Mr. Funny - Prince Jazzbo

Are there better Prince Jazzbo records out there? Probably not. This one might not have all the hits, but for those in search of one Jazzbo record to put on the shelf, this one is it. That being said, how is the music? It depends what your stomach is for this stuff. In the late '70s, the rest of the world discovered Jamaican DJs. This led to a lot of recording sessions -- maybe too many. There's a samey quality to this stuff that can start to wear on one, especially as the rhythms used here are limited. Certainly no one could claim to be dreader than Jazzbo, and there's a certain pleasure to be had in deciphering the lyrics he offers in his thick patois. But if there isn't an absence of serious intent, there might be an absence of hope or even the stray bit of levity. This is an angry man. Rightfully so, but it's a vibe much closer to gangsta rap than it is to the cerebral musings of most of the bigger lights of reggae toasting. If you're a fan of dancehall and you're looking for the roots, well, you've found them. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Music Guide