Red Fox

Born around 1970 in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Red Fox developed an unselfconscious fusion of hip-hop and reggae. Early appearances on local sound systems prompted comparisons to Yellowman, largely because of his fair skin. Relocating to New York at sixteen finally allowed his career to gain traction. Performances alongside Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton opened further doors, leading him to producer Peter McKenzie and the FM Records release “Come Boogie Down,” which earned underground status in both Brooklyn and Jamaica. In 1992 he collaborated with Brand Nubian on the track “Black Star Liners”; the group reciprocated by contributing to “Hey Mr. Rude Boy,” featured on Red Fox’s debut album As A Matter Of Fox. That project was introduced by the single “Dem A Murderer,” whose blend of dancehall and rap echoed the album’s overall approach. Between the straight-reggae cut “Born Again Black Man” and the follow-up “Ghetto Gospel,” he appeared at Jamaica’s annual Sting festival.