He grew up in Trenchtown. His house was a few minutes walk from Coxsone Dodd's influential record studio Studio One.
His neighbours were Jacob Miller and Ranking Joe. Ranking Joe took Freddy under his wing and taught him the basics skills of performing. Freddy's natural ability meant he was quickly enlisted to work with Lt. Stichie (Of "Natty Dread" fame) and then later with Sugar Minott. It was performing on Minott's soundsystem that founded Freddy's fame in Jamaica.
Gaining fame
When he released his first album, Body Lasher, six of the tracks went straight into the Jamaican top ten.
After successful touring in the US under the Chrysalis record label, Freddy came to England in the 1980s. His first UK work was a collaboration with Asher D (UK reggae star) called, Raggamuffin Hip-Hop. This album created a new style of music that was a fusion of Jamaican ragga and UK/US hip-hop. The anthemic title track has the much sampled vocal, "The ragga-muffin, the ragga-muffin, hip-hop". Freddy also managed to influence and support fledgling UK reggae stars, Top Cat, Tenor Fly and Prento Youth who went on to the legendary Coxsone Sound and the record label Congo Natty.
This album created even more interest for Freddy. Artists such as Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, David Morales and Norman Cooke all requested collaborations and others like The Prodigy, Me'lissa Morgan (“Through the Tears”, Top 10), Salt 'n' Pepa and KRS-One all sampled his unique voice.
This fame culminated in Freddy attempting and breaking the World Record for World's fastest rapper in 1989 as part of the Capital radio Music Festival. Eventually Freddy broke the record four times taking it from 346 to 598 syllables a minute. First and second time in UK (in Covent Garden and at BBC's Record Breakers on BBC's Record Breakers show where he appeared with Roy Castle) and two times in America (New York Empire State Building and in Washington). Renowned live performances have always been Freddy's hallmark, most notably at the New Music Seminar in New York and Tim Westwoods live rap shows on Capital radio.
Career break
By the end of the 1990s Freddy was exhausted. His hectic life-style had taken it out of him so he found time to return to Jamaica and re-discover his roots. Whilst he still lent vocals to prominent dancehall tracks in Jamaica his next major work did not come until he came back to the UK, with a new lease of life. Freddy teamed up with renowned dub legend, The Rootsman in 2000 to make the new album, Old School – New School (Third Eye Music).
Since then Freddy has been making new music and recording and training dancehall artists.
A new album will follow end of 2006 including tracks with different international artists like Mykal Rose (Grammy Award Winner / Black Uhuru), Mighty Diamonds or top-producers Sly & Robbie. As well as tracks with underground heroes like DJ Shimon or Andy C (RAM REC). With the new album Freddy will introduce his new project: „Wild Bunch“ (Daddy Freddy feat. D’Votion, Billy Rokus, Bongo Chilli, The Ragga Twins, ...). The album includes HipHop, R&B, Dancehall- and Roots-Reggae as well as Drum&Bass Jungle tracks. Furthermore worldwide touring as well as some single-productions and remixes are planned, too.
Discography
Albums
Body Lasher (1986)
Ragamuffin Hip-Hop (with Asher D) (1988)
Cater Fe She (1989)
Stress (1991)
Raggamuffin Soldier (1992)
The Big One (1994)
Greatest Hits (1996)
Old School New School (with The Rootsman) (2000)
Hardcore (2004)
Singles
Ragamuffin Hip Hop (with Asher D) Music Of Life (1988)
Brutality (with Asher D) Music Of Life (1988)
Summertime (with Asher D) Music Of Life (1988)
We Are The Champions (with Asher D) Chrysalis (1989)
Daddy Freddy's In Town Chrysalis (1990)
Ragga House (with Simon Harris) Music Of Life (1990)
Respect Music Of Life (1990)
Don’t Stop the Music Living Beat Rec (1990)
Freddy’s Back (with Duke/Royal Family) Music Of Life (1990)
The Crown Music Of Life (1991)
Haul and Pull Chrysalis (1992)
Dancehall Clash (with Tenor Fly) Live (1992)
Respect Due (with Heavy D & Frankie Paul) Music Of Life (1993)
Respect Due (Sly & Robbie Remixes) Music Of Life (1993)
Pain Killa Music Of Life (1994)
Freddy’s in the Jungle (Japanese Single) (1997)
Compilation & guest appearances
1989: Kreem of the Krop; songs: "Dance Hall Clash", "Must Want A Man", "Rude Boy" and "Advert"
1989: Hustlers Convention; song: "Live Jam", "The Ragamuffin Duo Take Charge", Come Selector" and "Grand Finale"
1989: Silver On Black; song "Londons Finest" by Simon Harris featuring Asher D and Daddy Freddy
2003: Smojphace EP; song "Run The Place Red (AFX Mix)"
Hey, just to let you know we have uploaded tracks from Ali's new solo album Flying High to his myspace, come by and let us know what you think or if you want to pre order you can get it on his myspace page.
Ali will be on tour in the UK from June 19th – July 4th come and see him and his new band live – they are tearing it up, round the country with a great party vibe!
Big Love Ali's Team x
yes freddy!!! younga a pass tru!! big up star!!! original mic man fe england!! alongside tennor fly! and da man dem!!! ,..ruff!!! good to see you in bristol last month!!! you and "mc ckp" done da place!!! guiness book holder daddy freddy!! alongside,.. multi award winner!!! one-away set!!! wicked blood!!
nuff respeK Jah guide and proteK plz vote 4 me at http://www.thepeoplesmusicawards.com/kaosthierry MLKMDK187 on tha lionjamroKK rudeboyroKK riddim voting has KicKed off, every vote counts and is appreci8ed bless up peace out flutterr flutterr
ps vote 4 me and nex time i post a foto comment I'll teK off more garms lol bless up peace out!!
LADY TAMARA. SINGER.SONGWRITER..U.K. glitter-graphics.com SO MUCH FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP IT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED YOUR WORKS.. MUCH L.O.N.D.O.N. L.O.V.E. & RESPECT. L.T.X.
And Bountys "Cyaant Belive Mi Eyes" pon di New "Gwaan Ruff" Riddim.
Also aviable is di old Ari Up RMX pon mi "ClassicalBasse" Riddim. And di old an di new "Typewriter" Riddim versions. And all mi old Riddims and Beats pon mi fourth player!!
Soon come a new Remix, Dub and Steppers Version from Y.'s "Ypsylooon" and a brand new Y. Track pon di "Typewriter" Riddim.
Inna some weeks yuh finde Fitta Warris brand new "Badman Think" pon di "Typewriter" Riddim. And Isia Mentors "Wicked Man Die/Rasta Army" pon di "DiOrchestra" Riddim.
And much new Riddims!!!!!!!!!!!
If someone need a Riddim, Track or any Remix, tell it!
Yes Da da..soon to be released on Mellow Vibes Records Afrikan People - UK Roots Reality Foundation mixed and produced by Murray Man ft Ras Tweed..Available Soon..
Yes Fred we link again a di kut..Ease Up da Pressure..Jah Bless
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