Levy began his career DJing as General Levy, working his way through Vigilante, Java and
Robbo Ranx’s Tipatone sound systems. His very first release was for Robbo’s Muzik Street
label in 1988, and “New Cockatoo” proved to be something quite different, as Levy’s freshness,
youth and enthusiasm hiccuped out of every groove. His next move was at south London where
Fashion Records’ resident engineer, Gussie P, released his debut album, which he had shared
the honours with Jamaican superstar DJ capleton. Entitled Double Trouble the format (already
tried and trusted) highlighted both Levy’s and Capleton’s different styles and approaches,
spanning Jamaican and UK traditions. His popularity was increased by numerous “specials” for
sound systems and he finally came to the public’s attention in a big way with “Original Length &
Strength” on Fashion Records. His next trio of releases for Fashion, “Heat”, “Breeze” and “The
Wig” established him as the British DJ. His lyrics varied from serious culture to risqué
“slackness”, with barely a pause for breath. His live shows had to be experienced to be
believed, as he exploded all over the stage, arms and legs flailing to the accompaniment of
non-stop, infectious, raucous rhyming. His branching out with Justice Records for some
hip-hop-based recordings further broadened his appeal, and the late 1992 long-playing release
for Fashion of The Wickeder General was an immediate runaway success. His talent and
personality was soon spotted by the majors (especially with all the frantic interest in ragga in the
spring of 1993), and ffrr Records clinched the big contract. They retitled, repackaged and
re-promoted The Wickeder General as Wickedness Increase and the strength of the added
tracks ensured healthy sales – even to the reggae market where his fans had already
purchased the original pressing.
REGGAE EUROPE 