Prezident Brown - Prezident Selection (1996)

Prezident Brown belongs to the school of culture-oriented deejays which developed in the nineties, following on from the success of Tony Rebel. Born Fitz Albert Cotterell, he grew up in the north coast resort of Ocrabessa, where he began deejaying at the Bamboo Lounge with local sound King Stereo Mix. Initially known as Junior Ranking, he was soon called Slim Brown by veteran deejay Nicodemus, who spotted the influence of U Brown in the youngster’s style. It was the late Jack Ruby who finally crowned him ‘Prezident’.

On this – already – third album for producer Barry O’Hare (who contributes a fair bit of the musicianship as well) Prezident Brown delivers a decent set of songs on solid riddims ranging from modern roots to jump-up ragga, making this undoubtedly his best album so far. Standout tracks include: “Heathen Chant” (a cut which stands comparison with those by Tony Rebel, Shabba Ranks and Ninjaman on the same riddim), Bun down Rome, Reality, the duet with Don Yute “African ting”, “Roots in the music” and “Roots and culture”, the combination tune with his spiritual father U Brown.

This album shows why Prezident Brown has been one of the most consistently interesting deejays to emerge in the 1990s.

Album review by Teacher & Mr. T | © Reggae Vibes Productions NL

Many years ago on sound systems like Jack Ruby and Jah Love, you would hear a DJ called Slim Brown, riding the rhythms of the day in fine style. The influences were Briggy, Josey and, of course, U Brown – all coming together to create yet another new DJ style. Production this time comes from Barry O’Hare at Grove Studio. What Prezident Brown shares with DJ’s like Briggy is the love of cultural/reality lyrics. This man has got a message, and he’s determined to make sure you hear it.~Review by Ray Hurford, published in Small Axe Vol. 2