Red Dragon

Born Leroy May on 18 March 1966 in Kingston, Jamaica, the artist first performed under the name Redman. He began his DJ career on Barrington Hi-Fi in 1981 and steadily progressed through the sound systems Stone Love, Small Axe, Rambo Mango and People’s Choice, earning a reputation as one of the island’s most reliably popular selectors. A 1984 switch to his current stage name followed the strong response to the “Laughing Dragon” lyric on a dub plate. Fellow selector Charlie Chaplin, another alumnus of People’s Choice, handled production on the debut single “Computer” in 1985. The following year Harry J. produced the dancehall favourites “Nah Get Nutten” and “Commander.” Although inadequate promotion kept 1987’s “Hol’ A Fresh,” released on Winston Riley’s label, from crossing over, its local impact secured further sessions with King Tubby (“Canter Mi Horse”), Red Man, Vena and King Jammy’s; at the latter, “Duck Dance” and “Della Skank” demonstrated his flair for anticipating new dance moves. Techniques, Riley’s imprint, paired him with his DJ brother Flourgon on a 1989 album. That same year May launched his own Dragon label, issuing his own tracks “Old,” “Love Unuh” and “My Anthem” alongside material from younger artists including John Mouse. Between 1990 and 1991 he stepped back from recording to nurture emerging talent connected to Rambo Mango and Flourgon’s Sweet Love set, where both Buju Banton and Terry Ganzie began their careers. A return to dancehall output arrived with “Pum Pum Shorts” in 1992, after which Dragon supplied recordings for Shang, Steely And Clevie, Mafia And Fluxy and Parrish. In 1993 he scored several hits working with producers such as Bobby Digital, Danny Browne, Winston Riley, Fashion Records and Sly And Robbie’s Taxi label. July 1994 brought his major crossover success when “Compliments On Your Kiss,” a combination with Brian And Tony Gold, reached number 2 on the UK singles chart.