U Roy - Soul Rebel

Ewart Beckford aka U-Roy was born in Jones Town, Jamaica in 1942. He is a Jamaican musician, also known as The Originator. He is best known as a pioneer of toasting (talking or chanting, usually in a monotone melody, over a rhythm or beat by a deejay). U-Roy's musical career began in 1961 when he began deejaying at various sound systems. Calling himself, “your ace from outer space”, U-Roy revolutionized the musical style of reggae in 1969. Even though U-Roy was not the first microphone artist, he was the first to gain recognition through recording this style. This style of vocals was a major influence on the early rap scene (Disco/Electro/Break Beat) and the later American hip-hop movement. Considered one of Jamaica's first Deejay stars, "U-Roy raised the art of toasting to new heights. He didn't just spit a few phrases here and there, he rode the riddim from the starting gate to the last furlong". U-Roy's legacy is one of the corner-stones in the history of rap music. He is a pioneer of a style of vocal delivery that is now found in the music of many cultures all over the world.

www.u-roy.20m.com

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