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.
Herbsman 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 song "Herbsman Hustling" by Sugar Minott is about the daily activities of a Jamaican herb seller, commonly known as a "herbsman". The song portrays the herbsman as someone who wakes up early in the morning and prepares for the day ahead. He travels to the countryside in search of the best marijuana or sensi which he wraps up into small packets and sells to his loyal customers. The lyrics mention that the herbsman is aware of the dangers of being caught by the police, but he accepts the risk as a part of his daily living.
The song also refers to the social status of the herbsman within the Jamaican society, as well as the use of marijuana as a medicinal herb. The lyrics mention that the herbsman sells marijuana to everyone from lawyers, commissioners, doctors, and even Rastafarians. The song highlights the common belief held in Jamaica that marijuana has medicinal value and can be used to treat cancer, which is mentioned in the chorus.
The chorus of "Herbsman Hustling" is catchy, with the repeating phrase "Herb-a dis a herbman hustling" which is delivered in Sugar Minott's distinct voice, together with the upbeat reggae melody. The song's rhythm and melody evoke a sense of joy and celebration, which is in contrast with the dangerous and illegal act of selling marijuana.
Line by Line Meaning
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I am a marijuana dealer making a living by selling cannabis to those who want it.
Bright an' early in the morning
I start my work day early in the morning.
I know Sgt Werry is waiting
I am aware that the police are on the lookout for drug dealers like me.
I know it's my neck I'm risking
I understand that what I am doing could have serious consequences if I am caught.
But you see that's my daily living
This is how I make a living on a daily basis.
Jump inna minivan we gone ah country
I drive my minivan to the country to find good marijuana to sell.
Lef' fi we wife an' we hungry pickney
I leave my wife and hungry children at home while I search for marijuana to sell.
We hav' fi travel over hills an' valley
I have to travel over difficult terrain in search of the best marijuana.
Jus' fi find dis'ya good, good sensi
I am looking to find the best quality marijuana to sell.
Wrap up a draw fi de lawyer
I roll a joint for the lawyer who buys from me.
Wrap up a draw fi commissioner
I roll a joint for the police commissioner who buys from me.
Wrap up a draw fi de doctor
I roll a joint for the doctor who buys from me.
Wrap up a draw fi natty binghi dread, alright
I roll a joint for the Rastafarian who buys from me.
Dollar a stalk, boom, ah ten dollar a pound, sir
I sell my marijuana for a dollar a joint and ten dollars a pound.
You have a hundred dollar, you get a weight
If someone has a hundred dollars, I will sell them a pound of marijuana.
When you smoke dis'ya one
When you smoke one of my joints,
You jus' ah tear off me gate
you will love it so much that you will keep coming back for more.
Smoke sensi and you smoke lambs bread
When you smoke my marijuana, you are smoking the best quality cannabis.
An' when you smoke it once, you come back again
If you try my marijuana once, you will be back to buy more.
An' when you come back again, you bring out you friends, oh yes
When you come back to buy more marijuana, you will bring your friends with you.
So gimme gimme good sensemilla (hey)
I am asking for good quality marijuana.
A-gimme good sensemilla
Please give me the best quality marijuana you have.
Me hear seh it good fi de cancer (hey)
I have heard that marijuana is beneficial for cancer patients.
Oh Jah Jah, guide I outta trap
I am asking for guidance and protection from God to avoid getting caught by the police.
Nuh mek I end up inna roadblock, roadblock, oh no
I don't want to get caught in a police roadblock.
Sometimes it's green an' sometimes it shine
The marijuana I sell comes in different shades of green.
But anywhere de sensi deh, ah it me hav' fi find
No matter where the marijuana is, I will find it to sell.
Oh yeah, herbman hustling
I am a marijuana dealer who is always on the move.
Ahh
An expression of satisfaction or relief.
I say, I know Sgt Brown is waiting
I am aware that the police are on the lookout for drug dealers like me.
Oh yes
An expression of agreement or enthusiasm.
The good, good sensi, alright
The marijuana I am selling is of excellent quality.
Herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I am a marijuana dealer making a living by selling cannabis.
I know it's my neck I'm risking
I understand that what I am doing could backfire on me seriously.
But you see that's my daily living
This is how I earn a living and it is an important part of my daily life.
Alright
An expression of satisfaction.
Jump inna minivan me gone ah country
I am driving my minivan to the countryside to look for good quality marijuana.
Lef' fi we wife an' we hungry pickney
I have left my wife and hungry children at home while I travel.
So dis ah herb-a dis ah herbman hustling
I am a marijuana dealer making a living by selling cannabis to those who want it.
I say, I know Sgt Brown is waiting
I am aware that the police are on the lookout for drug dealers like me.
And I know it's my neck I'm risking
I understand that what I am doing could backfire on me seriously.
Oh Jah Jah, guide I outta trap
I am asking for guidance and protection from God to avoid getting caught by the police.
Ahh
An expression of satisfaction or relief.
Herbman hustling
I am a marijuana dealer who is always working and making money.
Writer(s): Lincoln Barrington Minott, Lowell Dunbar, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare
Contributed by Ethan D. 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.