Starting out on the King Jammys Superpower sound system in Jamaica, Shabba quickly emerged on the Jamaican and international stages in the late 1980's with a number of fellow artists. These include the British vocalist Maxi Priest; reggae singers Cocoa Tea, Crystal, and Mykal Rose and R&B singer Johnny Gill; in addition to working with luminaries Chuck Berry and American rappers KRS-One and Chubb Rock. His biggest hit non-Jamaican hit was "Mr. Loverman", although in Jamaica and for many reggae lovers, this was not his best work. Other, more appreciated tracks by reggae enthusiasts, include "Respect", "Pirates Anthem", "Trailor Load A Girls", "Wicked in Bed", "Caan Dun", and "Ting A Ling".
He won back-to-back Grammy awards in the Reggae category in 1991 & 1992, the first dancehall deejay to do so. He also
His later reputation was badly damaged by his explicitly homophobic views and lyrics. This was evidenced by a particularly notorious incident on the Channel 4 programme 'The Word' where he appeared to advocate the crucifixion of homosexuals and was condemned for his comments by presenter Mark Lamarr.
Following this episode, and subsequent negative media coverage, his career never fully recovered. He was eventually dropped by his American record label, Epic Records, in 1996. Anti-homosexuality is a common viewpoint in the reggae-dancehall community in Jamaica; Shabba Ranks is not the only artist to have referred to such matters in song. Later reggae artists that have come under criticism for their homophobic views include Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, and Sizzla.
Wicked In Bed is featured on the Reggae radio station K-JAH Radio West in popular videogame Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, released in October 2004.
Twice My Age
Shabba Ranks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know what it is, but its a hit from me youthful days,
As I go my way, I don't care what people say,
I'm in love with a man, nearly twice my age!
[Shabba:]Come now! igle jube, jube - igle jube
She nuh waan no igle jube, jube... igle jube,
She want a man wi nuff load of de royalty
She nuh waan no lover's honey, she waan di money,
She nuh waan no lover's honey, she waan di money!
[Krystal:]When I tell you girls, in my youthful days,
I never loved another man my age, and then the don, he came along
He made me smile all the while, and he stood tall and strong, so strong, so strong...
[Shabba:]Young man have strength but that is not sense,
She want a man fi let have recumpense,
True! She wah pay lightbill and rent, and
You know you haffi have a big dividend and
Dung di line you pocket haffi have length
Mek suh say dat de man 'ave batty fulla strength
[Krystal:] stood up for me when no one cared.
stood up for me where other men wouldn't dare
made me know when true man love
never made me feel he's old
never gave me love that cold
you had better watch your food
old men will dip into your plate
[Shabba:]Now as 'oman have old man nuh a go find that she wrong
Now she a deal wid a foundation
de live de young man all a go mash up her plan
an' she wan some dollas in her hand
[Krystal:]I'm in love with a man, nearly twice my age,
Don't know what it is, but its a hit from me youthful days,
As I go my way, I don't care what people say,
I'm in love with a man, nearly twice my age!
[Shabba:]She nuh waan no igle jube, jube... igle jube,
She nuh waan no igle jube, jube... igle jube,
She nuh waan no lover's honey, all she want is money,
She nuh waan no lover's honey, all she want is money,
De 'oman is dealin wi maturity
Tha's why she nah goin tek one unda 30
35 an 40, 45 an 60
65 an 60 de woman waan money
[Krystal:]Girls, this is my advice to you!
A man that age has good experience!
He'll treat you good, he'll treat you well,
he may make you rich and proud,
so you won't have to bow, won't have to bow!
[Shabba:]Young man have strength but that is not sense,
She want a man fi let have recumpense,
True! She waan pay lightbill and rent, and
Mek sure say you pocket dey have length, and
Your collarย ?? ha fe full up a strength
Igle jube, jube... igle jube,
She nuh waan no lover's honey, all she want is money,
She nuh waan no lover's honey, all she want is money,
[Krystal:]I'm in love with a man, nearly twice my age,
I don't know what it is, but its a hit from me youthful days,
As I go my way, I don't care what people say,
I'm in love with a man, nearly twice my age!
The song "Twice My Age" is a controversial love song performed by Jamaican reggae and dancehall artists Shabba Ranks and Krystal. The track explores the concept of love between a younger woman and an older man. Krystal's lyrics describe how she is in love with a man who is nearly twice her age and that she doesn't care about what people think of their relationship. However, Shabba Ranks' lyrics take a different approach, suggesting that the woman is only interested in the man's money and that she wants to be financially independent. He also argues that older men are more financially stable and able to provide for their partners, whereas younger men may not have the same resources.
Krystal's verses reflect the innocence and purity of young love, while Shabba Ranks' verses are more cynical and focused on the financial aspect of relationships. The song highlights the differing perspectives of men and women when it comes to love and relationships, particularly in terms of age and financial stability.
Overall, the song is controversial and polarizing, with some arguing that it promotes unpleasant stereotypes about relationships and gender roles, while others celebrate it as a catchy and fun dance track.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in love with a man, nearly twice my age,
Krystal is in love with an older man who is almost twice her age.
