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

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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Have you ever heard of Paul Campbell?? Probably not, but you should. Not only is he a great Jamaican Actor and Jamaica’s most popular actor, his acting roles have helped many people learn to speak Jamaican Slang and Jamaican Patois. He has starred in several Jamaican classic films such as Dancehall Queen, Third World Cop and Shottas. Although he was a key actor in all of these films, Third World Cop is where he really is the star of the show and where you hear the best Jamaican Slang. One of his classic lines is :”Wi Run Ting, Ting Nah Run Wi”. I highly recommend following him if you want to learn more Jamaican Slang and Patois. Are the movies Hollywood Blockbusters? NO! But for our purposes, we need to learn more Jamaican, so Paul’s movies are excellent for that.

I would highly suggest checking out his films. He is also a Broadway Actor and painter. To learn more about Paul Campbell, click here.

Otherwise, GO WATCH HIS MOVIES…Yu dun know!

Do you ever feel behind on your slang? Most people want to stay current but are not. This is especially true with Jamaican Slang. The truth of the matter is that Jamaican Patois is rapidly evolving language and it is not easy to stay up to date. The other day, I was talking to some “yout” in Patois and they were saying that “Wha’ gwaan” is on its way out. Basically, they are saying, the phrase has been there, done that! This is a phrase that is a staple of Jamaican Patois and is the a standard greeting. So what is replacing it? “Wha’ppun? Wha ya’ deal?” So, I started to think about how am I going to stay current with the language. Here are some recommendations that can be applied to any language, but in this case Jamaican Patois.1) Music: You have to stay in touch with the music! Music is the voice of the people and in Jamaica, dancehall is the form of music that speaks to the people. Dancehall is an excellent source of present slang.2) Listen to Teenagers: Teenagers are up on things and really are the ones that shape the slang. Due to their ability to learn things quickly, you will be able to master the context and they tend to not hold things back.3) Films: This is really along the lines of music, but often times, even more powerful.4) Be in the Streets: Yes, this is critical. Slang tends to originate from the streets. I am not saying go to a rough part of town or anything like that. I am saying, be out there, talking to people of all backgrounds. This is a guaranteed way to stay current. This is not easy, but if you really pay attention, you can certainly do it. Jamaican Slang is fast changing and that is what makes it fun, so keep your ear to the ground when you aren’t listening to dancehall or speaking with the “yout dem”

Although Sean Paul is known for his recent multi-platinum hits with artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce and Keisha Cole, Sean Paul has been responsible for some the hottest dancehall tracks with rich Jamaican Slang/Patois lyrics. One of the songs that always stands out is, No Bligh. Even the title is in Patois!!! The song was originally released on Sean Paul’s debut album, Stage One and it always gets the crowd moving. So, here are the lyrics for all students of Jamaican Slang/Patois. No audio this time, just to make sure you stay in your seat when studying the song! More Time!

Sean Paul- Nah Get No Bligh
Intro:
And again it’s one more try yuh know
Ten time me cry and ah dry me eye
Yeah
Well yuh dun know ah pressure i’ve run through
Check dis
Dutty Yeah!

Chorus:
Because me nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie
Cau’ me nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie

Verse 1:
Cause girl my world is coming to ah enda
Definitely check for you dis message come fi senda
You meh wha fi wake and see every morning ah
Lickle precious time make Sean a cry man ah singa
But yuh nah gi man no bligh nah no play
Everyday me sit and meditate and ah pray
Yuh left meh heart inna permanent state of dismay
‘Oman ah wha yuh hear de words de Dee Jay say

Chorus:
Cause yuh just nah give no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie
Cause me nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie

Verse 2:
Well everyday me look up to the sky
Ten time me cry ten time me dry eye
We sit dung ah we yard and ah wait pon reply
We nuh stop bawl out cause she nah stop from deny
Dis little girl ah driving man mad
Dipping hottie hottie want ah hardcore slam
She nuh stop black we mind with nuff (?)
Sean a Paul wha dey ah wit ah different program

Chorus:
Cause me just nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie
Cau’ me nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie

Verse 3:
Well ah nuff people walk and tell meh say meh stupid
But dem never yet get lick by cupid
Dem have ah lickle girl wha ah bun like acid
Say deep inna meh heart and it ah move like rapid
Daddygon ah try
Loogaman ah try
Dutty cup ah try
Nah get no bligh
Mossy Kid ah try
Kid Kurrupt ah try
Chicken dem ah cry
Sean a Paul nuh stop try

Chorus:
Me say nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie
Cau’ me nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie

Verse 1:
Well girl my world is coming to ah enda
Definitely check for you dis message come fi senda
You meh wha fi wake and see every morning ah
Lickle precious time make Sean a cry man ah singa
But yuh nah gi man no bligh nar no play
Everyday me sit and meditate and ah pray
Yuh left meh heart inna permanent state of dismay
‘Oman ah wha yuh hear de words de Dee Jay say

