Michie Mee “Jamaican Funk”
1991
Words by: Addi ‘Mindbender’ Stewart
Photo by: K.Whyz
The undisputed Queen of Canadian hip hop history, Michelle Michie Mee was the first Canadian MC to get signed to an American label, as well as one first to work extensively with an American artist, of no lower pedigree than the Blastmaster, KRS-One. “Jamaican Funk (Canadian Style)” was Michie Mee’s debut single for her album with producer L.A. Luv on the album of the same name, released in 1991 by First Priority Records. The colorful graffiti-splashed video delivered visions of cute dancing children, Michie Mee rocking a blonde streak in her hair, doorknocker earrings and enough loud and flashy Saturday night suits to second as a Reggae Sunsplash stage, perfectly captured the cross-cultural sensibilities of citizens living close to both Kingston, Jamaica and Kingston, Ontario. Verbally, this Muchmusic staple featured Michie Mee stylin on suckers in both patois and English, and representing Jamaica as proud as can be, and was also notable in particular for proclaiming the title to be “Jamaican Funk (Canadian Style)” which was a bold statement in those days, when nearly nobody from up North was doing anything remotely similar. She went on to do many incredible things, from opening up for Queen Latifah, Salt N’ Pepa, acting in the CBC hip hop show ‘Drop The Beat’, leading Raggadeath, and more. But you can’t say you know Canadian hip hop history if you haven’t heard Jamaican Funk by Michie Mee. Can you hear Shabba Ranks and Patra in the background vocals? Well, they are there, check the credits. You might have to find it on cassette or vinyl though, still. Do the knowledge on the Queen Michie Mee.
Tdot Pioneers-> Thrust brings the house down
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