Chris Brown is always finding a way to redeem himself.  His recent form of redemption is his new song “Shabba” that features Wiz Kid, Hoody Baby, and Section Boyz. Though the topic of paying homage to Shabba Ranks has already been made into a song by A$AP Ferg, I’d say there’s room for a couple more! Clearly Shabba Ranks is associated with the fast and flashy lifestyle, and many want to emulate. This is cool in a way considering different artists are able to pay tribute in their own specific ways and sounds.

Chris Brown’s “Shabba” is more smooth and has his signature R&B twist to it. It’s not as trap and beat heavy as A$AP Ferg’s version and features more tones of the dance hall aesthetic. Considering the features Chris has included in this song it is also more versatile and unique. One thing that couldn’t be left out was the gold rings and chains though. They were just iconic!

It’s good to see Chris bring in talent from different countries. The Nigerian new comer Wiz Kid and London’s very own Section Boyz and Hoody Baby bring a sound that no other popular artist in America could today. Considering the fact that dance hall is on the rise, this may have been an attempt to stay in the now by mentioning the great Shabba Ranks.

All in all it is great to see different artist intermingling sounds. It seems like the older generations are always talking down on us for our music choices. I’d say its just an experimental stage, and this song definitely embodies the different aesthetics coming together for one huge collaboration we’ve haven’t fully experienced before. Hip- Hop is coming back to life in its own way!

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The post Chris Brown Pays Tribute to Shabba Ranks in New Track appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

A$AP Ferg and the A$AP Mob crew enjoy the fruits of their labor in the latest video for “Shabba”. Ferg and the crew party it up in a lavish mansion with a few beautiful blondes while he raps about reggae legend Shabba Ranks. The video might be confusing, but as always the A$AP Mob is thoroughly entertaining. The real Shabba even makes a cameo towards the end. A$AP Ferg is currently gearing up to release his long-awaited Trap Lord project which is due out next month. Enjoy the video below.

The post New Video: A$AP Ferg feat. A$AP Rocky – “Shabba” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Just when you thought “Work” was as hard as it gets, A$AP Ferg comes back with another banger. This time, with his fellow A$AP comrade Rocky they pay tribute to the dancehall legend Shabba Ranks. This is the first official single from A$AP Ferg’s upcoming project Trap Lord, which is due out August 20th. Just in case you didn’t know, Trap Lord will no longer be a mixtape; it will now be an album. Whoa.

Stream “Shabba” below.

The post New Music: A$AP Ferg Feat. A$AP Rocky – “Shabba” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Discovery is such a huge part of why I’ve always loved music, and back in 1991, my foundation was shaken by the discovery of dancehall. It was Supercat and Shabba Ranks that opened up that world to me. Back then, with no iTunes, I was left buying cassettes and CDs and believe me, I bought everything I could get my hands on in that category—singles, imports, etc… I became a true fan of Shabba Ranks’ delivery, prowess on the mic, basslines, and I was intrigued by the slang. Some lyrics took a minute for me to decipher, but once I caught hold, it was on. I felt like I had cracked the code.

As far as we’re concerned, everyone should remember Shabba Ranks. At least once a week.

More words and pics here.

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