|
Riddim Sound Clash
September 6th 2003
Muffathalle, Munich/Germany
Contestants : Black Kat (JA), Killamanjaro (JA), Downbeat
(US), Sentinel (GER)
No shows : Fire Links (JA), One Love (IT)
RIDDIM SOUND CLASH PICTURE BOOK:
Preface:
 |
Riddim, Germany's premier reggae
print magazine promoted the biggest clash in mainland Europe ever.
Over the past few weeks every clash enthusiast was on his/her feet
trying to make it a date. In the last days before the event went
down, it looked like a big no show invasion would weaken the event
as One Love Hi Pawa, this year's World Clash contenders announced
they will not make it. Fire Links sticked to his image of holding
down the greatest no show track record in soundsystem history and
never thought about coming over. Well it was obvious from the get
go if you ask me but that is a different issue. Plenty of rumours
even in the wee hours before the clash! But Riddim is a dedicated
magazine and they managed to put Black Kat from Manchester on the
bill replacing Links. The biggest surprise for the die hard clash
freaks was the announcement of New York's foundation heavyweight
going by the name of Downbeat The Ruler coming over the Atlantic.
The big man Tony Screw came for his very first time ever. If that
was not a proper replacement...
Munich massive
When I entered the venue I was really
amazed since there were 4 sets, one for each sound. Two sets next
to each other, facing the other two on the other side, the crowd
caught in the middle. Big things were about to happen! Since it
was very early I took the opportunity to chat with Tony Screw after
the sound check. He is one of the kindest persons I ever met in
the business. He was full of in depth knowledge and always had a
smile on his face. Probably the greatest experience for me that
night. About midnight we re-entered the Muffathalle, which was packed,
but not as packed as expected. Around 1 am when the clash started,
estimated 1.100 patrons, hailing from near and far found their way
inside just to be part of a historical night on German soil. The
world was tuned in via internet connection so it was more or less
a global happening.
Rundown
The trophy |
Pionear from Germaican Records
was the host for the night and he introduced all sounds in order
of appearance. Due to Panther's trip to Boston, Black
Kat came with Yunzie and new recruit Burro G,
Killamanjaro with head honcho Freddie Krueger and
Genius, Downbeat The Ruler From New York with veteran
selecter Tony Screw and last but definitely not least Sentinel
the everlasting sound from Stuttgart, Germany who came in full force.
Pionear explained the rules to the massive. The clash was
parted in the first 15 minute introduction round, followed by a
15 minute segment after which one sound had to drop out. The remaining
three would proceed to a next 15 minute set and one more sound would
get executed before the remaining two would enter the dub fi dub.
Pionear encouraged the crowd to be fair and unbiased. Black
Kat went first…
Black Kat (1st 15 minutes)
Burro G & Yunzie (Black Kat) |
Black Kat introduced themselves
calling the clash a big man dance bigging up all sounds. They started
off with the Jamaican national anthem by Sanchez followed
by Glen Washington's "Jah Glory". They played fast
trying to push the crowd. Junior Gong's "Some Soundbwoy
Bawling Out" came up next and got wheeled by public demand.
The first serious forward for the night! An awkward sounding Sanchez
or soundalike singing "Frenzy" in a soundclash style was
on the turntable next followed by a Sizzla called "Can't
Keep A Good Man Down". Luciano on the same riddim was
next. Technical difficulties caused a small break. The problem got
fixed and the War Tanker continued with some more regular dubs like
Buju's "Boom Bye Bye" starting the punany segment.
Speech was almost non existent. It was easy juggling. Elephant
Man's "Pull Up" entered the Punany Riddim soon followed
by Bounty's "Pan Mi Nozzle" and a next Elephant
Man. It sounded stale to any extent since most of the dubs are
played out long time. Nitty Kutchie's "Man A Badman"
added a little fuel to the fire. Black Kat's "Killing"
anthem was up next. They hardly moved anyone inside. Chuck Fender
entered the clash without any noteable impact. Boring to any extent.