Don't know what it is, but its a hit from me youthful days,
Krystal is not sure why she is attracted to this older man, but it goes back to her youth.
As I go my way, I don't care what people say,
Krystal is not concerned with what other people think about her relationship.
Come now! igle jube, jube - igle jube
Shabba Ranks calls out for attention with a nonsensical phrase.
She nuh waan no igle jube, jube... igle jube,
Krystal does not want a man who is poor or has no money.
She want a man wi nuff load of de royalty
Krystal wants a man who has wealth and status.
De igle jube, yuh know say 'im nuh've money
Shabba Ranks reiterates that poor men are not what Krystal wants.
She nuh waan no lover's honey, she waan di money,
Krystal is not interested in love or affection, but is only interested in a man who can provide financial security.
When I tell you girls, in my youthful days,
Krystal is addressing other young women about her experience with dating an older man.
I never loved another man my age, and then the don, he came along
Krystal never had feelings for someone her own age until she met this older man.
He made me smile all the while, and he stood tall and strong, so strong, so strong...
Krystal is attracted to the older man's confidence and strength.
Young man have strength but that is not sense,
Shabba Ranks emphasizes that youth and physical strength are not enough to attract a woman like Krystal, who is looking for financial stability.
She want a man fi let have recumpense,
Krystal is looking for a man who can provide compensation or financial support for her.
True! She wah pay lightbill and rent, and
Krystal needs financial support to pay for basic necessities like rent and utilities.
You know you haffi have a big dividend and
Shabba Ranks emphasizes that Krystal's partner needs to have a large income or net worth to meet her needs.
Dung di line you pocket haffi have length
Krystal's partner needs to have a lot of money in his pocket to satisfy her financial needs.
Mek suh say dat de man 'ave batty fulla strength
Shabba Ranks implies that Krystal's partner must also be sexually virile.
stood up for me when no one cared.
The older man was there for Krystal when she had no one else to turn to.
stood up for me where other men wouldn't dare
Krystal's partner was able to take a stand and protect her in situations where other men may not have been able to.
made me know when true man love
Krystal's partner showed her what it truly means to be loved by a real man.
never made me feel he's old
Despite their age difference, Krystal's partner never made her feel like he was out of touch or too old for her.
never gave me love that cold
Krystal's partner was always affectionate and supportive, never distant or unfeeling.
you had better watch your food
Shabba Ranks warns young women to be careful and protect themselves from older men who may try to take advantage of them.
old men will dip into your plate
Older men may try to take advantage of younger women for their sexual or financial gain.
Now as 'oman have old man nuh a go find that she wrong
Shabba Ranks implies that society should not judge Krystal or other women for choosing an older partner.
Now she a deal wid a foundation
Krystal has found a solid and stable partner in her older man.
de live de young man all a go mash up her plan
Younger men might disrupt Krystal's plans or stability, whereas an older man is more reliable and less likely to cause problems.
an' she wan some dollas in her hand
Krystal is looking for a man who can provide her with financial security and support.
Girls, this is my advice to you!
Krystal is offering advice to other young women who may be considering dating someone older.
A man that age has good experience!
Krystal believes that older men have valuable life experience and are better partners as a result.
He'll treat you good, he'll treat you well,
Krystal believes that an older man is more likely to treat a younger woman better and provide her with the care and support she needs.
he may make you rich and proud,
Krystal suggests that an older man may be able to provide financial support that could make a younger woman more successful or confident.
so you won't have to bow, won't have to bow!
Krystal suggests that one benefit of dating an older man is that he may be able to provide financial support that will give a younger woman more independence and freedom.
De 'oman is dealin wi maturity
Krystal is mature enough to handle a relationship with a man who is older and more experienced than she is.
Tha's why she nah goin tek one unda 30
Krystal is not interested in dating someone under the age of 30 because she wants a more mature and experienced partner.
35 an 40, 45 an 60
Krystal is potentially interested in dating men who are between the ages of 35 and 60.
65 an 60 de woman waan money
Shabba Ranks suggests that even older women are looking for partners who can provide financial support.
Contributed by Aubrey A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stellablue1271
โKrystalโ is my aunty! Her voice is still beautiful and she sounds the exact same. Now she sings gospel. Such a beautiful soul ๐๐๐
@lilianmuriithi5791
Wooow respect to her
@optimusprime9721
Wow.. Where is she, such a beautiful voice
@zillogullu33
Shes beautiful too ...Talented
@raulangelborjatello5222
Sapphire tu tambiรฉn eres un amor de mujer โค๏ธ
@jennymoses4419
Jamaican ppl is always ambitious and talented smh...I Admire you'll truly ๐๐ค๐๐๐๐๐ด๐
@robincampbell8218
I had a man twice my age and I was young and immature and he was my lover and friends.. I miss him dearly.. R.I.P CURTIS
@jodieashleyyy
I grew up with my mom blasting this while cleaning. We have a home video of my little brother dancing to it in diapers ๐คฃ๐๐
@ninjackunited6609
That video must be hilarious
@ak475008396
Ive been whistling this at my job and people kept ask me what was name of the song and I didnt know it. I called my 50 y/o mother to ask her LOL