Bobby Konders Presents: Massive B Legacy – Volume 1drops today on Massive B Records
Massive B Legacy Volume 1 is the first release in a series of compilations of greatest hits from the legendary Brooklyn sound system and record label. HOT 97 icon Bobby Konders started the Massive B movement in 1992 and this release marks the beginning of a celebration of Massive B’s rich musical legacy over the last 25+ years. Volume 1 showcases some past gems from the Massive B treasure chest, including several tracks featured on Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 4, with an added bonus of the new smash hit from Dancehall ruler Vybz Kartel – “What U Sellin?”
Track by track commentary from Bobby Konders:
•1- Richie Spice – Youths So Cold
The Truth & Rights riddim was made in the Summer of ’99, which was when I recorded the legendary Johnny Osbourne’s anthemic “Truth & Rights.” I had the riddim in my catalogue and then in 2004 I was inspired to voice other artists on it with Sizzla, Chuck Fender, King Kong, Chezidek and Choppa Chop all blessing it. But it was this track by Richie Spice that became an anthem in the streets and went on to receive major air play on HOT 97 and radio across the US, as well as globally and in the clubs. Its one of my favorite records I’ve produced.
Produced by Bobby Konders
Voiced @ CellBlock , Kingston, Jamaica
Mixed @ Anchor Studio Kingston Jamaica
•2- Vybz Kartel – What U Sellin’?
Its always an honor to be able to work with so many great artists out of Jamaica and they really don’t come greater than Vybz Kartel. This is the lates single from Massive B and Kartel really showcases what an amazing lyricist he is on this track, livicated to all the Herbalists worldwide!
Biggin up all the Herbalist worldwide !
Produced by Bobby Konders &
Voiced in Kingston , Jamaica &
Mixed In Massive B studio NYC
Musicians- Riga & Jahnaton
•3- T.O.K. – Gal You A Lead
I dropped the Wanted riddim in 2003, featuring Bounty Killer, Burro Banton, Sizzla , Elephant Man & many more. This song by Dancehall quartet TOK quickly became a national anthem for the ladies, rocking Dancehall, Hip Hop & Latin clubs around the globe. This song also got heavy rotation on Hot97 NYC as well as major radio play across the US. Produced by R. Chams Brownie ,
Burro Banton & Bobby Konders
Voiced & Mixed @ Chams Studio
•4- Burro Banton – Badder Dan Dem
I don’t need to say much about the song because as soon as you hear Burro’s original rock stone voice from Dancehall’s golden era of ’80s you know what’s up! Back then the artists (DJ’s) would actually perform live on sound systems such as Stereo Mars, Kilimanjaro & so many more, perfecting their craft and thrilling crowds. Unfortunately that art has pretty much died out but “Mr Eh Eh Eh” is still badder dan all a dem!
The riddim name is No Borders , feat. Chezidek, Jr Reid , Collie Buddz , Choppa Chop & many more artists !!! Produced by Bobby Konders
Musician & Mixed by Madman Myrie & Bobby Konders At Massive B studio NYC
•5- Chezidek – Call Pon Dem
Chezidek, an incredible writer of uplifting, positive messages who hails from Jamaica’s “ Garden Parish” St Ann, calls out the politicians to help the poor and less fortunate, as well as the legalization of the Herb! This song was on the Kingdom riddim that also featured Collie Budd , Choppa Chop & Burro Banton.
Produced by Bobby Konders
Mixed & Voiced @ Anchor Studio , Kingston , Jamaica by Dr Marshall .
•6- Elephant Man – Wave your Flags
Elephant Man is known as the Energy God so he was the natural choice to make a record specifically for the Massive B truck as we bounced our way along the West Indian day parade that’s held annually in Brooklyn on Labor Day Weekend. Wave your Flags perfectly harnesses the energy and vibes of the Caribean carnivals, calling everyone to represent their island! Be sure to check the video too. The track is on a riddim named March Out that also features Bunji Garlin , Tony Matterhorn, T.O.K , Mavado , Vybz Kartel & more.
Produced by Bobby Konders &
Voiced & Mixed by Tixxy at Anchor studio Kingston , Jamaica.
•7- Sizzla – Jah Will Never Fail I
When I got the chance to record an artist of Sizzla’s caliber, one of the most prolific Rastafarian artists of this generation, I wanted to try and bring out the best in him. Praising the Most High, his haunting melodies and chants bless the classic Heavenless riddim perfectly,
Also on this timeless riddim was Morgan Heritage, Burro Banton, Chronicle, Bounty Killer & more.
Produced by Bobby Konders
Voiced by Tixxy & Mixed by Dr Marshall at Anchor Studio in Kingston, Jamaica
I first actually heard this song as a dubplate played by iconic selector Sky Juice on the Metro Media sound system (the original lyrics were “My sound Is the greatest.”) I instantly loved the song but had no idea who sang it and eventually tracked down the singer who hailed from De Le Vega city in Spanish Town. I arranged to meet Chronicle at Jr Reid’s studio, and we flipped the lyrics to My God is the Greatest, and laid the vocals on a version of the classic FM Force’s Sick riddim from Brooklyn NY. Also featured on the riddim was Burro Banton, Duckman , Devon Clarke , Chilla Rinch & more.
Produced by Bobby Konders
Mixed at Massive B studio. Brklyn NY
•9- King Kong – Rumble Jumble Life
I first met King Kong in England back in 1991 when I was voicing dubplates for my Massive B sound system. I was always a fan of his songs and vocal – very similar to Tenor Saw’s, since he recorded for King Tubbys & King Jammy’s in the ’80s. I linked King Kong one late night in 1996 at Anchor Studio in Kingston, Jamaica and we recorded a
bonafide classic on the fabled Cus Cus riddim. Rumble Jumble Life is another of my proudest achievements as a producer. Also on this version of the riddim is Tristan Palmer, Shinehead, Little John, Anthony B & Burro Banton !!! Produced by Bobby Konders
Musicians Roots Radics Band Released around 1996/97
•10- Bounty Killer – Suicide or Murder
Bounty Killer – Dancehall’s 5 Star General, blazed onto the scene in the early 90s and quickly became an iconic artist who redefined Jamaican music and artistry for generations to come. I was in Jamaica when he was at the peak of his powers in ’95 and gave “Killa” a call; He came to the studio with Burro Banton and laced this furious vocal on a hardcore Dancehall beat and it was an instant smash!
Produced & mixed by Bobby Konders
Studios – Anchor Kingston, Jamaica – Massive B studio Brooklyn NY
