Sugar Minott spent his youth hanging around the legendary "Studio 1" listening to the artists that recorded there, such as Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, The Heptones, Dennis Brown and others.
Sugar began his career with the formation of the African Brothers, along with Tony Tuff and Derek Howard (and later Triston Palmer) in the early 1970s. The African Brothers were a harmonious roots act, of which Sugar became the most popular member. By 1979, Sugar had been invited by Studio 1 to record a solo album.
When recording at Studio 1, he chose not to use a backing band as in conventional recording, but elected to sing over instrumental versions of old Studio 1 classics. This is considered to be the birth of "dancehall," which lead to countless artists making new hits out of old classics, a tradition that continues in Jamaica today.
Sugar was also well-regarded for hard work on his Youthman Promotion sound system and Black Roots & Youthman Promotion labels into the 1980s, which brought forth such artists as Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Yami Bolo, Junior Reid, Tony Rebel, Garnett Silk, and many more to the industry. Up until his death, he was still working with young artists both in Jamaica and the US, including his daughter Pashon Minott.
Herbman Hustling
Sugar Minott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bright an' early in the morning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know Sgt Werry is waiting
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know it's my neck I'm risking
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
But you see that's my daily living
Jump inna minivan we gone ah country
Lef' fi we wife an' we hungry pickney
Jump inna minivan we gone ah country
Lef' fi me wife an' we hungry pickney
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
Jus' fi find dis'ya good, good sensi
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
Jus' to find dis'ya good, good sensi
Wrap up a draw fi de lawyer
Wrap up a draw fi commissioner
Wrap up a draw fi de doctor
Wrap up a draw fi natty binghi dread, alright
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Bright an' early in the morning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know Sgt Brown is waiting
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know it's my neck I'm risking
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
But you see that's my daily living
Dollar a stalk, boom, ah ten dollar a pound, sir
You have a hundred dollar, you get a weight
When you smoke dis'ya one
You jus' ah tear off me gate
You jus' ah tear off me gate, alright
Smoke sensi and you smoke lambs bread
An' when you smoke it once, you come back again
An' when you come back again, you bring out you friends, oh yes
So herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Bright an' early in the morning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know Sgt Brown is waiting
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
But you see that's my daily living
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know it's my neck I'm risking
Wrap up a draw fi de lawyer
Wrap up a draw fi commissioner
Wrap up a draw fi me doctor
Wrap up a draw fi me idren Wombles, alright
Jump inna minivan me gone ah country
Lef' fi we wife an' we hungry pickney
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
Jus' fi find dis'ya good, good sensi
The good, good sensi, alright
So gimme gimme good sensemilla (hey)
A-gimme good sensemilla
Me hear seh it good fi de cancer (hey)
So gimme good sensemilla
So dis ah herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Bright an' early in the morning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I say, I know Sgt Brown is waiting
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
And I know it's my neck I'm risking
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
But you see that's my daily living
Oh yeah, herbman hustling
Alright
Ahh
Sometimes it's green an' sometimes it shine
But anywhere de sensi deh, ah it me hav' fi find
Oh Jah Jah, guide I outta trap
Nuh mek I end up inna roadblock, roadblock, oh no
So dis ah herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Bright an' early in the morning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know Sgt Werry is waitin.
The lyrics of "Herbman Hustling" by Sugar Minott tell the story of a herbman, or a marijuana seller, who engages in the risky and challenging activity of selling herbs early in the morning. Despite the potential dangers of dealing with law enforcement and risking his own safety, this is the herbman's way of making a living. The reference to meeting Sgt Werry and Sgt Brown highlights the constant threat of being caught by the police, but the herbman continues his hustle because it is his daily reality.
The herbman describes his routine of traveling to the countryside in a minivan to find the best quality marijuana, leaving behind his family and children who are in need. He emphasizes the lengths he goes to in order to obtain the "good sensi," suggesting that this is a crucial part of his livelihood. The herbman wraps up portions of marijuana for different individuals such as lawyers, commissioners, doctors, and fellow Rastafarians, showcasing the widespread demand and usage of the herb in various circles.
The lyrics also delve into the economic aspect of the herb trade, mentioning the pricing and exchange of marijuana. The herbman highlights how smoking sensi can lead to a delightful experience, compelling people to come back for more and even share the enjoyment with their friends. This further underlines the social aspect of marijuana consumption and its ability to bring people together in a shared experience.
The song emphasizes the herbman's dedication to his trade despite the risks involved and the constant surveillance by law enforcement. The herbman sees selling herbs as not just a method of making money but also as a way to provide a valuable product that offers medicinal benefits, as referenced with the mention of it being good for cancer. Despite the challenges and potential obstacles, the herbman remains committed to his hustle, guided by his faith in Jah Jah (God) to protect him from getting caught in roadblocks and traps set by authorities. Overall, the lyrics of "Herbman Hustling" shed light on the struggles, risks, and rewards associated with the herb trade and the resilience of those involved in this underground economy.
Line by Line Meaning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
This is the life of a man engaged in the trade of herbal goods.
Bright an' early in the morning
I start my activities at the break of dawn to maximize my chances.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
This reflects my occupation as a merchant of herbal products.
I know Sgt Werry is waiting
I am fully aware that law enforcement is on alert to catch me.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Continuing my commitment to this lifestyle despite the risks.
I know it's my neck I'm risking
There's a significant personal danger involved in what I do.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
My identity is tied to this life of trading herbs.
But you see that's my daily living
Even with the risks, this is how I make my livelihood.
Jump inna minivan we gone ah country
We hop into a van to venture out into the rural areas.
Lef' fi we wife an' we hungry pickney
Leaving behind our families and hungry children to pursue this.
