Tippa Irie
b.Anthony Henry
Anthony Henry - a.k.a. "Tippa Irie" - emerged from Englands Saxon Sound International - the star-studded travelling sound system that has been at the forefront of the U.K. reggae dancehall scene for the past 20 years and helped launch the careers of artists such as Maxi Priest, Papa Levi and Smiley Culture. Tippa Irie was part of the new generation of British MC's who developed the 'Fast Talking' style chat which today can be heard in modern day rappers like Busta Rhymes.
Tippa toured extensively with his friend and long-time sparring partner, Pato Banton, throughout the Eighties including an appearance at Jamaicas Reggae Sunsplash and their U.S. debut tours together. The U.K. DJ duo of Tippa Irie and Pato Banton had become one of the genres favourite combinations.
As the Eighties ended, Tippa took a break from the road to establish his own Shock Out Production Company with partner Peter Hunnigale and build a studio in South London. While Pato continued on his trailblazing tours through North & South America in the early 90's, Tippa chose to remain in England and build his career in Europe. A decade has passed since Tippa & Pato have worked together, but history would repeat itself. The two reunited in the studio with legendary singing sensation Peter Spence to produce "The Good Old Days"--a track featured on Tippa's and Pato's 'new releases.
 The last two years have been very busy for Tippa Irie as he performed as part of Oracabessa Sound with the B-15 Project in the U.K. on UB40's Labour of Love III sold-out tour. In addition, he worked in the studio extensively with the Long Beach Dub all-stars and is featured on LBDA's debut "Right Back " release for DreamWorks. Tippa Irie made several live concert appearances in North America with Pato Banton, Rappa Robert and the Long Beach Dub all-stars.
Tippa Irie has produced twelve albums to date and has a string of #1 hit songs to his credit including "Hello Darling", "Raggamuffin Girl" (featuring Peter Hunnigale), "Stress" (featuring Lloyd Brown), "Superwoman" (featuring Winsome), "Baby I've Been Missing You" (featuring Janet Lee Davis) and "Shouting for the Gunners"--a song originally recorded for the Arsenal Football Team which reached the Top 30 status on the British pop charts. Tippa's first album-'Is It Really Happening To Me' (1986), was followed by 'Two Sides of Tippa Irie' (1987). Soon thereafter 'JA To UK Clash' (1988) with Papa San was released for Fashion Records. Then came 'Original Raggamuffin' (1989) and 'New Decade' (1990), both for Island Records. Tippa then linked up with Rebel MC and his label, Tribal Bass, for the release of 'Done, Cook, and Curry'(1991) with Peter Hunnigale. 'A Me Dis'(1992, I.R.S.) was Tippa's long-awaited U.S. debut recording. His second U.S. release was 'Sapphire and Steel' (1993, I.R.S.) with Peter Spence. Englands Mad Professor then produced 'Rebel on the Roots Corner' (1994) for RAS Records. Tippa's Best of compilation for Jammin Records was appropriately entitled 'Mr.Versatile'(1998) and featured five of Tippa's #1 hits.
 Tippa brought in the new millennium with the release of his 11th full-length effort, a tribute album to his late and great sister/MC Miss Irie entitled 'I Miss'(2000). Well versed in rhyme and reason, Tippa Irie and his special guests (including the likes of Pato Banton, Peter Spence, Lloyd Brown, Peter Hunnigale and Yaniss Odua) deliver an all-star package of conscious Reggae music. From the moving title track "I Miss"-a emotionally charged and deeply personal anti-violence message-to "Bredda Manny"-a homage to his Jamaican father, Tippa Irie's lyrics take on significant meaning in dealing with his own real life tragedies and the start of the healing process. "Hard Road To Travel" (produced by Peter Hunnigale), "Tippa Vex", "Make A Duppie Yet"(featuring Yaniis Odua), and "Divide & Rule"(produced by California's Who Dun It Crew) are reality check songs and a sign of the times. "I Miss" also marks the reunion of the great British MC duo of Pato Banton & Tippa Irie, both of whom have not toured or recorded together in nearly a decade, but reminisce the "Good Old Days" with the assistance of long-time friend and crooner Peter Spence. Equipped with the production wizardry of the highly acclaimed Peter Hunnigale on one-third of the album and Mafia & Fluxy, Clarkey & Blakey, Stingray, Who Dun It Crew, and Vincent Stora rounding out the rest, 'I Miss' lives up the professional standards that Tippa Irie has long been associated with and attests to why he remains one of the most requested Reggae entertainers in the world today.
Tippa's latest project, marking his 12th album to date, is a compilation with Jamaica's multi-talented Rappa Robert entitled 'Think Twice'. Featuring the likes of Frankie Paul, Mystic Revealers, Sugar Prince, Pato Banton, Peter Spence, and The B15 Project, 'Think Twice' is a truly international collaboration which will be licensed in territories worldwide. For further information, contact: cybertomusic@hotmail.com |
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