Triston Palmer aka Triston Palma was born in 1961 and grew up in the Waltham Park area in Kingston, Jamaica. He decided early in his life he would be a great and influential singer (deejay). At eight years old he recorded his first cut, “Love is a Message” for legendary producer Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee.
He began working with Sugar Minott who offered him opportunities through his Black Roots label and also singing alongside Soul Syndicate guitarist Tony Chin. The tune “A-Class Girl” followed and established his connection to Ossie Thomas. The two went on to co-run the Black Solidarity label together.
Palma made a major breakthrough with his performance in 1979 at the General Penitentiary Memorial Concert for Claudie Massop, which also featured Bob Marley. At one point in the early 1980’s, Palma had nine songs in Jamaica’s Top 40. He is a crucial dancehall deejay, singjay and producer with a long list of hits, all that have stood the test of time. Anthems such as “Entertainment” and “Joker Smoker” are significant hardware in any respectable selectors crates.
“Bad Boys” was released in the 1980’s, a turbulent time in Jamaica’s history. The unmistakably heavy sound of the era lives and breathes on this unique track. It captures the moment and the struggles of the day with a booming bass line and a catchy hook.
My copy of this track is from the LP, Black Solidarity Presents String Up The Sound System. It also features Michael Palmer, Tony Tuff, Robert Ffrench, Puddy Roots, Philip Frazer, Cutty Ranks and many more. Soul Syndicate and The Roots Radics were the notable musicians of the day and were the session bands for this album.
This is a track and album that can only be described as essential.
Al Rankin
Whakatū / Waimea based dub reggae dancehall selector. Original badman, blat blat.
