U.K. teens in the throes of Red Rat rapture force performance venue escapes a la Elvis, and it's spreading to this colony. But the diminutive rodent's more than cute and cuddly. Rat's also blessed with sly humor and keen, ... more »hip-hop inflected rhyme skills--heavy on the high-pitched, "riddimatic" drilling and light on the melodic sing-song favored by his reggae deejay peers. Lead track, "Shelly Ann," "burst" him in the Jamaican scene last year; other reggae radio dominators here include "Tight Up Skirt" and "Dwayne." Producer Danny Brownie gives the set variety with combinations [duets], like "Love Them Bad," featuring Buju Banton. Another key to Red Rat's success: Brownie's irresistible riddim tracks, like the "scandal," which play well to both reggae and pop tastes. --Elena Oumano« less
U.K. teens in the throes of Red Rat rapture force performance venue escapes a la Elvis, and it's spreading to this colony. But the diminutive rodent's more than cute and cuddly. Rat's also blessed with sly humor and keen, hip-hop inflected rhyme skills--heavy on the high-pitched, "riddimatic" drilling and light on the melodic sing-song favored by his reggae deejay peers. Lead track, "Shelly Ann," "burst" him in the Jamaican scene last year; other reggae radio dominators here include "Tight Up Skirt" and "Dwayne." Producer Danny Brownie gives the set variety with combinations [duets], like "Love Them Bad," featuring Buju Banton. Another key to Red Rat's success: Brownie's irresistible riddim tracks, like the "scandal," which play well to both reggae and pop tastes. --Elena Oumano
CD Reviews
SOMETHING VERY UNIQUE, EITHER LOVE IT OR HATE IT.
09/01/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Red Rat gets reactions from people every time I play it, some people love it, some think he is the most annoying punk they ever heard. Listening to him will bring back nostalgic feelings for anyone who loves Belize, Guat or any part of the Carribean culture like I do."
I love it and Hate it.
08/28/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has some good moments: Nuh Live Nuh Weh and Tight Up Skirt, and Love Dem Bad where Red Rat is just so cool. But then the other songs are extremely grating and repetitive. Overall I would skip this disc and catch Tight up Skirt on Reggae Gold 98 and get Buju Banton's disk Inna Heights for Love dem bad. Then lets hope that Red Rat comes out with some more material, because hey--da yout's got potential!"
The funniest damn thing in the world. Oh no!!
04/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love Red Rat! The first time we heard it was in a room full of people and everyone stopped and their faces just lit up. WE play it everyday in the common room at our school. Not everyone likes it, but even those who don't get over the shock of the rat very quickly. Theres a second where you don't want to listen to it, and once you're in you're in to it for real. Hence the OH NO! BUY IT HOWEVER MUCH IT COSTS."
This album is incredible. A must have CD!
10/03/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Red Rat blows up the dancehall scene with his hardcore beats and style of chat. A truly refreshing album with serious lyrics. These tracts are sure to hype up any party. A must have CD for all reggae/dancehall lovers."