Yabby You

• Genre: Roots Reggae
• Hometown: Kingston

About

Born Vivian Jackson, Yabby You received his name after King Tubby took a liking to a verse from Vivian Jackson's single "Conquering Lion": "Be you, be yabby yabby you." The single's subsequent remixes and Dub versions with Big Youth's energetic toasting are some of the best tracks Reggae has to offer. As a "Jesus Dread," Yabby You combines Christian ideals with righteous Rastafarian imagery and chants that have influenced the course of Roots Reggae. His smooth, spiritual vocals ride over entrancing tracks thick with organ, percussion, horns and throbbing basslines from the best musicians Jamaica has to offer. As a producer, he's discovered and transformed emerging artists into stars, including Michael Prophet and Tony Tuff. Some of the most crucial, heavy, minor-key songs have come from this pioneering artist.

- Jessy Terry