Words by Jesse Serwer—
Word came to us late last night that Prince Jazzbo, one of Jamaican music’s pioneering deejays, has passed at age 62 following a battle with cancer. Known for ’70s-era toasting classics such as “Pepper Rock,” “Crab Walking” and “Croaking Lizard,” (the latter from Lee “Scratch” Perry‘s Super Ape LP, on which he was a featured vocalist) Jazzbo was also a producer and the owner of the Ujama, Mr. Funny and Count 123 record labels. His legacy can be felt in music from the deejay styles of early ’80s dancehall, to the Beastie Boys, who mentioned him on Ill Communication‘s “B-Boys Makin With the Freak Freak.”
It’s funny how time works out, though. Just one day prior to the news of his passing, the very first music video from Prince Jazzbo appeared, on indie/rap label Stones Throw’s YouTube channel. The video is for a song, “Black Shadow,” from Dub Club’s Foundation Come Again project. It’s a great, surprise treat for fans who’ve spent years listening to the man’s music without knowing how he looks or moves. (A shame, really, since he’s got style and swagger for days). The label also has a new Jazzbo track, “What a Tribulation,” which had been—and still is—set for release on Saturday.
Watch below and enjoy, and check out this fan page on Facebook for more music and info on the late Prince Jazzbo.