Throwback: Shabba Ranks-Mr. Loverman

Shabba Ranks’ recording of  “Champion Lover” with Deborahe Glasgow appeared on her eponymous 1989 full-length debut and his  1990 album Rappin’ With The Ladies. Ranks re-recorded the song as “Mr. Loverman” with Chevelle Franklyn and it was released as a single in 1991. The following year the song appeared on the Deep Cover soundtrack and Ranks’ Rough & Ready Vol. 1 and X-tra Naked albums. Ranks’ commanding patois and Franklyn’s dreamy vocals against the sexy reggae beat set a mood. The Jamaican dancehall artist became known in the United States because of “Mr. Loverman” which is now acknowledged as one of the best songs of the ’90s. The success of X-tra Naked included a win at the 1993 Grammys for Best Reggae Album making Ranks the first from the dancehall world to take home the award. In 2013, A$AP Ferg released the song “Shabba” and Ranks had an appearance in the video and he was featured on the remix with Busta Rhymes and Migos.