talented. Before going to jail, Jah Cure was leading the conscious reggae  renaissance with artists like Gyptian, I Wayne, Perfect, and Richie Spice. Jah Cure’s unique voice blessed many classic riddims and kept fans waiting for anything new from the Cure, but fans were shocked when he caught the robbery and rape charges. Despite, going to jail, Jah Cure still recorded music of equal quality from prison. If you haven’t heard the Jah Cure song, Conga Man, please please please download it or do what you have to in order to get your hands on it. It is a perfect example of the quality that he put out behind bars and it is over an amazing riddim. Anyway, I digress. So, in 2007 Jah Cure was released on parole, serving only 7 years of a 15 year sentence, but the world was waiting for the next Jah Cure album.

The Universal Cure is the latest Jah Cure album and the only album he has put out since leaving prison in 2007.  The Universal Cure starts off with “Sticky”, a song that has been out for a while (it was on Reggae Gold 2007 just to give you an idea), but it is definitely a classic Jah Cure song. Sticky is an up beat happy tune made to enjoy while on the beach in Jamaica. Sticky is followed by “Hot Long Time”, a song featuring Mavado, Junior Reid, Flo-Rida, and it is a great forum to hear Mavado’s special voice alongside Jah Cure’s unique voice. The song is Fyah and is definitely a cross-over song. The next major hit on the album is “Reflections” which is a magical Jah Cure song. It almost seems like the riddim was made for him because he just poured his heart out on this song. This song can be a bit confusing for people that followed his sentencing because it almost seems like he is confessing to the charges even though he has maintained his innocence. “Soon Come”, the next song, is just alright. Nothing really special in this song. “Burning & Looting” should be soundtrack music. This song could be the opening song for many socially conscious movies and is another solid track put out by Jah Cure. “My Life” is another song that is just alright. The song just does not standout on the album, but “Mr.Jailer”, the next song is a different song. “Mr. Jailer” featuring Phyllisia is the lead song from the album and is right up there with “Hot Long Time” for crossover appeal. This song isn’t really the traditional reggae song, but who cares, it definitely has potential to be bumped in cars all over the world, by both gyal and bwoy. “Freedom” is pretty self explanitory and is a solid track. “Freedom” is definitely a Jah Cure song because his voice shines on this song and spills his heart about being out of Jail. “Sufferation” is definitely held down by the riddim. Its one of those songs that gets on a riddim where everyone shines.  “Sufferation” is followed by “Journey”, another track that Jah Cure does his thing. I really like this track for the riddim and the content of the song. “Forever” is an upbeat song, but it is the same thing over again and it is just alrght. “U Believe in Me” is the last song that is just alright. The remaining three songs are all good songs and worth checking out. “Green Grass” the last song is fyah, largely because of the Mission Riddim (Mavado’s On The Rock Riddim).  This riddim just makes it easy for artists to make classic tracks. “Call Me” featuring Keisha Cole is a type of song that you have heard many times if you listen to reggae at all, but ou never get tired of that modern day lover’s rock sound.

Overall, The Universal Cure is a good album, but it is not a great album because many of the songs have been out for years. It serves its purpose in reintroducing the world to Jah Cure, but its not ground breaking. It is definitely worth picking up. If you are looking to learn Jamaican Patois/Jamaican Slang, this is not the album to buy. Its more about the content of the songs than how they are said.

Jah Cure - Hot Long Time

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Jah Cure - Green Grass

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Basically you have to listen to Major Lazer because he is down with Diplo and anything that Diplo puts out is FYAH (okay, almost anything). Last night, I had a chance to listen to Major Lazer’s new single,  “Hold The Line” and my eyes were bigger than Dolly Parton’s headlights! The original with Santogold is definitely great, but the remix…oh the remix is just more fyah! Anyways, just listen here and check the MAD DECENT site for more updates on Major Lazer!

Major Lazer - Hold the Line (dirty)

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Major Lazer - Hold the Line (lehtmojoe_remix)

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Mavado is a big deal right now in the whole dancehall reggae scene. Not only is he holding down the fort for Gullyside aka Cassava Piece (a Kingston, Jamaica neighborhood/community) in the music battle against Gaza’s Vybz Kartel, he is truly experiencing mainstream crossover appeal. He has songs with Jay-Z, 50 Cent and has been remixed by many including Mad Decent’s, Diplo. Mavado is THE HOTTEST Jamaican artist out there right now, but one has to ask what makes Mavado so hot and special.

Earlier this year, Mavado released his sophmore album Mr.Brooks…a Better Tomorrow and from the beginning people were torn whether the album was an instant classic or a flop. The truth is that many of the songs on the album were out in Jamaica months ago with some dating back over a year, so if you heard all the songs before, then you already know what I am going to say. This album is AMAZING and an INSTANT CLASSIC! But before I review the album, I need to talk about my history with Mavado.