The last dub was Barrington Levy's "Teach The Youth"
closing their round. Some forwards. Overall a boring round with
no highpoints and also two minutes short. Panther was seriously
missing!
Killamanjaro (1st round)
Genius & Freddie Krueger (Killamanjaro) |
Freddie came in playing his famous
Junior Reid anthem followed by the wicked Jah Cure "Vibes"
which draw him in the right direction. He was in a war mode for
sure rinsing out Beres Hammond's "What Can You Do To
Stop Your Sound From Dying", which was well received while
all massive and crew was singing along. Bushman's "Fire
Pan A Weak Sound", which is still very popular in Germany found
the crowd's appreciation while Freddie continued with Capleton's
"Try To Diss Me" which got wheeled instantly. The massive
came alive reading from Jaro's lips. The overwhelming Sizzla/Marcia
Griffiths combo came in and it gave them an excessive forward
once again. Freddie then switched the program and entered
the sure shot lane with Culture's "See Dem A Come"
and VC's "Jaro A Go Kill You In A Soundclash".
The crowd was in favour of the highest mountain singing along every
single word. Richie Spice was up next and the heat boiled
down a bit followed by Beres Hammond and Capleton.
The riddim seemed a bit too slow for the young crowd but it didn't
do much harm to Freddie. He introduced Chuck Fender
"Nah Lose" on the Queen Majesty followed by Sizzla's
groundbreaking "Dry Cry" which had the crowd weak begging
for a wheel. Freddie was on top, out of the question. Anthony
B's "Sorry" still riding the Queen Majesty was also
well received. Now Freddie was in his element. He opened
the Sizzla archives with "Mash Dem Down" on the
Raggamuffin riddim followed by "Thank You Mama" on the
same version. Freddie introduced Genius to the massive
and he played Capleton's "Hands Up" and closed
Jaro's introduction round. Overall very regular but effective
enough to draw for the crowd's attention.
Downbeat The Ruler (1st round)
Tony Screw (Downbeat) & Selecta Bomba (Ruff Song Movement) |
Tony Screw introduced himself
and his historical sound. Minutes before the clash he recruited
a German selecta named Bomba who did a damn good job from
the get go. Downbeat started nice and easy with a Dennis
Brown semi accapella named "Here I Come". The die
hard fans already gathered around his set eagerly awaiting what
was to come. Bomba played Half Pint's "Greetings"
which was well received. Shabba Ranks introduced Johnny
Osbourne's "Murderer" and the entire place was singing
along the hookline. Now Downbeat played a Shabba Ranks
"Downbeat Is For Real". Tony then introduced the
wicked "Played By Downbeat Alone" from Half Pint
and the place was in trance singing along in fine style. Shinehead
still on the Billie Jean riddim brought them a good forward. Tony
introduced the next Half Pint named "Hold On" which
fell a bit short although a lovely dub. Downbeat's pace was
way slower and he they were going nice and easy while the dubs did
the talking. Now everybody knows you better don't even try testing
Downbeat when it comes to Beres Hammond. When Bomba
rinsed out "Kill Dem Downbeat" you could see many people
with closed eyes deeply inhaling the vibes of that sweet voice.
The vibes was just right and everybody was singing along in front
of Downbeats set. The next Beres "Many Try to
Test" came in on the Far East which slowed down the pace a
bit but still had patrons cheering for the veteran sound. Barry
Brown's classic "Far East" got played right after
and was well received. Tony then introduced his favourite
Beres Hammond on the Really Together riddim from Coxsone
singing "Respect to You Downbeat". Big forward in style.
The dub almost got played to the very end but no one complained
of course. The music was just too nice and enjoyable. Glen Washington
on the Rougher Yet closed the round decently. Downbeat definitely
played the best so far, maybe a bit too slow at some points. Not
as much forwards as Freddie but still he was a force to be
reckoned with. Lovely!
