Capleton is a reggae/ dance hall musician from Jamaica who holds a profuse catalogue to his name. His integrative use of hip-hop and classic roots music places him amongst contemporaries like Shaggy and Sizzla, but his outspoken political and religious ideologies put him in a category of his own.
Clifton George Bailey III most frequently refereed to as Capleton (but also King Shango, King David, The Fireman, and The Prophet) was born on 13 April 1967 in Islington, St. Mary, Jamaica. In his youth Capleton quickly became enamored with dancehall music and by age 18 he sought out his own music career, moving to Kingston to work as a DJ.
Capleton’s “semi-big break” came in 1989 when he caught the attention of African Star owner Stewart Brown who allowed him a spot opening in Canada for Ninjaman. His sound struck a chord with many interested in the dancehall genre. Throughout the early 90s he wowed audiences with hits like “Bumbo Red”, “Number One on the Look Good Chart”, “No Lotion Man”, “Alms House”, “Music is a Mission”, and perhaps his most successful release yet “Tour”.
By 1994 Capleton had released three albums and had also captivated the interest of Def Jam Recordings who would go on to sign him. In 1995 he put out his 4th studio album (his 1st through Def Jam) “Prophecy”. As a label renowned for it’s extensive and respected list of hip-hop artists this album unsurprisingly recruited the assistance of rap stars such as Method Man and Lil’ Jon.
His next album “i-Testament” nearly filled up the entire space of the CD featuring 18 songs, which spilled over the 79 minute marker. Like “Prophecy” it also was geared toward a hip-hop market (though it’s sound was predominately reggae)and featured rap legends such as A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip.
Capleton’s 1st compilation “One Mission” closed the 90s and his studio album “Gold” opened the millennium. The 2000s was was an extremely productive period for Capleton. He put out a total of 14 releases from 2000 - 2009, which included: “Gold” (2000), “More Fire” (2000), “Still Blazin’” (2002), “Voice of Jamaica, Vol. 3” (2003), “Praises to the King” (2003), “Reign of Fire” (2004), “The People Dem” (2004), Duppy man (featured with Chase & Status), “Free Up” (2006), “Hit Wit Da 44 Rounds” (2007), “Rise Them Up” (2007), “Bun Friend” (2008), “Yaniko Roots” (2008), “Jah Youth Elevation” (2008), and “Liberation Time (featured with AZAD) (2009). In 2010 he issued his 20th studio album “I-Ternal Fire” and followed it with a U.S. tour as well as several concerts throughout Africa.
PJ Morton
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