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September 16, 2002
By TRISH DAVIS, Courant Staff Writer
The fusion of hip-hop music and reggae has been brewing for decades, becoming more recognizable in recent years with well-received collaborations from artists on both sides of the genres. So much, that it's not uncommon to hear hip-hop beats banging on the roadsides in Jamaica or language from the hip-hop culture dominating tracks over reggae beats.
So it was not surprising to see some of that marriage Friday night at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, where multiplatinum-selling reggae/dance hall artist Shaggy took the stage. But, at times, it did become slightly annoying. Shaggy and singing partner Rayvon could have forgone a distractive and exhaustive exercise of trying to pump up the crowd with cheers of "HOoooo" and "Throw your hands up." His method just seemed a slight bit out of place Friday.
Clearly, Shaggy's no fool. He and other reggae artists such as Beenie Man and Bounty Killer know it's the commercial brand of reggae that sells records and broadens one's fan base. He told the audience toward the end of show that it was a rarity to garner similar success of his last project, "Hot Shot," which is estimated to have sold $10 million worldwide.
Despite the sometimes watered-down version of reggae/dance hall music, Shaggy has developed a reputation for being a masterful performer. He drove the crowd wild each time he worked his hips, which he did often, in a winding motion to the bassline. This is his "Boombastic/Mr. Lover-Lover" trademark and appeal, which compelled one audience member to give him her underwear.
With his tight-fitting jeans, unbuttoned shirt and baritone voice, he rode that appeal Friday at Foxwoods, where he also came to promote the Oct. 29 release of his new album, "Lucky Day," promising "14 tracks of orgasmic pleasure." He sang several cuts from that project, including the first single, "Hey Sexy Lady" - which had a more rock feel - and "Strength of a Woman."
Shaggy, who compared the feeling of playing at the resort's theater to "cabaret," expressed his discontent with a lifeless front row at the beginning of the show, saying by the end of the night he would have them on their feet. He kept his word when he launched into old favorites such as "Mr. Boombastic" and "Oh Carolina," a remake of the Prince Buster ska classic that he said introduced him to the world. He also performed hits "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel," from "Hot Shot."
Rayvon, who sings on "Angel" with Shaggy, performed "2-Way" from his debut album, "My Bad," during a wardrobe change for Shaggy. Rayvon and other backup singers were a major contribution to the show, playing a role in short skits before several songs. The men possessed serious harmonizing skills that often stole the show.
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