Biography
Born Neil McDonald in 1974 in Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies, Silver Cat first tested his skills chanting on neighborhood sound systems, despite initial resistance from his parents toward his choice of a musical path. In 1993 he traveled to Kingston with his sparring partner, the similarly gravel-voiced DJ Supervisor, seeking wider recognition after establishing themselves as local heroes in Clarendon. At Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Studio he auditioned with the unreleased “Oh La La,” which led to his official debut single “I Know,” while Supervisor cut “Roundness” for Steely and Clevie on the popular Hardcore rhythm. Silver Cat’s next effort at Penthouse failed to register on the Jamaican charts, prompting him to seek guidance from Patrick Roberts, founder and mentor of the Shocking Vibes crew. Roberts placed him on the then-current Corduroy rhythm for “Dead In Yah,” a dancehall favorite later banned for its violent content. Its successor, “Fowl Affair,” became his breakthrough hit and highlighted his flair for comical lyricism, a style clearly shaped by Buju Banton and Mega Banton. In 1995 Silver Cat appeared alongside Beenie Man on the latter’s second international hit, “Chronic,” and also teamed with Beenie Man’s brother Little Kirk for “Show Me Your Motion,” issued as a double a-side with “I Swear”/“Dionne.” Extensive touring followed, including well-received Shocking Vibes engagements across Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean. Throughout the 1990s he sustained visibility with further successes such as “All These Girls Are Mine,” “Violence And Crime,” “Nah Go Bow,” “Lose Him Gal,” “Get Too Bright,” and the combination hit “Use Your Imagination” shared with Cocoa Tea, Thriller U, and Cutty Ranks.
Albums