Sentinel (1st round)
Elmar & Thilo (Sentinel) |
From the moment Sentinel entered
the arena the whole scenario changed dramatically. They started
with Anthony B's "Sentinel The Master" which was
well received. Elmar went straight into his war speech. He
wasted no time at all. Sentinel did not come to take it nice
and easy. They wanted to kill sound from early. Sanchez'
world famous "World Full Of Sounds In Life" draw for a
serious forward followed by Gregory Isaacs' "Your Sound
Overdue". John Holt's totally overplayed "Thief
In The Night" was next but the crowd accepted it. Freddie
McGregor's "Push Come To Shove" got played and Elmar
unleashed the first heavy war speech for the night calling for Pink
Panty. He told Black Kat he never saw a pink War Tanker in
his life. Maybe only at Christopher Street Day they would deal with
pink vehicles. Top notch speech. Elmar was on top! Mario
played Half Pint's "Beatings" counteracting Tony's
dub. The dub was in combination with Anthony B. Not really
an outstanding dub in my humble opinion but very effective for sure.
The counteraction segment was on.
Elmar (Sentinel) |
Next up was Sizzla's "Soundboy
Die" counteracting Jaro's dub from earlier on. Elmar
was still in the mood and counteracted the mama dub Freddie
played just before. The hunt was on and Sentinel was ready
to murder sound properly. Elmar stated that he would climb
the highest mountain putting his Sentinel banner right on
the peak. Sentinel played their first Beres while
Elmar called out Freddie again. He said Freddie
is the only male selector with a female voice sounding like a bitch
from the gully. Sizzla's "Praise Yeh Jah" was up
next. The place appreciated the excellent speech and Sentinel
was confident enough to move on in style. The next Beres Hammond
was "Rock Away" and Elmar again addressed Freddie,
this time calling him a meat market woman. It was hilarious. I never
heard someone treating Jaro like that but it was off the
hook. The Beres segment was in full bloom with "They
Gonna Talk". Junior Kelly's "Push E Fire"
on the same Riddim got rinsed and it was an unusual small forward
since this is a sure shot over here normally. Anthony B came
in with "Police" cut on the ever crucial Doctor's Darling
which is tearing down the world these days. Still riding the riddim
it was Nosliw calling out for Downbeat's Tony Screw
sending him to the old people's home. Disrespectful but effective!
Elmar then addressed Black Kat as a born loser playing
the same Nosliw again but this time calling Black Kat's
name. A cheap move to voice the same dub twice. Totally wack! Willie
Williams "Armagideon Time" cut on the Stagalag got
played very short right after. Sentinel switched over to the new
tune lane with platinum artist Sean Paul on a banghra / hip
hop riddim stating that Sentinel would not play "No.
2". Big forward again. Bounty's "Special Delivery/Blast
Unno" on the same version teared down the place even more.
The round was over and their forwards were huge. Everybody was alive
by now. The most dynamic round with the best speech by far.
Sentinel took the round with ease
receiving the most forwards and more noise than anybody else. Jaro
was close behind, Downbeat got a fair share and Black
Kat was totally lost.
