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Gregory Isaacs (born on 15 July 1951 in Fletchers Land, Kingston, Jamaica and died on 25 October 2010 in London) was a Reggae singer and songwriter. Gregory Anthony Isaacs is known as "The Cool Ruler" for his seductive crooning vocal style. Gregory attributed his greatest musical influences to R&B greats Sam Cooke and Percy Sledge, in addition to Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe.
In the late 1960s, Gregory first performed in a vocal trio called The Concords, after being encouraged by Byron Lee. By 1970 the group had split up. He subsequently formed his own label, African Museum.
In the late 1970s he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular recording artists in Jamaica. He released a number of self-produced singles on his own African Museum (JA) label with Errol Dunkley. Much of Isaacs' output reflected the 'conscious' themes of Roots Reggae, but Isaacs was equally adept at interpreting more mainstream Lovers Rock material. Early hits include "My Only Lover", "Sinner Man" and "Mr. Cop", recorded at Lee Perry's Black Ark Studio.
A period in the 1970s with the GG's label and its producer Alvin Ranglin produced hits like "Border" and "Number One".
Personal problems affected him, particularly battles with a cocaine addiction and a possession charge, which prevented him from touring in North America for a significant part of his career, until a pardon could eventually be secured.
Isaacs recorded with a number of producers, including the Riddim Twin's (Sly & Robbie) Taxi Records, who gave them their first hit with 1979's "Soon Forward" , After a series of releases with Sly & Robbie, Gregory built a strong relationship with Gussie Clarke of the Music Works label. In addition to these local Jamaican labels, The Cool Ruler had had releases on Trojan, VP, Virgin's Front Line and English producer Tad A. Dawkin's Tad's Records. Isaacs would would eventually sign with Chris Blackwell's Island Records which resulted in the international release of Night Nurse (1982) and Out Deh! (1983).
Perhaps his most popular recordings in his native Jamaica are "All I Have Is Love", "Mr. Brown" and "Hard Drugs", the latter being an anti-drug anthem that dominated radio in the late 1980s and was released as a hidden track on England's Tad Records All I Have Is Love, Love Love LP.
In the 1990s Gregory's African Museum label continued to release all of Gregory Isaacs' music, and that of artists he produced. He continued to record and perform live in the 2000s, and it has been estimated that Isaacs has released over 500 records in his career, which includes singles and compilations.
Isaacs, who was 59 years old, died of lung cancer on 25 October 2010 at his home in London where he spent part of his time. A sad loss to the world.
Black Against Black
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But he got to bounce right back
Black against Black
But he got to bounce right back
Political violence covers the Earth
Men don't know what life is really worth
While youths go selling themselves like whores
Robbing, raping and killing the poor
But he got to bounce right back
But he got to bounce right back
Down here in the ghetto of the slum
We've been robbed of our rights and freedom
But I know that things have got to change
For Jah Jah get all men into his range
Black against Black, Lord
But he got to bounce right back
But he got to bounce right up
Down here in the ghetto of the slum
We've been robbed of our rights and freedom
But I know that things have got to change
For Jah Jah get all men into his range
Me say Black against Black
But he got to bounce right back
But he got to bounce right back
But he got to bounce back
In "Black Against Black," Gregory Isaacs addresses the issue of political violence and its impact on black communities around the world. The lyrics suggest that while the violence might seem like an internal struggle between black people, it is ultimately a product of political systems and larger societal issues that have contributed to poverty and desperation.
Isaacs urges his listeners to bounce back from this violence and not let it define them. The verses describe how poverty and desperation often drive young people to turn to dangerous or criminal behaviors, but Isaacs does not justify these actions. Instead, he calls for a change in the way society treats its poorest and most vulnerable members, reminding listeners that everyone has value and deserves a chance to succeed.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Black against Black, but he got to bounce right back," emphasizing the need for resilience and community support in the face of violence and strife. Overall, "Black Against Black" is a powerful reminder that we all play a role in ending the cycle of violence and poverty, and that it is up to each of us to be a force for positive change in our communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Black against Black, Lord
The struggle is between black people themselves, often due to political reasons
But he got to bounce right back
Despite the struggles, one must persevere and overcome the obstacles
Political violence covers the Earth
Violence due to political reasons is present throughout the world
Men don't know what life is really worth
People do not appreciate the value of life and often contribute to the violence
While youths go selling themselves like whores
Young people are engaging in dangerous and harmful activities
Robbing, raping and killing the poor
Such activities often involve brutal actions against innocent people
Down here in the ghetto of the slum
This refers to the poor and deprived areas that suffer from most of the violence
We've been robbed of our rights and freedom
People living in these areas are deprived of basic human rights
But I know that things have got to change
Despite the hardships, a positive change is necessary
For Jah Jah get all men into his range
This could imply that a higher power will bring about a positive change for everyone
But he got to bounce right up
One must not only overcome challenges, but also rise above them
Me say Black against Black
The repetition emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the need for change
But he got to bounce right back
The refrain reinforces the message of perseverance and resilience
But he got to bounce right back
The repetition once again emphasizes the importance of overcoming the struggles
But he got to bounce back
The final line reinforces the message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity
Contributed by Zoe S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Abraham Palmer
this message is so sad but true we are the only group of people love to kill each other and hate one another for petty reasons😠😭
Natty
Not the only race, its a human trait of the human race as a whole. The Primordial response that is survival of the fittest is ingrained into our consciousness by how the human race evolved.
Eddy Manijean
Gregory Isaacs - Extra Classic - 03 - Black Against Black