General Echo

Jamaican selector Echo, also known as Ranking Slackness, died in 1980. At a time when most mid- to late-1970s DJs stuck to a cultural approach, he emerged as one of the earliest figures to break from that mold. His style left a deep mark on the wave of 1980s DJs who later succeeded, especially within the UK MC school. Yard tapes offered the first widespread exposure for his performances, which set Jamaica alight on the Echo Tone Hi Fi system he ran. Slack or risqué lyrics formed his specialty, with timing and vocal tone that audiences embraced and countless others copied. When the atmosphere felt right he would cut the music without hesitation to deliver jokes, a habit that only strengthened his bond with listeners. His cut of Winston Riley’s “Stalag” rhythm, titled “Arleen,” topped the Jamaican charts, and his career trajectory appeared set until police in Kingston fatally shot him along with Flux and Big John, both members of his sound system, in an episode that remains unexplained.