Black Kat (2nd round)
Yunzie (Black Kat) |
By now Black Kat got vexed. They
took it just too easy in the first round but they simply underestimated
the other sounds especially Sentinel. They addressed Elmar
directly with Dennis Brown's "Trying To Test The Black
Kat" but it was like no one really cared. Barrington Levy
on the same Riddim was up next with some noteable forwards. Burro
G was on the mic while Yunzie mixed the dubs. A needle
broke and the engineer was on his way while the Kat used
only one turntable. It was boring and stale. They were done since
the first round's judgement. The crowd already made their decision
it seemed. Sammy Dread's regular "M 16" came in
followed by "Black Kat So Nice". They must have realized
that foundation riddims and dubs in general rule the territory over
here. The War Tanker looked like a sinking vessel by now. Only a
few people were standing in front of their set while the Kat
was gasping for life. They rinsed out nuff foundation steel but
even Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor and Gregory
Isaacs could not help them. It wasn't a bad round, actually
they played much better dubs than in the round before but the Kat
already lost one out of 9 lives. Next up was Alton Ellis
but the forwards were hard to find. To make it even worse they overplayed
Jaro's "What Can You Do" from Beres. They
had it in combo with Buju but overplaying a dub in round
two was just weak. The speech boiled down even more and they looked
lost all the way. What a pity! They changed the pace with the Love
Punany segment consisting of Sean Paul's "Gimme The
Light", Cobra's "Anything Ah Anything, Capleton's
"Melting Pot", a next Cobra and finally Elephant
Man's "Bun Him A Gi Yuh". Anthony B's "Nutten
Cyan Escape" came next. Yunzie played Shine and Criss
now with Baby Cham and Buju Banton's "Vigilante".
A good dub for sure but it was too late for them. A lame round with
no vibes.
Killamanjaro (2nd round)
Killamanjaro |
Freddie started slowly and carefully.
He addressed Sentinel directly and cleared up the female
voice issue stating that he is steering the tallest mountain so
if Sentinel was about the climb the mountain they must be
chi chi man. The forward was safe and secure and Tanya Stephens
came in with the acoustic guitar hymn. He started to draw for the
anthems. "Trying To Conquor Papa Jaro" was up next. Freddie
called Sentinel a little boy and welcomed them to the big
man school. Shinehead got rinsed but got wheeled hard and
therefore kept short. Freddie draw for a next famous anthem
by Leroy Gibbon named "Jaro Moment" which was received
well. He tried to teach Sentinel a little lesson. The clash
started to get personal since Freddie answered directly.
Black Kat and Downbeat did not seem to play a major
role. The next big heavy icon dub came in with Johnny Osbourne
letting all massive and crew know that Jaro plays "Dubplate
In The Ghetto Tonight". Freddie was feasting extensively
in dubs both Trooper and Jeremy Lee build over the
years but it was effective although regular. Still the crowd wanted
to hear those dubs and so he was riding high. "Reason"
came in and Freddie was even more confident than before seeing
it was long-awaited. Freddie also messed up a needle and
was calling for the engineer. "Doesn't Matter What You Play"
from Luciano got served on the ever fundamental Taxi version
followed by "Murder Tonight" and "Mek Mi Tell U This
Straight" by Bounty Killer. Freddie then played
a Sizzla very quick just before Capleton came in with
two dubs. One was "Jaro Ago Kill Dem". Freddie
got really angry by now and Sentinel was under fire from
left, right and centre. Freddie was still playing with one
turntable like a veteran from the 70's! In The meantime Shabba
Ranks took care of the highest mountain. Freddie then
answered the Sizzla issue. Jaro built that artist
over the years and Sentinel just jumped on the wagon like
a monkey. He opened the Sizzla box a bit with "She's
In Love" and "Up Deh".
Downbeat (2nd round)
Tony Screw (Downbeat) |
Tony came back in, feeling the
heat of the night but making it clear that he would play intelligently
instead of direct dissing. Shabba Ranks' "Cool Fool"
on the Hot Milk was the first dub Bomba played. He took the
crowd back to 1988 with two extra wicked Ninja Man "Dead
Bloodclaat" and "Downbeat Time". Tony then
returned back to the heavy artillery with Nicodemus riding
the Bam Bam version and the place went crazy. He even dusted out
Black Kat's anthem from Chronicle "In The Name".
The one from Downbeat sounds better anyway!
Next up was Tinga Stewart's "Fraid A We". A very
decent dub but not much forwards as far as I remember. More or less
the same happened to Courtney Melody's "Ninja"
dub on the same riddim. Better but far from greatly appreciated.
