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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.
Party In the Slum
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
quien sera el culpable
pero peresa limpiarlo
da igual esta presentable
ay un bicho en el salon
se llama jack sparrrito
pero a veces es un meon
aunque es el mejor perrito
ahora tienes todo lo que quieres
pero cuando llegue yo
sabraa que todo esto es pa mi
me lo llevare en un pack
pero cuando yo no quesara ni migua para ti
asi que cayate ote lavo vhanpu champu
te lavo con chanpu
eserrado en un iglu esto va para youte
calsetincalseti calsetin azul
te lavo con chanpu cahanpu encerrado en un igluesto va para yoube casetin vasetin quiere salir
The lyrics to Gregory Isaacs's song "Party In the Slum" describe a scene in a rundown and dirty apartment or home. The couch is covered in hair and it's unclear who the culprit is, but there is no desire or motivation to clean it up since it looks presentable enough. There is a dog named Jack Sparrrito, who is described as the best dog, but also has a habit of urinating in the living room. Despite the mess and chaos, the singer sees something deeper in the situation. They see that everything they need is there, but when they arrive, they will take it all with them, leaving nothing for anyone else.
The final section of the lyrics is harder to interpret since it uses nonsensical phrases like "cayate ote lavo vhanpu champu" and "calsetincalseti calsetin azul." It seems to be a playful jab at the listener, perhaps saying that they are not invited to the party in the slum and mocking them with strange language. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a party in an unusual setting, with dirty surroundings yet a sense of fun and celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
esta el sofa lleno de pelo
The sofa is covered in hair
quien sera el culpable
Who is to blame
pero peresa limpiarlo
But it's too much trouble to clean
da igual esta presentable
It's fine as it is
ay un bicho en el salon
There's a bug in the living room
se llama jack sparrrito
His name is Jack Sparrrito
pero a veces es un meon
But sometimes he pees everywhere
aunque es el mejor perrito
But he's still the best dog
esto es todo lo que tu ves
This is all you see
ahora tienes todo lo que quieres
Now you have all that you want
pero cuando llegue yo
But when I arrive
sabraa que todo esto es pa mi
I'll know that all of this is for me
me lo llevare en un pack
I'll take it all with me
pero cuando yo no quesara ni migua para ti
But when I'm gone, there'll be nothing left for you
asi que cayate ote lavo vhanpu champu
So shut up, I'll wash you with shampoo
te lavo con chanpu
I'll wash you with shampoo
eserrado en un iglu esto va para youte
Trapped in an igloo, this is for you
calsetincalseti calsetin azul
Sockysoccy blue sock
te lavo con chanpu cahanpu encerrado en un igluesto va para yoube casetin vasetin quiere salir
I'll wash you with shampoo trapped in an igloo, this is for you, socky sock wants to get out
Writer(s): Gregory Anthony Isaacs
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
fat-budha
This song proves Gregory can be smooth as butter but hard as rock. RIP cool ruler.
francisco amarante
Gregory incomparável
imnotimpressed
This is one of my favorite YouTube channels. You have so many gems in your collection
hellobiafra
what a tuneeee!!!! that intro gives goosebumps, master piece, and the animation is so goooood!!!!!!! thanks for share the vibes
Mungo Jerry
I would see Gregory perform over the years when ever he'd come to town over the years. In fact, I had tickets to see him in 2010 and show was cancelled due to illness. He ended up dying 2 months later. He'd always sport a powder blue Armani 3 piece suit like he is in this here video, looking very fly and dapper. I miss those shows. Eek-A Mouse was another one who would slide through town never failing to put on a fantastic show. He's still kicking. but banned from performing in the states due to criminal charges filed against him.
David Bouchet
Juweeltjes, your videos are pure art... Blessings !
carlos porras
Real reggae....roots..music.alta escuela hnos.que vozzz...banda ital..rockerss.🇪🇸🔥🔥🔥🌟
kingofallroots1 kingmanoftapes
Killer roots party in the slums for real !!!!
Micha Mloch
early in the morning we love gregorys music.and in the evening, too.rip
PAUL LEVI
Gregory at his best' COOL RULER R I P.