Biography
Pat Francis of Jamaica performed throughout the 1970s under multiple aliases such as Jah Lion, Jah Lloyd and Black Lion of Judah; because his lyrics often explored drug-related subjects, he served as an early prototype for the flamboyant urban rappers who emerged in the late 1990s. During the mid-1960s he belonged to the Mediators, and he later achieved success with topical numbers including “Soldier Round the Corner,” “Know Yourself Blackman” and “Killer Flour,” all cut for producer Rupie Edwards. Willing to shift roles, he worked as toaster and DJ on selections such as “Black Snowfall” and “World Class.” Critical recognition arrived when, recording as Jah Lion, he made the acclaimed Columbia Colly LP with Lee “Scratch” Perry at the famed Black Ark studio; the set featured a memorable treatment of Little Willie John’s classic “Fever.” In 1978 he adopted the name Jah Lloyd, secured a contract with Front Line, and issued tracks like “Jah Lion” and “Cocaine,” yet these efforts failed to generate widespread attention. As the decade closed he moved into production duties, reverting to Jah Lion at the start of the 1980s; although he remained involved behind the scenes, his principal recording activity had concluded. On June 12, 1999, Pat Francis was fatally shot in Kingston at the age of 52.
Singles
