Spragga Benz, Foxy Brown and Junior Reid, Dolton Expo Center, 8/4/01

REGGAE MADNESS MARATHON MASHES UP SOUTH SIDE

By Steve Serpiente

DOLTON, IL - Positive vibrations rocked the dancehall during the marathon Mo' Money Crew "Reggae Madness" presentation of two sound systems and six live acts Saturday August 4, 2001, at the spacious Dolton Expo Center.

Following four hours of crucial cuts from the selectors of the Prestige Sound and Saggitarious Sound sound systems and some rather tantalizing video entertainment, rapper Big Nasty took the stage shortly after midnight with some fellow hip hoppers from the Wild Entertainment stable and whipped the massive into a minor frenzy with a brief two song appearance.

Looking as if he stepped off the set of a Western flick, Pancho further pumped up the crowd with some energetic dancehall. Decked out in a black shirt and matching pants, Pancho's ensemble included cowboy boots complete with spurs. His four song set included "Gungu," "Spinach," "Loud Sound" and "A Dat Mek."

Andrew "Andrew Blood" Reid and his brother Delroy "Wadda Blood" Reid, sons of Junior "One Blood" Reid, followed with a socially conscious set highlighted by a wicked vocal over the "Punaany" riddim. Blessed with voices like their father's, the dreadlocked Andrew and Wadda are poised for successful careers in music. 

The madness continued as the young deejay Assasin followed the Bloods, cranking out his dancehall rap as if emptying rounds from a machine gun. Assasin's rapid fire delivery typified the evening which packed six artists into the three hour show. Much to the pleasure of the masses, Assasin also rode the "Punaany" riddim with authority. Other highlights were "To Make Money," "How Fi Get It" and "Hyping Up." A protege of Spragga Benz, Assasin is a youthman gunning forward, targeting the top of his genre.

(An interesting side note here: Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines assasin as: "1. one of a secret order of Muslims that at the time of the Crusades terrorized Christians and other enemies by secret murder committed under the influence of hashish; 2. one who commits murder; esp: one that murders a politically important person either for hire or from fanatical motives". These are certainly entrancing words to contemplate while on the dance floor as righteous lyrics condemning the evil doers of Babylon penetrate through the herb laden air.)

Next came the Bobo Dread, Mr. Junior Reid himself, and his patented Waterhouse vocal stylings. Junior launched his 35 minute set with "Mashing Up the Earth" from his most recent release Emmanuel Calling. With his dreads wrapped tightly under his turban, Junior masterfully rode the "Run Down the World" riddim with "Rappa Pam Pam." Revisiting his days (1986-87) as front man of the legendary Black Uhuru, Junior voiced a wicked version of "Fit You Haffe Fit," which segued into Uhuru staple "General Penitentary." Reid also treated roots lovers to his anthems "Original Foreign Mind" and "One Blood." Junior was joined by sons Andrew and Wadda as he showcased his chant-like rapping abilities on the hip hop flavored "John Law." (The night was truly a Reid family affair as Junior's brother Christopher was in the audience.) Junior concluded with a drum and bass soaked rendition of "Married Life."

Next, Spragga Benz performed for a bit more than half an hour, promoting his upcoming release Thug Nature. Spragga's energy matched that of Assasin, as he pranced and strutted, displaying his braggadocio in full bloom. Spewing libidinous rhymes over jacked up dancehall riddims, Spragga proved his proficiency in the slackness arena. Unlike the work of some artists, Spragga's praises of carnal delights tend to be more clever than crude. Furthermore, Spragga's thoughts are not trapped on a one track mind, as evidenced by his lyrics warning the youth against the pitfalls of the rude boy lifestyle.

Foxy Brown took the stage for her eagerly anticipated appearance around 2:30 a.m. Just as stunning in person as she is in her publicity photos, the aptly named Foxy pleased the crowd with her seductive dancing and posing as she dispensed her blend of hip hop, dancehall and reggae. Given top billing, Foxy did not disappoint her many young fans, some of whom had said they had come just to see her.

Backing for the evening was provided by the Mob Band from Jamaica. Mob proved to be quite adept at transitioning from the posthaste tempo of Assasin to the more relaxed roots & culture of Junior Reid and then back again to the nimble dancehall of Spragga Benz. Electronic drum and percussion overdubs were shot out throughout the live grooves, creating a striking, militant feel.

Heading into the warm South Side night air at 3:15 a.m., weary dancehall revellers left the clinic that was "Reggae Madness," their souls well nourished by the healthy dose of roots and ragga.

Steve Serpiente is a reggae enthusiast/writer based in Chicago. Among his favorite pastimes is listening to his 4 year old daughter sing along with songs by Mikey Dread, Israel Vibration and Garnett Silk. He can be contacted at serpiente97@yahoo.com.