A compilation of some of the finest 7 inch vinyl from the How Yu Fi Sey Dat? records catalogue.
It would not be unfair to say “How Yu Fi Sey Dat?” was one of the most important record labels in Jamaica during the 90’s. Run by singjay Anthony “Red Rose” Cameron and singer Anthony Malvo, the label contributed to dancehall culture and the careers of many 90’s artists like Red Dragon, Cobra, Bounty KIller, Beenie Man, Major Mackeral, Daddy Lizard, Terry Linen, Simpleton and the Scare Dem Crew. Accomplished recording artists in their own right, both producers also featured on the label in successful solo and combination tunes.
Selectors and reggae fans from the 90s would agree that the production duo had a great sense for delivering versions of standard riddims like “Full Up” and “Hot Milk” that had a distinct dancehall vibe. HYFSD? also released their own riddims during the nineties many of which were highly influential in the dancehall scene.
One such riddim also included in this recording, was the “Quarter to 12” riddim. The title track made singer Simpleton an international sensation and arguably was his greatest recording alongside the legendary “Coca Cola Bottle Shape”. The list of players behind these original and remade riddims tracks reads like a who’s who of the reggae musical and production fraternity: Henry “Junjo” Laws,Sly and Robbie, Steelie and Cleevie, Danny Brownie and Dean Fraser to name a few.
While listening to this recording you will hear concepts, themes and lyrics that reflect a wide range of sentiments and realities relevant to the music makers and the fans of the day. Some of these are as relevant today as they were at the time of production.
The diverse subject matter is a testament to the versatility and diversity of the label itself but also to the timeless quality of Jamaican music. Conscious Rasta liberation tunes, gunman anthems, anti-gun tunes, smokers anthems and calls to end violence in relationships all feature in this recording.
The following recording is just a small sample of the HYFSD? catelouge. It is by no means a statement of the “greatest hits” however, it is a collection of some of the finest tunes from the label. It has been compiled using 7″ pressings from an ongoing private collection to which its first HYFSD? tune, “Bus it” by Judas was added in 1995. There is a playlist of these 45s on Instagram under the hashtag #45BLAST.
This recording is for promotional purposes only and tunes on this recording last from 30 seconds up to 2.5 minutes. When you have found your favorites, search for them through your preferred online music provider or your local record shop to achieve maximum enjoyment.
This recording has been optimised for heavy bass, there is no need to turn yours up. In some cases it is recommended that you decrease the bass to -3 when listening in motor vehicles or through PC speakers.
If you are now ready, press play and ride a laser beam blast back to the height of 90s dancehall and digital reggae. Piowww, zap, ratatata, kaboom.
Dunks is a selector for Turboflexx Sound, formed in the mid-nineties. He is also part of the Run Di Place Posse. He is known for early South Australian dances like ‘Nuff Respect’ and more recently ‘Strictly Dancehall’. He also compiled the mixtapes, ‘Monthly Mixx-Up’, ‘Demarco Down Under’ and ‘RDP One Drop. Dunks is currently based in South Australia.
