Shabba Ranks (born Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon on January 17, 1966, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica) is a pioneering Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist renowned for his deep, commanding voice, charismatic delivery, and genre-defining contributions in the late 1980s and 1990s. Known as one of the first dancehall artists to achieve major international success, Shabba helped bring dancehall to global audiences, earning two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album for X-tra Naked (1993) and Rough & Ready Volume 1 (1992).

With a career spanning decades, Shabba Ranks has produced numerous hit singles, including “Mr. Loverman,” “Ting-A-Ling,” “Trailer Load a Girls,” “Dem Bow,” and “Love Punaany Bad,” many of which charted internationally and cemented his status as a dancehall icon. He has collaborated with top artists and producers across reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, including KRS-One, Heavy D, Maxi Priest, and Johnny Gill, further bridging the gap between Caribbean and global music scenes.

Shabba’s music is celebrated for its infectious rhythms, catchy hooks, and lyrical storytelling that blends streetwise dancehall energy with romantic and socially conscious themes. Even today, he continues to influence new generations of dancehall artists while maintaining a legendary presence in the global reggae community.

Hit Songs
“Mr. Loverman” – International hit; charted in the UK and US; widely regarded as one of his signature songs.
“Ting-A-Ling” – Dancehall classic, major Caribbean hit.
“Trailer Load a Girls” – Popular in Jamaica and internationally.
“Love Punaany Bad” – Jamaican charts hit; classic dancehall track.
“Dem Bow” – Hugely influential track, foundational to reggaeton rhythm globally.
“Wicked Inna Bed” – Popular in Caribbean markets.