Jump inna minivan we gone ah country
We head out to the countryside in search of our goods.
Lef' fi me wife an' we hungry pickney
Again, prioritizing this quest over home and family needs.
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
We must journey through tough terrain to find our resources.
Jus' fi find dis'ya good, good sensi
Our goal is to locate quality products, specifically treasured herbs.
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
Reiterating the arduous journey we undertake for our trade.
Jus' to find dis'ya good, good sensi
Our pursuit is always focused on acquiring the best herbal goods.
Wrap up a draw fi de lawyer
Prepare some product for those in legal professions.
Wrap up a draw fi commissioner
Serve those in positions of authority with the same respect.
Wrap up a draw fi de doctor
Even medical personnel are customers for my herbal offerings.
Wrap up a draw fi natty binghi dread, alright
I cater to the cultural and spiritual needs of Rastafarians as well.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
This continues to emphasize my role as a herbal merchant.
Bright an' early in the morning
I commence my work at the earliest hour to stay proactive.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
My identity reaffirms my commitment to the herbal trade.
I know Sgt Brown is waiting
I acknowledge another law enforcement figure is also a threat.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Reiterating the nature of my business despite law enforcement.
I know it's my neck I'm risking
Reaffirming the high stakes and personal danger involved.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Constantly reminding myself of my commitment to this lifestyle.
Wrap up a draw fi de lawyer
Continuing to prepare goods for various professionals.
Wrap up a draw fi commissioner
Fulfilling requests from those in charge and influential.
Wrap up a draw fi me doctor
Maintaining a connection with those who have a role in health.
Wrap up a draw fi me idren Wombles, alright
Making sure to also support friends and family in this trade.
Jump inna minivan me gone ah country
Once again, we set out into the countryside to source herbs.
Lef' fi we wife an' we hungry pickney
Repeatedly prioritizing this pursuit over family obligations.
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
Constantly on the move through difficult landscapes for our trade.
Jus' fi find dis'ya good, good sensi
Our mission remains steadfast: to seek out quality herbs.
The good, good sensi, alright
This herb is of high quality, coveted by all.
So gimme gimme good sensemilla (hey)
I'm asking for quality herbal products that provide relief.
A-gimme good sensemilla
Reiterating the desire for high-grade herb.
Me hear seh it good fi de cancer (hey)
I’ve been told that this herb has medicinal benefits for illness.
So gimme good sensemilla
Expressing a strong need for this beneficial product.
So dis ah herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Reaffirming my continuous engagement in herbal trade.
Bright an' early in the morning
Restating my early start, indicative of dedication.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Highlighting that my life revolves around this herbal pursuit.
I say, I know Sgt Brown is waiting
Acknowledging the ever-present risk of law enforcement intervention.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Reemphasizing my commitment and identity as a trader of herbs.
And I know it's my neck I'm risking
Clarifying that I am fully aware of the dangers involved.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Continuing to assert that this is my chosen way of life.
Oh yeah, herbman hustling
Affirming my determination and resilience in this lifestyle.
Alright
A confident acknowledgment of my circumstances.
Ahh
An expression of resignation mixed with acceptance.
Sometimes it's green an' sometimes it shine
The product quality can vary, sometimes good and sometimes poor.
But anywhere de sensi deh, ah it me hav' fi find
Regardless of the circumstances, I must seek out these valuable herbs.
Oh Jah Jah, guide I outta trap
Asking for divine protection to avoid law enforcement snares.
Nuh mek I end up inna roadblock, roadblock, oh no
Pleading not to be caught in police checkpoints or raids.
So dis ah herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Affirming once more that my life revolves around herbal trading.
Bright an' early in the morning
Reiterating my commitment to start working at dawn.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Continuing to identify myself as a hustler in the herb trade.
I know Sgt Werry is waitin
Heavily aware of looming legal repercussions as I continue.
Writer(s): Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Lyn, Sugar Minott
Contributed by Matthew W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kelvyndg
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
Bright an' early in the morning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know Sgt Werry is waiting
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I know it's my neck I'm risking
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
But you see that's my daily living
Jump inna minivan we gone ah country
Lef' fi we wife an' we hungry pickney
Jump inna minivan we gone ah country
Lef' fi me wife an' we hungry pickney
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
Jus' fi find dis'ya good, good sensi
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
Jus' to find dis'ya good, good sensi
Wrap up a draw fi de lawyer
Wrap up a draw fi commissioner
Wrap up a draw fi de doctor
Wrap up a draw fi natty binghi dread, alright
@daveepelone6221
Negril, April '88 -- first trip to Jamaica. This track was hot and playing everywhere, we bought mix tapes from Wayne on the beach and got it. Years later I figured out who it was and what album and bought the CD. Red Stripe in hand all day and the good sensi
@marciadowden4988
00
@LuizCampos.CaipiraArmorial
01
@mattiemeredith9764
10/31/2023 N STILL LISTENING ❤
@ruthdixon7807
a superb example of how, on planet reggae, digital didn't have to mean dismal.
@beccasmith723
Favorite tune. Way ahead of it's time ! Rip Suga Bugga
@ladyclarke9903
Haven't heard this song since 1980! Now #2020! ✊👊💃🇯🇲
Take positive steps to make your honest daily bread!🙏
@Britishwisdom
me too, Sugar Minot Rip. what a legend x
@Sirbanson100
Oh yeah, i know what those beautiful memories do to one.
Nice one you found it again.
I too, only recently found a reggae track I heard 30 years earlier.
And thanks about that your latter good piece of advice.
@kirkpeters3923
This was released in 1984. so, you meant you haven't heard it since '84 not '80.