Chorus:
Cause meh just nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie
Cau’ meh nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie

Verse 2:
Well everyday me look up to the sky
Ten time me cry ten time me dry eye
We sit dung ah we yard and ah wait pon reply
We nuh stop bawl out cause she nah stop from deny
Well dis little girl ah stop from man mad
Dipping hottie hottie want ah hardcore slam
She nuh stop black we mind with nuff (?)
Seana Paul wha dey ah wit ah different program

Chorus:
Cause me nah get no bligh
Sean Paul ah pressure yuh wit one more try
Fuss inna meh life man I’m feeling fi cry
Taking all meh heart baby dat’s no lie well ah dat’s no lie

Sometimes you think you are on the cutting edge and bringing new things to the world, but you always hear the old timers say “Everything out now is just a reinvention of something that has already existed.” I guess when you think about it there is some truth to that, but Jamaican Patois and Slang has not been reinvented, it continually evolves. Anyways, I thought that jamaican-slang.com was on the cutting edge of teaching people to speak Jamaican Slang and Patois, but other people laid the foundation for teaching patois and celebrating the Jamaican language. One of the greats was Dr. Louise Bennett Coverley. 

Louise Bennett was born on September 7, 1919. She was a Jamaican poet and activist. From Kingston, Jamaica Louise Bennett remains a household name in Jamaica, a “Living Legend” and a cultural icon. She received her education from Ebenezer and Calabar Elementary Schools, St. Simon’s College, Excelsior College, Friends College (Highgate). Although she lived in Toronto, Canada for the last decade she still receives the homage of the expatriate West Indian community in the north as well as a large Canadian following. She was described as Jamaica’s leading comedienne, as the “only poet who has really hit the truth about her society through its own language”, and as an important contributor to her country of “valid social documents reflecting the way Jamaicans think and feel and live” Through her poems in Jamaican patois, she raised the dialect of the Jamaican folk to an art level which is acceptable to and appreciated by all in Jamaica. In her poems she was able to capture all the spontaneity of the expression of Jamaicans’ joys and sorrows, their ready, poignant and even wicked wit, their religion and their philosophy of life. Her first dialect poem was written when she was fourteen years old. A British Council Scholarship took her to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where she studied in the late 1940’s. Bennett not only had a scholarship to attend the academy but she auditioned and won a scholarship. After graduation she worked with repertory companies in Coventry, Huddersfield and Amersham as well as in intimate revues all over England. On her return to Jamaica she taught drama to youth and adult groups both in social welfare agencies and for the University of the West Indies Extra Mural Department.She lectured extensively in the United States and the United Kingdom on Jamaican folklore and music and represented Jamaica all over the world. She married Eric Winston Coverley in 1954 (who died in 2002) and has one stepson and several adopted children. She enjoys Theatre, Movies and Auction sales.Her contribution to Jamaican cultural life was such that she was honored with the M.B.E., the Norman Manley Award for Excellence (in the field of Arts), the Order of Jamaica (1974) the Institute of Jamaica’s Musgrave Silver and Gold Medals for distinguished eminence in the field of Arts and Culture, and in 1983 the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies. In September 1988 her composition “You’re going home now”, won a nomination from the Academy of Canadian Cinema ad Television, for the best original song in the movie “Milk and Honey.”In 1998 she received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from York University, Toronto, Canada. The Jamaica Government also appointed her Cultural Ambassador at Large for Jamaica. On Jamaica’s independence day 2001, Bennett-Coverley was appointed as a Member of the Order of Merit for her distinguished contribution to the development of the Arts and Culture.

 I highly recommend her books and think you will learn “nuff ting dem” about Jamaican Patois and Slang. More Time!

Do you ever wonder where certain words come from? Well in Jamaican Slang and Jamaican Patois, I am always asking that question. I mean there are so many words that have a little or unknown origin. Some words of the words that come to mind are pickney or nyam. In fact, someone asked me the origin of the word “bumboclat“…yikes, you can send me an e-mail if you want to know what a bumboclat is as opposed to what it means.

I was always interested in knowing where the word reggae came from. After doing some research, I found a variety of answers on the origin of this word we live by and love. The article is more focused on history as opposed to Jamaican Slang, so check it out…yuh dun noh.

The origin of the word reggae was the 1968 Pyramid single by Toots and the Maytals “Do the Reggay” (sic). Other possibilities as to the origin of the word include Regga, the name of a Bantu speaking tribe on Lake Tanganyika and a corruption of “streggae,” which is Kingston street slang for prostitute. According to Bob Marley, the word is Spanish in origin, meaning “the king’s music” but according to veteran session musicians the word is a description of the beat itself. Hux Brown of the Skatalites and lead guitarist on Paul Simon’s 1972 hit “Mother and Child Reunion” says that it is “just a fun, joke kinda word that means ragged rhythm and the body feeling.”

There you have it, a wide view on the origin of reggae. This is good to know , but really all you need to do is keep listening to reggae. Irie.