Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon better known by his stage name Shabba Ranks is a Dancehall legend.
In the 80s and 90s, Shabba Ranks was at the peak of his popularity, dominating the concerts with his energetic performances and of course his style and fashion.
His stardom wasn’t only in the Caribbean but worldwide, everyone loved Shabba, they wanted Shabba hairstyle, dress like Shabba, everything about him the masses loved.
This popularity paid off with Shabba Ranks winning two Grammys in 1992 and 1993 for As Raw As Ever album and X-tra Naked album. Songs like Mr. Loverman and Ting A Ling are worldwide classics.
Shabba Ranks was raised in Seaview Gardens Kingston Jamaica, the same community where artists like Dexta Daps, Bounty Killer grew up. Shabba Ranks was recently honored with the Heritage Award in New York alongside Gyptian.
The Heritage Award was launched in 2013 by the former consul general Herman Lamont and it seeks to recognize and honor the work of individuals whose efforts and sacrifices have helped to better the lives of Jamaican nationals and the development of the nation through various fields and careers.
“Our awardees have distinguished themselves as beacons of hope during some of our most difficult times, including through the ongoing pandemic,” Roach Wilson
Shabba Ranks touched down in Jamaica recently and the love was surreal, he visited Seaview and was well received by the community and other artists. Clips on social media showed Shabba Ranks linking up with Josey Wales, Richie Stephens, Luciano, Harry Tolder, General B also his long-time friend George Pwang.
Shabba Ranks legacy will last forever, and this is evident even at the present. ASAP Ferg and ASAP Rocky song Shabba Ranks was certified double platinum in the United States. ‘Ting A Ling‘ was also sampled by the rapper Wale in a song called ‘Ring Bells.’
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