Ernie Smith's "I & I Man Forward", probably
the wickedest and most exclusive dub that night got played but it
didn't find the recognition it deserved. Downbeat changed
the pace and joined the Sizzla argument playing lovely dubs
like "Clean Up Your Heart" on the old Carlton Livingston
selection. Brooklyn native Sluggy came in tough with "Sadom
And Gomorrah". The big "Good Ways" from Sizzla
right after was well received. One of my all time favourite dubs
closed the round perfectly. The late Delroy Wilson announced
Downbeat was in a "Killing Mood". Good forward!
Sentinel (2nd round)
Elmar (Sentinel) |
Black Kat's coffin got nailed
within a hot minute since they overplayed Jaro's Beres
earlier on. Elmar told the crowd to clap out The War Tanker.
The personal feud with Jaro went on with a bag a chat no
need to mention in detail. He called Freddie a fool saying
that he ruins the sound always playing the same to make a long story
short. He had a valid point. Sentinel unleashed the next
counteractions in form of Leroy Gibbon saying that this is
"Jaro's Worst Moment" and Johnny Osbourne who knew
the "Reason" why Sentinel had to win that night.
That part reminded me of Mighty Crown killing David Rodigan
some years back when they build specific anthem counteractions.
Sentinel draw for their Cècile anthem claiming
them a "Top A Top". They change the pace perfectly with
General Degree's "Pain" cut on the Revolution/Intercom
selection. Elmar then continued his personal crusade. He
wanted the crowd to put up their middle fingers towards Jaro
while they played a TOK with some German hooklines inside
calling Jaro's name and telling theme to fuck off. For my
taste it was way too much. Sentinel did a lot of dub work
over the last month and weeks that was obvious. Cocoa Tea
was up next followed by Jigsy King's famous ganja anthem
cut on the Real Rock.
Nadja (Sentinel) |
Elmar addressed Freddie
again both in badmanism and playing Chuck Fender. "Shut
Your Mouth When Bad Man Talk" on the Shine And Criss followed
by Cobra's "War", Terror Fabulous "Show
Mi Unno Hand" and Bounty's "Statement". Short
and spicy. Very decent! The Diwali came in with "Own A Gun/Roughest
Tuffest", a custom build TOK "Jaro Dead In The
One Fi One" and a Sizzla called "Frontline/Pump
Up" with some of the weakest lyrics I ever heard. Beenie's
"Red Red" on the Buzz selection came in but was cut short.
Sentinel then draw for Xavier Naidoo which was perfectly
cut sounding criss but never really made it. The dub was weak as
Black Kat's entire performance although you could feel there
was a lot of work behind. Well good try, but wrong dub! A solid
round after all, Elmar tried way too hard to kick out Freddie
and some issues were simply unnecessary.
The 1st Judgement
It was evident that Black Kat
would never make it to the 3rd round but for some reason Pionear
got caught in the confusion and started re-asking the crowd. Jaro
and Downbeat proceeded without problems. Sentinel
had to take a deep breath due to the crowds lack in English knowledge.
Black Kat's coffin got sealed and the remaining three went
on…
Killamanjaro (3rd round)
Freddie Krueger (Killamanjaro) |
Freddie came back in. He spoke
to Sentinel first, telling them he realized they were doing
their homework but Jaro is the foundation sound and it was
him to made Jaro so popular in Germany. He was very confident
telling everybody that he was the only badman selecter left in the
business. The first dub got played and it was no other than Jah
Cure's "Killing A Soundbwoy" which was well received.
Michael Buckleys "Send Another Sound Home" was
up next. Freddie kept the dubs very short. Utan Green's
classic "Can't Take" on the Taxi was rolling in and Freddie
gained a decent forward. He then addressed the Xavier Naidoo
Sentinel just played before, but since he did not understand
the lyrics he showed his respect but offered the well known "5
The Hard Way" combo from Luciano, Mikey General,
Admiral Tibett, Josey Wales and Charlie Chaplin
to show them how real big dubs looks like. Well as everybody knows
the line-up is impressive but the dub is far from excellent as it
hardly moves the crowd. Only the Josey part saved Freddie
the forward.
