A classic toast from reggae’s golden age. Life is a standout recording by Jamaican DJ and toaster Trinity (born Wade Brammer), one of the pioneering voices of the deejay style that helped define the sound of late ’70s reggae and dub culture. Released on Clocktower Records, a label known for issuing essential Jamaican roots and dub albums to international audiences, Life captures Trinity at the height of his lyrical dexterity and cultural commentary.
Following in the footsteps of U-Roy, Big Youth, and Dennis Alcapone, Trinity helped bridge the gap between traditional toasting and the emerging dancehall scene. His delivery—laid-back yet razor-sharp—rides vintage rockers and steppers riddims with confidence, dropping conscious rhymes, street wisdom, and spiritual insights in the form of spoken word chants over instrumental versions.
The Life album showcases Trinity’s ability to turn classic riddims into new narrative experiences. With stripped-down, dubwise production typical of the late ’70s, the record embodies the sonic minimalism and space that allowed the deejay’s voice to shine. It’s a perfect example of how the DJ style was not only a musical innovation but also a cultural statement—giving voice to the Jamaican ghetto youth during a time of political turbulence and social unrest.
Life stands alongside seminal works from the same era, contributing to the stylistic transition from roots reggae to early dancehall. Its release on Clocktower further emphasizes the international appetite for Jamaican music in the diaspora, particularly in Canada, the UK, and the U.S., where reggae was becoming a powerful influence on punk, hip-hop, and urban sound systems.
Perfect for:
Collectors of vintage deejay albums, fans of U-Roy, Dillinger, Big Youth, and those exploring the roots of modern dancehall and hip-hop vocal styles.
