Charlie Chaplin

One of Jamaica's most respected artists, Chaplin mixes up styles, singing or toasting as he pleases. Fluid melodies and slick rhyming skill sets his style as an outgrowth of seminal DJ Toaster U-Roy, but more contemporary with artists like Yellowman. His lyrics can be biting and humorous or thoughtful and provocative, covering sex, spirituality and violence. Tight backing is provided by the Roots Radics, Sly and Robbie, or more digitized production and is often enhanced by the cheers and calls of a studio filled with friends. Working with U-Roy's Stur-Gav Hi-Fi sound-system in the late '80s, Chaplin became a crucial link from the earlier styles -- having tone, humor and phrasing similar to U-Roy, while paving the way for Dancehall singers to come.