News has just reached us of the sad and untimely passing of UK dancehall legend Smiley Culture. The details are not yet clear, but it appears the 47 year old died as the result of an altercation with the police at his home. For those who don't know, Smiley was one of the original members of the Saxon Soundsystem who later found fame in the UK charts with "Cockney Translation" and "Police Officer". His lyrical style, similar to the fast-chat of Tippa Irie, Asher Senator and Papa Levi is an obvious source to many of the styles used by todays Drum & Bass, Grime & Dubstep MCs.
It's unbelievable now that this song made it onto the BBCs flagship music show at the time - with references to ganja and anti-establishment lyrics. I vividly remember my cousin having this recorded on a Betamax video and him watching it on repeat trying to work out the words, whilst I tried to work out why the police were playing instruments on Top Of The Pops.
By pure coincidence, I was meant to pick up test pressing of for the next NICE UP! release - a drum & bass reworking of this very hit. We might have to bust out our kangols and pringle knits too.
RIP Smiley.
