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.
Slice of the Cake
Sugar Minott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give me what is mine!
It's about time, all right!
Give me a slice of the cake, yes, that I man help to bake.
That's all I want!
Just a slice of the cake, man, that's all I would take.
And it seems like I'm about, I'm about to win.
The heathen just a draw bad card.
Some heathen just a draw bad card.
When time comes for me to get my share,
Them never really treat I fair, no way!
Never really treat I fair.
But tell me, man will work, fi get paid,
And I hope you will see, things my way.
You hear me seh!
Give me a slice of the cake, yes, that I man help to bake.
That's all I want!
A slice of the cake, man, that's all I would take.
Give me what is mine!
Give me what is mine!
Give me what is mine!
It's about time, all right!
Give meee, what is mainn!
The lyrics to Sugar Minott's "Slice of the Cake" speak to the idea of fairness and justice. The repeated refrain of "give me what is mine" emphasizes the singer's desire for what he believes he is entitled to, which he expresses as just a slice of the cake. This cake represents a larger metaphorical idea of the fruits of his labor, which he has helped to create, but feels he has not received his fair share of.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has worked hard and repeatedly come close to success, only to be held back by bad luck or the actions of others. He feels that he has not been treated fairly in terms of getting what he deserves, and is calling for those around him to see things from his perspective. The line "man will work, fi get paid" speaks to the idea that hard work should be rewarded, and that the system should be just and equitable.
Overall, the song is a call for justice and fairness, with the repeated refrain and simple chorus emphasizing the singer's desire for what he believes he is owed.
Line by Line Meaning
Give me what is mine!
I want what rightfully belongs to me.
It's about time, all right!
I have been waiting long enough for what I deserve.
Give me a slice of the cake, yes, that I man help to bake.
I want a share of the reward for the work I have put in.
That's all I want!
I am not asking for more than what I deserve.
Just a slice of the cake, man, that's all I would take.
I am not greedy, I just want my fair share.
Every time I try a thing,
Whenever I make an effort,
And it seems like I'm about, I'm about to win.
And it appears that I am close to succeeding.
The heathen just a draw bad card.
Others who are not as deserving get the reward instead.
When time comes for me to get my share,
When it is my turn to receive my fair reward,
Them never really treat I fair, no way!
I have been unfairly treated in the past.
But tell me, man will work, fi get paid,
I believe that people should be rewarded for their hard work.
And I hope you will see, things my way.
I hope that others will understand and agree with my perspective.
Give meee, what is mainn!
I am emphatically demanding what belongs to me.
Contributed by Owen K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Loony Productions
I'm playing this as loud as possible 2023. 40 years old. Bless up OGs who grew up with this in their ear
strictlynorton
Sugar dropping much lyrical wisdom... a true gentleman. R.I.P.
Katrina Grady
That's ALL he wanted was a "slice of the 🥮 that he helped to bake." I hear you loud and clear Sir! Nuff Respect to you and all your musical work & accomplishments. To your Memory, ❤️.
Papou Tabuena
Crucial tune!
Maximum respect to Lincoln Sugar bugga Minott
Stefanie Roende
Um dos melhores reggaes da história, sempre no último volume
MaGoG MaRsMaN Tugorma
Long time dem hold back Sugar, One of the Best and most Under rated youthman Singer out of Jamaica.
Crucial P Denis Lea
He wasn't underrated, on the contrary ..
Fadil Culture
No one can underate our big man !!
strictlynorton
Sugar was a wise man... not truly recognised even to this day. A legend and champion of the underdog. He used his fame to help others with Youthman Promotions. A one off gentleman gone to glory. Rest in peace Sir.
Angelo T
Pancada 👊🇧🇷🇯🇲🇪🇹