Description
In 1985, an exceptional blend of two mighty talents, Early B and Super Cat, came together under the production helm of Jah Thomas. Their collaborative album, “Early B Meets Super Cat” is a testament to their extraordinary talent and their ability to redefine the sound of Reggae and Dancehall. This particular album was conceived under the label of ‘Midnight Rock’, and was exclusively available as a promotional white-labelled piece, making it a collector’s dream.
Early B, born Earlando Arrington Neil, was an early dancehall and reggae artist, celebrated for his meaningful and engaging lyrics in hits like Visit of King Selassie, History of Jamaica, and Wheely Wheely. Over the years, he proved his mettle in the music industry with his innovative and catchy tunes. His counterpart on this album, Super Cat, although a novice at the time, showcased his musical genius that would eventually propel him to stardom.
The idea behind ‘Early B Meets Super Cat’ was to present listeners a side from each artist, encapsulating their unique styles. Early B‘s side boasted four of his most loved tracks including Visit Of King Selasie, Sunday Dish, and Pedestrian along with other prized tracks such as Cane Man A Fe Bath and Set Up Yourself Right that were exclusively played on various sound systems.
Super Cat, on the other hand, showed his mastery with tracks like Dance Inna New York, which would later be sampled by Nas in Nas The Don, and equally impressive numbers like Way Dem A Fight Fa, Ever Ready, Walk A Ton, and Me Glad She Gone. A showcase of power and poise, the album represented both artists at their absolute best.
However, this album that brought together two of the most influential artists of their time in Reggae and Dancehall never went beyond the stage of promotional white labels. This rarity makes ‘Early B Meets Super Cat’ a much sought after release among Reggae and Dancehall enthusiasts.
In 2020, Acid Jazz presented music enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to relive the magic of ‘Early B Meets Super Cat’ with the first-time vinyl reissue of this album. This reissue served as a fitting tribute and an opportunity to revel in an elusive piece of reggae and dancehall history.
Unforgivably, both Early B and Super Cat shared a close bond, nurtured through songs and performances. Their fierce collaborations, particularly through the Killamanjaro sound system, imprinted their names in the history of Reggae and Dancehall, attracting other talented artists like Eek-a-Mouse and Yellowman. Despite the tragic end to Early B‘s life in 1994, his legacy continues to resonate through tributes and innovative compilations. Their music and performances on “Early B Meets Super Cat” album remain as a testament to their talent, shared dreams, and enduring friendship in the heart of Reggae and Dancehall music.
