Mad Lion
b. Oswald Preist, London, England. The reggae/hip-hop connection has been strengthened with top performers from the two diverse styles recording together: Yellowman with Bill Laswell's Material, Shabba Ranks performing with KRS-One, Shaggy with Grand Puba and Buju Banton alongside Heavy D. In Brooklyn, New York, the Mad Lion (acronym for Musical Assassin Delivering Lyrical Intelligence Over Nations) began performing a combination of ragga and hip-hop in verbal battles fought in parking lots, or any location where opposing rappers could set up their decks, amps and speakers, the equivalent of Jamaica's sound system battles. Mad Lion's reputation spread and he began recording in his own unique style. KRS-One had worked with Shelly Thunder and Ziggy Marley, although it is his association with the Mad Lion that proved to be the most enduring. While the projects with Thunder, Shabba and Ziggy Marley were brief encounters, the partnership with the Lion continued throughout the mid-90s. The Lion's debut, "Shoot To Kill", was a phenomenal success in New York, USA. The hit was swiftly followed by "Take It Easy', which became an international hit and led to an album release of the same name. He topped Billboard"s reggae chart and introduced female DJ Lady Apache to Nervous Records, with whom he had enjoyed his notable accomplishments. By the end of 1994, with producer Gyasi Addae, he recorded "Real Lover", which also led to an album of the same name. Notable inclusions were "Idiot Drumpan Sound", "Murderah Man", "Bad Boy Life" and "Fluffy". In the summer of 1995 in the Paramount Theatre, a show, Hot 97, was organized by the New York-based radio station featuring legendary hip-hop performers. The aim was to demonstrate that the negative image created by the gangster and drug culture was detrimental to the music's progression. Supporting the show were Doug E. Fresh, Lovebug Starski, the Furious Four, KRS-One, MC Shan and Mad Lion. Also in 1995, the Lloyd Campbell-produced "Love Woman So" almost crossed over into the international reggae charts. Two years later, "Carpenter" topped the US reggae chart. Mad Lion has enjoyed tremendous success on the rap scene but has as yet failed to make a significant impression with dancehall devotees.
Listen to Mad Lion
at Finetune.
Albums
- (2008) Own Destiny
- (2008) Take It Easy bw Big Box Of Blunts
- (2007) GIRLZZ b/w SHOOT TO KILL
- (2004) Real Ting
Top Tracks
- Take It Easy
- Shoot To Kill
- Nine On My Mind
- That's All We Need
- Real Lover
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