Genius (Killamanjaro) |
Now it was time for Jaro's spliced
Nitty Gritty/Tenor Saw dub. A huge forward since nobody
recognized it. Anthony B joined the Golden Hen selection
with "Waan Back". A decent forward! The pace changed with
TOK's "Chi Chi Man" which got wheeled by public
demand although a regular dub by now. Freddie was more aggressive
by now with Buju's "Mr. Nine" Sizzla's "Blaze
Up The Chalwa" and "Blood Run Again", TOK's
"We A Roll Heavy" all on the Superstar selection.
The crowd was supporting Freddie a lot and they gave plenty
of forwards. The Answer rolled in with Capleton's "Punchline"
and just after the first hook the forward got served. He draw for
the sure shots again with Super Cat "Murder Dat".
He knew he was the only one able to play that artist. The final
dub was the ever crucial Luciano/Garnett Silk combo
on the Stagalag.
Downbeat (3rd round)
Tony Screw (Downbeat) |
Tony was nice and easy again starting
with the ultimate deejay combo bringing veterans like Daddy U
Roy, Josey Wales, Brigadier Jerry and Charlie
Chaplin in combination. The line-up alone says it all. He kept
Josey and Charlie to himself since it seemed too long
for the crowd. Instead he let Bomba play Leroy Smart's
"Ballistic Affair" in combination with his longtime friend
Brigadier Jerry. It was time for Burro Banton since
it was all about veteran deejays in the Downbeat set. The
vibes was just right and Tony received some decent forwards.
He seemed confident. To everyone's surprise Downbeat switched
to the "almost new chune segment" with Warrior King's
"Virtous Woman" followed by Culture's "Zion
Gate", both on the same version. The crowd appreciated his
efforts and gave him the forwards he deserved. Also John Holt
came in on the same selection. Bomba then draw for a two
Junior Kelly's both on wicked Studio One versions. Tony
made a mark since they sounded out of the ordinary.
Tony Screw (Downbeat) & Selecta Bomba (Ruff Song Movement) |
Now he switched back to the foundation
deejay lane with Early B The Doctor and his monster hit "Wheely
Wheely". Some forwards here and there but maybe too far away
for the kids attending. The million dollar Bob Andy/Marcia
Griffiths combo came in and Tony stated he was the fisrt
one ever to cut it and even Mighty Crown took the idea from
him. The dub was so lovely and people were drifting away in memories.
Now the archives were wide open. Tony and Bomba bussed
the incredible "Smile" all courtesy of The Silvertones
voiced on the original riddim of course. A tough dub for real! Beres
came in also singing on the Smile selection. Now Tony Screw's
round came to an end and Pionear had to interfere hard to keep the
big man away from playing on and on. One of the best rounds of the
night. Downbeat was riding high and even some of the younger
patrons seemed to get caught in the vibes.
Sentinel (3rd round)
Elmar (Sentinel) |
Elmar came back in and jumped
right in Freddie's face again. He accused Freddie
to play too many spliced dubs like Sizzla/Marcia as
well as Tenor Saw/Nitty Gritty. Sentinel launched
the next Kalonji "Sentinel Gonna Kill You" followed
by Gentleman's "Dem Gone" both on the same Bobby Digital
version. Both dubs were well received and the massive was singing
along. Barrington Levy and his "Murderer" anthem
came up next followed by Anthony Johnson's "Soundclash".
