Life in the Ghetto

AMG Review of Life in the Ghetto

Alex Henderson
All Music Guide

Before dancehall's ascension in the mid- to late 1980s, dubwise reigned supreme as reggae's dominant style of toasting. Since the '70s, one of the finest and most popular dub artists has been Winston Foster, aka Yellowman. In contrast to dancehall's abrasive tendencies, Yellowman is fairly relaxed, smooth and easygoing. The dub master is well respected in reggae circles, and lives up to his fine reputation on the captivating Life In the Ghetto. On such numbers as "Honour Your Mother," "Stand Up For Your Rights" and "Jack Sprat," Yellow toasts over groovin' tracks that recall the soul music of the '60s. Those new to reggae may find Life, with its emphasis on the Jamaican patois dialect, difficult to absorb; but for the more seasoned reggae fan, this CD is joyous listening.