Often called reggae’s “Dark Prince,” Keith Hudson was one of the genre’s most innovative left-of-center producers and vocalists, often mentioned in the same breath as Lee Scratch Perry, Keith was constantly challenging the status quo, a true musical and lyrical visionary, first in countless categories and never afraid to take chances and try something different
Keith Hudson’s album ‘Flesh Of My Skin’ was released in 1974 to critical reception, paving the way for his future success and setting a foundation for his creative legacy. Compared favourably at the time to the work of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Hudson’s sound was edgy and subversive, perfectly in tune with the punky reggae zeitgeist about to take over the world. His classic ‘Torch Of Freedom’ album was followed by one of the few near perfect dub albums. ‘Pick A Dub’ showcased the enduring strength and pivotal importance of the rhythm to the development of reggae music and Keith Hudson’s complete mastery of the genre and the unqualified praise that followed its release was fully justified.
in 1978 the truly magnificent ‘Rasta Communication’ featuring Keith’s extraordinarily individual vocals graced the rhythms that the reggae audience had grown to know and love on Keith’s ‘Brand’ dub album. sombre and brooding, concentrating on themes of black consciousness, “righteous and proud” and packed with an intensity that defied all preconceptions of how a singer should sound, ‘Rasta Communication’ was immediately acclaimed as a classic.