Another Bounty classic "Kill Fi Fun" got rinsed
before Elmar went into a weak speech about Freddie's
name and its relation to the corny b movies from the 80's. Sentinel
told Jaro to stop playing "Hide And Seek" through
Freddie McGregor's beautiful voice. Alton Ellis got
served pon dub up next. Then Elmar lost track and forgot
about his manners when he told Tony Screw to embark on a
tour through Munich where he could check for some beer and German
pussy if he could still handle that. Well I found it very insulting
and far from necessary. At this point it was evident that this clash
was a generation battle. Sometimes you should just hide a few comments
to yourself. Glen Washington got played followed by a Sizzla
named "Gunshot" on the Superstar which was well received
despite the fact it was more noise than music. Sentinel continued
with Bounty on the Come Down. Beenie Man was up next
riding the Cordiroy. They only played the extra long intro but it
teared down the venue down to the walls. Huge forward indeed. Next
up was a crucial Capleton medley and a Bounty medley
right after. Elmar asked the crowd to signal for Sentinel
and they did exactly that. Sentinel played the Clappas right
after with TOK calling Jaro's name, Capleton's
"Clash Clash Clash" and Degree's "Inna".
Not bad at all. The round was over since the time was done. A decent
round but when you announce 3 medleys in a row you should prove
they are medleys. The Beenie only showcased the intro and
Bounty wasn't much more than one tune. Elmar was totally
motivated and it was evident Sentinel was prepared very well.
2nd Judgement
Jaro proceeded with ease having
plenty of fans inside supporting the sound. An extra voting between
Sentinel and Downbeat was necessary and the sound
from Stuttgart got the edge. It was a close call and Sentinel
was lucky to survive. Downbeat dropped out.
The Dub fi Dub (10 dubs each)
Jaro - Cocoa Tea : Kill Soundbwoy Ina Di Lawn
Sentinel - Alton Ellis & Dennis Alcapone : I Do Not Like
Dibby Dibby Sound
Jaro - Junior Reid : Sound Nuh Have Sense
Sentinel - Derrick Morgan : Blazing Fire
Jaro - Johnny Clarke : Jaro No Fear
Sentinel - Max Romeo : Everlasting Sound (one of the best dubs
that night)
Jaro - George Nooks : Burial Spot
Sentinel - Marcia Griffiths : Gonna Kill You Tonight
Jaro - Garnett Silk : Rub A Dub Soldier
Sentinel - Beres Hammond : Full Satisfaction
Jaro - Garnett Silk : Undertaker aka Evacuate
Sentinel - Alton Ellis : It's A Shame
Jaro - Cocoa Tea : Go Home
Sentinel - Johnny Osbourne : Truth & Rights
Jaro - Ini Kamoze : Hotstepper
Sentinel - Beres Hammond : Putting Up Resistance
Jaro - Tenor Saw : Try You Die
Sentinel - Marcia Griffiths : Feel Like Killing
Jaro - Tenor Saw : There Is Trouble In Your Way
Sentinel - Max Romeo : Chase Soundbwoy
Since Jaro was unable to count properly they went into 1 more dub
Jaro - Garnett Silk & Richie Stephens : Fight
Back
Sentinel - Michael Prophet : Gunman
It's Killamanjaro |
The clash was over and the finish was
tight beyond belief. Both sounds were under pressure. While Freddie
solely played dubs he certainly not cut himself except for George
Nooks it was Sentinel who astonished the patrons all
the way. The crowd gave Sentinel nuff boos and also a lot
of forwards while Freddie got forward straight. It was apparent
that Jaro would take the trophy and so it happened. Pionear
affirmed Killamanjaro as the winner of the night and Freddie
went straight into the next icon dub named "My Dream Last Night
Was About Papa Jaro". He took the trophy and he knew it was
a tight competition. His winning speech was committed to Sentinel.
He said they gave him a good fight and they played way better than
Pow Pow last year. He exclaimed his highest ratings and it
seemed it came from his heart. He and Genius wished them
good luck for the upcoming clash in Jamaica against Turbo Force.
