Jazzie B is a true soul legend and the first sound man to be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen. Get to know the DJ, producer, remixer and catalyst behind 1980s dance act Soul II Soul as he drops into Red Bull Music Academy Radio for a Fireside Chat...
In 1987, Jazzie B and friend Daddae – both of them just 13 at the time – started a sound system called Jah Rico, playing mainly reggae music. After three years of doing that and meeting likeminded musicians, Soul II Soul was born. Among the collective's members was one Nellee Hooper, who helped to shape the famous Wild Bunch from which Massive Attack later sprang.
They were launched to success by landing a gig at the legendary Africa Centre in London's Covent Garden and it wasn't long before record labels were beating down their door. Soul II Soul enjoyed immediate chart success with Keep On Movin' and Back To Life and picked up a couple of Grammy Awards in 1990.
Jazzie was subsequently given the keys to seven US cities and there is even a Soul II Soul Day celebrated by die-hard fans there.
Aside from his success with Soul II Soul, Jazzie has made a name for himself with his other musical ventures. He has his own label, Soul II Soul Recordings; he's produced a string of remixes for the likes of The Fine Young Cannibals and James Brown (one of Jazzie's childhood heroes); he regularly DJs on the radio; and he runs his own annual music festival in the Caribbean.
A man with more enthusiasm and banter than an East End market trader, this Funki Dread has plenty of stories. So enjoy this Fireside Chat with Jazzie B on Red Bull Music Academy Radio:
Playlist:
Soul II Soul Jazzie's Groove (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Take Me Higher (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Dance (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul 1990 A New Decade (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Holdin' On (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Fairplay (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Keep On Movin' (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Feel Free (Ten Records)
Soul II Soul Happiness (Ten Records)
Victoria Wilson James Woman Of Colours (Soul II Soul Mix) (Thirteen)
Soul II Soul People (Ten Records)
Want more?
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