Red Fox

b. c.1970, St. Catherine, Jamaica, West Indies. An artist who un-self-consciously mixes hip-hop and reggae, Red Fox was initially compared to Yellowman when he appeared at sound systems in his native country, owing to his light complexion. However, it was not until he moved to New York, USA (still at the tender age of 16) that his musical career found its feet. Following stage shows alongside dancehall stars such as Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton, he hooked up with producer Peter McKenzie to record ‘Come Boogie Down’ on FM Records. It quickly became a cult item both in his adopted home of Brooklyn and back in Jamaica. In 1992 he teamed with Brand Nubian to duet on the memorable ‘Black Star Liners’ cut. That outfit returned the compliment to Red Fox on ‘Hey Mr. Rude Boy’, from his debut album, As A Matter Of Fox. It was preceded by the roughneck ‘Dem A Murderer’ single, which, like the album, entwined dancehall and rap into a presentable cocktail. Further singles ‘Born Again Black Man’, a straight reggae song, and ‘Ghetto Gospel’, sandwiched an appearance at Jamaica’s annual Sting festival.