The after juggling started with Killamanjaro and very soon
with all four sounds playing an extra dub fi dub which was possibly
the sweetest thing of the entire night. Pure vibes!
after juggling with Yunzie (Black Kat), Tony Screw (Downbeat), Freddie
Krueger (Killamanjaro) & Elmar (Sentinel)
The Analysis:
massive |
This was an historical event for Germany
and very important to push the limits and break the barriers soundsystem
culture over here still has to face. All sounds performed well on
the surface maybe except Black Kat who got trampled and killed
in the early fight between Jaro and Sentinel. So let's
start with Black Kat. Panther was missing badly. Yunzie
and new recruit Burro G were unable to transport any vibes
and especially the first round was too sleepy and they failed to
draw for attention. Time was running out for them. The presentation
was weak over all especially the speech department which Panther
is so well known for failed dramatically. There was not much they
could have done since their box is too limited anyway and their
mic Rambo was missing in action. Jaro won the clash, that
is true. But at what price? Sentinel pointed it out just
perfectly. Killamanjaro with Freddie Krueger steering
the sound is very predictable. Just like in the clash against Pow
Pow last year Freddie used the icon dubs Papa Jaro,
Jeremy Lee and Ricky Trooper built over the years.
There is nothing wrong about it but I miss Freddie's own
handwriting. He did a damn good job playing what everybody knows
for a very long time. Once Germany will be more experienced he won't
get away so easily with a performance like that. By now it is still
a phenomenon over here when big sounds come across the ocean whether
clash or juggling. Once it will become regular Freddie will
have to try way harder than this night. The problem is that he seemed
to have reached his limits that night since Sentinel was
chasing him all through the night and he had to draw for the big
anthems in order to survive and save his sounds' reputation.
massive |
Downbeat with father Tony Screw
was a relief to see. What a personality! It was his first time in
Germany. Once he was confirmed I was really worried if he could
prevail among the mainly young patrons who usually turn out to dances.
But he did a decent job for sure. He did not jump and scream like
the other three sounds, instead he let the music do the talking.
He should thank Bomba from Ruff Song Movement who
did a very good job helping Tony to steer the sound in the
mixing department. Tony Screw played the biggest dubs that
night by far, no need to go in detail since all people who will
read this rundown will more or less feel the same. The reason he
failed is easy to explain. Freddie and Elmar soon
found each other on their killing spree. That draw for the crowd's
attention and isolated both Downbeat and even more Black
Kat. Overall Downbeat did much better in front of the
young audience than I expected. Big up Tony, come back soon!
Now the Sentinel story. I guess nobody expected a performance
like that. I have to admit I never thought about Sentinel reaching
that far. Elmar was on an all time high that night although
some speeches were unnecessary and stressful. He was totally motivated
and overhyped, but he was prepared. He basically rolled over Black
Kat and realized very early that they would be an easy walk
over without Panther that's why he focused on Freddie
as his main target. He had some respectable arguments with Freddie
and his speech was on point very often. At some point you just couldn't
help much but laugh. Some particular speeches were unnecessary as
mentioned in the rundown above. What I missed very much in his speech
was the fun thing. He was war filled which is mandatory for a clash
mc but the humorous aspects and little sweet side kicks were missing
entirely. Since that was only their 3rd clash I don't want to bother
with that no more. They did a damn good job and I respect them a
lot for their overall improvements. The biggest surprise for the
night.
After the clash I wished it would have
come a bit different. Black Kat was too weak for the other
three and Downbeat in the one fi one would have been the
ultimate. But so it go. Big respect to Tony Screw the living
legend, Freddie and Genius, Yunzie and Burro
G, Elmar, Thilo, Mario and sweet princess
Nadja, Riddim Magazine, Ellen, Pete,
Gerd, Ulli Güldner, Nico from Budadub
and all the invisible helpers who made the event successful.
Make sure to peep the audios and decide for yourself or re-listen
if you attended the event!
Text: Uzzla
Pictures: germaica.net
The 3 tapes and 4 cds are available at  www.supersonic-sound.com
Do not use any text passages or photos without written
permission of germaica.net or supersonic-sound.com
|
to
the top