When Mavado first came out, everybody was on him like a human shish kabob. It took me a long time to really get into Mavado, there was something different about this guy. When I bought Mavado’s first album “Gangsta For Life - The Symphony of David Brooks”, I listened to it once and told my friends that it was garbage. They thought I was crazy and now, I think I was crazy at the time. But what changed? The Gang War Riddim! Although, I had heard his song “Me and My Dogs” on his album, it became part of a jumbled up sound, but when I heard the Gang War Medley that included Mavado, Sizzla, Elephant Man, Damian Marley, Bounty Killer and more…I became hooked to Mavado. And it is on Mr.Brooks…A Better Tomorrow where we see an even more refined and better Mavado.

On Mr.Brooks…A Better Tomorrow, Mavado continues his portrayal of the ghetto violence and ambitions in Jamaica. He doesn’t deviate from the “badman talk” and he is still a “Gangsta for life”, so do not expect to hear about peace, love and happiness. What makes this album and Mavado so special is his voice. Mavado’s voice is infectious and it is truly unique. No one can ever say that he copied somebody else’s style because they would be dead wrong. Mavado is really a dancehall singer and this album clearly shows that he holds the thrown in that area.

The album starts out with a slower pace with “Every Situation”, a tribute to Jah that Mavado kills. Next up is the radio hit, “On The Rock” which is almost like a prayer in the form of a song. The song’s hook was heard by Jay Z and the remix became an instant hit. Mavado picks up the pace of the album on “So Blessed” another song that could be a prayer or more of a confession. It almost seems like Mavado stuggles with being a “badman” and he wants to thank Jah (God) for keeping him protected. Mavado stays on the “So” themed songs with the next hit “So Special”. This is also a faster paced song and it is truly a song you are going to hear in a party, but Mavado also starts to move away from being thankful and increases the “badman talk.” The next track, “Life of a G” is pretty much a track dedicated to more “badman talk”, but it definitely wins the award for the best song to learn Jamaican Patois. After “Life of a G” there is a brief interlude discussing Armegedeon and then Mavado hits us with another dancehall classic, “Gangster Don’t Play.” This song is “fyah” despite the song not deviating in subject matter. The riddim and the vocals on this song are just sick. The song that stands out from the rest of the songs is “Money Changer”, a declaration of Mavado’s succcess and the fact that he is not going to change regardless of money, success or women. “In Di Car Back” is a faster paced song, almost a pop reggae song. It is certainly a deviation from the Mavado standard, but he still kills it with his special voice.

All in all, this album is a classic and should be part of your collection. Mavado’s voice is his biggest asset and it is a MASSIVE asset. There really cannot be any imitators similar to Akon and R.Kelly. Many will try to repeat the success of the Gully God (another Mavado nickname), but few will succeed. If you want to hear peace and love music, Mavado is not the sound you are looking for, but if you are learning to speak Jamaican Patois or want to pick up a few Jamaican Slang words, this album is definitely worth it. It is also a great album to listen to in the car or to dance to. Just buy the album, you will not be sorry. Mavado’s voice is infectious and never disappoints and neither will Mr. Brooks…A Better Tomorrow. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Mavado - So Special

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It seems like every year, a new Marley is releasing an album. Most recently Damien and Ky-Mani released albums, but I might be forgeting another Marley…in fact, I probably am forgetting about some Marley child’s album. So, I got to wondering, just how many children did Bob Marley have?
After doing some digging, I think I have narrowed it down to 13 children. Here they are:

Imani Crole May 22 1963 with Cheryl Murray
Sharon Nov 23rd 1964 Was already his wife Rita’s daughter whom he adopted
Cedella Aug 23rd 1967 with Rita
David (Ziggy) Oct 17 1968 With Rita
Stephen April 20 1972 with Rita
Robert May 16th 1972 with Pat Williams
Rohan May 19 1972 With Janet Hunt ( Rohan is the father of Lauren Hill’s 4 kids)
Carren ??? 1973 with Janet Brown
Stephanie ??? 1974 with Rita
Julian June 4 1975 with Lucy Pounder
Ky-Mani Feb 26 1976 With Anita Belnavis (Anita was a famous table tennis pro )
Damian July 21 1978 with Cindy Breakspeare
Makeda (May 30 1981 With Yvette Crichton

Basically, Bob was a busy guy, 13 kids was alot especially for a guy who passed away at 36. Some might say that this is Bob’s way of spreading his seed, a belief that many believe is fundamental to Rastafari. More on this in future posts. I wonder if any new children will appear next year.