In an exclusive interview with Empress Skortcher on the Ever Blazing Friday Show, Musical Sniper as he is now called, explained that his name change from Rappa Robert is a representation of his versatility beyond rapping (Djing) when he said, "Rappa is for rapping" his new moniker encompasses his talents as a rapper, singer and musician. Now in Canada, outside of working a 9 to 5, Musical Sniper is in the studio recording as he continues to build his musical repertoire and rehearsing as he hopes to return to center stage performing and to fulfill his purpose.
Musical Sniper described the politics in the music industry as he feels he was "exploited by producers" and denied airplay by Jamaican radio dj's due to favoritism after Tippa Lee migrated to the states. Hence, he has decided to take his own career in his hands with production and promotion. Musical Sniper spoke about his love for Dancehall but stresses his distaste and disapproval of "a lot of things happening in the Dancehall now" for the current state of shared his appreciation for emerging reggae artists such as Chronixx, Protoje, Kabaka Pyramid, Christopher Martin, and Tarrus Riley to name a few who he said are "strengthening the the Reggae music" in keeping the Reggae banner flying. His encouragement to the new reggae youths is to "Keep Reggae Head Up" adding, "it's the only music that speaks the truth." Musical Sniper reminded us that, "whether it is lewd it is the truth, it's what they live, is what they learn, it's what they come and talk about." In parting, the artist also encouraged fellow artists who have had a "raw deal" in the music business to "Go for it" advising them "not to just sit down and rely on so-called producers to make it happen" for them but to instead "Work and make it happen" for themselves.
The jovial Musical Sniper hopes to return to his homeland to perform on Jamaica's soil and said he thinks he will be well-received by patrons because his music is in rotation there and the fact that he is getting great feedback from people on the island.
Today, Musical Sniper is actively promoting the Rough Upbringing album along with his latest EP, "Tables Turning" a five tracked compilation which displays a mature sounding "Musical Sniper" as a package of rich cultural music that reflects the times we are living in, and gives hopeful solutions for the future. With all new songs; including the chart topping single: “Gone” which charted on Jamaica's Top 25 Reggae Chart at No. 9, the single “Gone” calls out the trend of pretenders who use other people's suffering for one's personal financial gain. The title track: “Tables Turning,” is currently on the chart in Jamaica and takes into account people's uprising against dictators and corrupt leaders all over the world; and “For the Youths” an anthem for children of poverty, features African style tenor guitar lines and reggae rooted drum and bass. “God First” is a reggae gospel song combining conscious lyrics, a driving drum and bass grove, and call and response harmonies. Plus a special bonus track: “Believe” which has an uplifting message that we can overcome the toughest challenges by remaining positive and steadfast on our purpose and goals in life.
It is his love of Djing that honed the rhythmic vocal precision heard in these new songs, along with years of experience and influence from singers like Freddie McGregor and Stevie Wonder; which is paramount to the quality of lyrics and smooth singing voice heard in Musical Sniper's new music. His voice has been compared to the great Jimmy Cliff; also Maxi Priest, and singer Tabby of The Mighty Diamonds. Musical Sniper - “Tables Turning” EP a collaborative production between Musical Sniper and Hawaiian based Jason “Jahson” Murphey of Rootstime Production LLC. is available in digital format here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jah-got-dah-stuff/id915273550 and is a must have for your music collection.
Early Life/Career:
Born Robert Wilson on 8th January 1968 in Bamboo, St. Ann Jamaica, Rappa Robert began his musical career as a performing member on one of Jamaica's pioneering talent radio program, "Colgate Cavity Fighters Club " in 1980 on Radio Jamaica Limited (RJR); performing poetry and rapping over various rhythm instrumentals. Prior to using the name Rappa Robert professionally, he recorded under the name Papa Robert releasing two singles, "Slick Chap" and "Over Me" under said name. As Rappa Robert, he recorded several singles at Aquarius Recording Studio located at Half Way Tree in Kingston, Jamaica with performances on several sound stages across the island. It was At Aquarius Studio that he met is sparring partner Tippa Lee. The rapping duo became a musical sensation across the island with the release of chart topping single "Nuh Trouble We" which swept the island airwaves with six weeks at No 1 on the Dancehall chart. Other smash hits by the 80's djing duo included; "Mi Lover Gone," "Freedom Fighter," "Half Key Drive," "Pirate," and "Dancehall Business." among other singles which brought the duo to the US, Canada, Trinidad, Antigua, and the Cayman Islands on tour. Rappa Robert would return to Jamaica while Tippa Lee stayed in the USA.
On a solo move, and back in Jamaica, Rappa Robert would later connect with a UK based Zimbabwe-born British producer/engineer Paul Hussey on the Jamaican North Coast, where Paul was then running UB-40's studio. That connection led to the recording of a combination with Barrington Levy's cousin, Robert Levy and Rappa Robert titled " World Disorder." Rappa Robert's solo career as a singer propelled when his singles titled "Busy" and "Rough Upbringing" were released.
The later led to a full studio album by the same title for Hussey. The "Rough Upbringing" project Musical Sniper disclosed, was not well promoted by Executive Producers Ali Campbell and Brian Traverse who are members of UB-40 Band and owners of the Recording Studio; faulting a non-reggae distribution entity.
Albums By Tippa Lee And Rappa Robert:
1. Nuh Trouble We - produced Hugh Redman James/Redman International Label (1989)http://www.discogs.com/Tippa-Lee-Rappa-Robert-Nuh-Trouble-We/release/2715700
2. Roots Vibrations - produced by Barry Clarke on Ras Records Inc.(1990)
As a soloist, in September 2014 Musical Sniper - Jah Got The Stuff album produced by Barry Blarke/ BCR Production/VPAL Dist was digitally released. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jah-got-dah-stuff/id915273550
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