Rastafari Bible (1976-1982)

Prince Hammer was barely into his teens when he cut his first number, 1972's "A Whole Lot of Sugar Down Deh," which featured on the flip of Joe White's smash hit "2 Wedden Skank." More followed, all under the DJ's given name Beresford "Berris" Simpson. Later in the decade, the toaster's recordings for Blacka Morwell were bundled up for the Front Line compilation Bible. By then, the DJ had already moved into production, although he continued to cut records for others. Not surprisingly, Rastafari Bible doesn't contain any of Hammer's work for Morwell, but does bundle up a baker's dozen of equally crucial numbers, most self-produced. Like many of the cultural toasters of the day, Hammer didn't stick strictly to conscious themes, as "Hickey Bite" illustrates, but that was the exception, not the rule. Numbers like the Scripture plugging "Good Morning Teacher," the Bible quoting "Black Tradition," the ganja pumping "Legalise," the natty plumping "Dreadlocks Ting," the Sunday supporting "Sabbath Day," and the revelation revealing "Words of Parables" all find Hammer striding strongly across the cultural realm. "Parables" was cut over a fabulously dread version of "He Prayed," which was stripped back for "Brixton Trial & Crosses," before reaching a musical climax on the shattering "Sadam Dub." A militant version of Alexander Henry's ever popular "Please Be True" was utilized for "Dreadlocks Ting," then remixed for "Dutty Man Skunk." "Teacher," too, versioned a much recycled hit, Alton Ellis' "I'm Just a Guy," and its sharp rhythm, but breezy atmosphere, suggests that Enos McLeod had more to do with it than merely releasing it on 45.

Hammer's own style tended towards the heavier and more martial, militarizing even a bright and upbeat riddim like the one that supports "Legalise." As an exciting producer as he was a toaster, this fine compilation beautifully showcases his work on both sides of the sound board.