Shabba Ranks is among a handful of musicians to receive Jamaica’s Order of Distinction.
Ranks has been widely credited for helping shape modern dancehall and bringing it to the world stage in the 1990s. His many hit songs remained a symbol of hardcore dancehall some two decades later. The dancehall legend receives the Order of Distinction (OD) at the rank of officer by the Jamaican government for his contribution to music. The ceremony was held at King’s House in St. Andrew today, October 17.
“He had three things going for him,” producer Mikey Bennett said. “He was an unbelievable wordsmith… he could turn everyday conversations into lyrical gems. Secondly, he had an unbelievable sense of groove… he could ride the rhythm. And, lastly, and certainly not least, he had a dominant voice, which many considered sexy.”
Reggae singers William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke and Gregory Isaacs also received the Order of Distinction for their contribution to Jamaican music.
