Big Youth

One of reggae's best and most recognizable toasters, Big Youth broke new ground as a DJ in the early '70s with a flowing, chant-like cadence that was equal parts melodic, relaxed, and invigorating. His peak years between 1972 and 1979 spawned roots classics like Screaming Target and Isaiah First Prophet of Old, further solidifying Big Youth's style of applying his infectious vocal approach to heavy social and political lyrical topics. Things slowed down for the DJ in subsequent decades, but he remained active well past his '70s heyday, sporadically releasing new music, like 20...