Prince Hammer

Prince Hammer - Roots Me Roots - Miss Pat Walker - 1979

Following in the grand tradition of Dennis Alcapone, Big Youth and Dr. Alimantado, here comes Prince Hammer at his deejaying /singing best. After working with Glen Brown, the Morwells and Joe Gibbs, Berris Simpson aka Prince Hammer set up the Belva label. This album gathers up some of these productions for this great, set. If this had came out a year earlier, it ‘s almost certain that a lot more people would know of this highly talented artist. That year (1979), though, was a big change year, for the music, and would explain why this is a little known classic. Now of course it can be heard for what it is, an excellent superb album.

Prince Hammer - Vengeance – Melinda - 1985

By the late seventies, Hammer was regular feature on many reggae shows in the UK. Part of his act was to dress up like a vampire (Hammer Horror style). Thankfully spending a lot of time in the UK was having no adverse effect on his music. Although his music had changed with a greater emphasis on incorporating the latest trends. So on this set you get little touches of Eek A Mouse and Yellowman. Lyrically the same wide range of interests is maintained, with a nice cut of ‘I’m Not A King’ being outstanding. Musically it’s the Roots Radics sound of the the early eighties.