Biography
Born Carlton Mason circa 1966 in Kingston, Jamaica, Tumpa Lion displayed a singular approach that pointed toward a strong future among the pioneering DJs who worked with Patrick Roberts’ Shocking Vibes Crew. During 1990 he issued the sexist refrain “Tight Like A Virgin” together with the boastful “We Are Bad Boy,” both of which registered as popular hits on dancehall and specialist charts. Additional singles soon appeared, among them a crude version of “The Glue,” the insulting “You Nah Boney,” and “No Sweet Mouth,” which addressed the subject of halitosis.
In 1992 he teamed with Maxi Priest for a reworking of the Cornelius Brothers And Sister Rose soul classic “It’s Too Late To Turn Back Now,” modeled on the Chi-Lites’ reggae-styled rendition. The relaxed rhythm and melodic charm captured the early-90s vogue for dancehall smoochers. Their pairing drew widespread acclaim and fulfilled its aim of exposing Tumpa Lion to listeners worldwide.
The mischievously conceited “The Distance” brought further success in 1993; the track openly touted supposed bedroom stamina with the line “Woman seh thanks - good performance - can you get the jockey whey fi do de distance.” Although his period as a top-ranking DJ proved brief, he continues to be held in high regard throughout the Jamaican music industry.
In 1992 he teamed with Maxi Priest for a reworking of the Cornelius Brothers And Sister Rose soul classic “It’s Too Late To Turn Back Now,” modeled on the Chi-Lites’ reggae-styled rendition. The relaxed rhythm and melodic charm captured the early-90s vogue for dancehall smoochers. Their pairing drew widespread acclaim and fulfilled its aim of exposing Tumpa Lion to listeners worldwide.
The mischievously conceited “The Distance” brought further success in 1993; the track openly touted supposed bedroom stamina with the line “Woman seh thanks - good performance - can you get the jockey whey fi do de distance.” Although his period as a top-ranking DJ proved brief, he continues to be held in high regard throughout the Jamaican music industry.
Live
