Squashed between an ample haggler and a crocus bag of tings, on a Kingston bound ‘country-bus’
before the morning sun had blessed the chilly parish of Manchester, the young Cardiff Butt aka-
General Degree, would practice his rhyming skills. Money saved from his tailoring job tucked
Into his billfold, the destination was the network of recording studios in Jamaica’s capitol city and
the chance to prove those skills to a record producer. “You know that the city is where everything
is happening in terms of the music,” reminisces Degree.” “It’s harder for the country artistes…
if a young artiste doesn’t have a vehicle, him haffi tek bus. And you have a certain time when you
haffi ketch the town bus back to country in the night too. “Them ting deh mi go through and it
was hard. It’s much harder for those who live in the country more than the city.”
Born in Manchester on April 28, Degree often had to hide as a child from his strict Christian
Parents in order to get a taste of what was happening on the airwaves, It was only a few years later
In his early 20’s, that Degree was hitting those same airwaves with his brilliant imitation of a
grandmother in his first number one hit ‘Granny’- his first recording for Main Street producer
Danny Browne. ‘Granny’ reigned in the dances and charts for one year straight, and that
humorous vine has thrived throughout Degree’s career and is a component he naturally possesses.
Degree’s impressive parade of number one hits continued both at home and abroad, and lends
great credence to the fact that he certainly does know what he’s talking about. Tunes such as ‘Granny’
Brinks, Mr do it nice, Bodyguard, Pianist, Papa Lover, Hold yuh Tonight, and countless others have
had fans skanking.
General Degree is also renowned for his provocative lyrics that always leave just enough up to the
imagination. The little they do leave, is also plenty for them not to be certified XXX-rated.
Girls crying for his ‘Pianist’ is the perfect example of a Degree double-entendre, that
gets his earthy message across whilst leaving censors with nothing to do.
The reason why Degree’s suggestiveness works so well is because of the pure invention of his work.
It’s a trademark that ensures no two Degree tunes sound similar, even if the subject matter might be.
Always vocally ambidextrous on a rhythm, his spoken voice lingers at double bass.
Reflecting this, the 1998 smash “Bag A Tings” has become the blue print for an almost monotone
flow that has been utilized by many deejays since.
‘Cartoon Character’, ’Traffic Blocking’, ‘Boom Boom’ among others, kept the artiste on the charts
and satisfied his fans appetite for more of the ‘Bush Baby’ which happened to be the title track of
the album for which he copped a Reggae Soca Award for best dancehall album.
Being often described as a “consistent” DJ, Degree has entered this year with new ideas and a
slew of new hits. Tracks like ‘HOLD ON’, ‘KITTY KITTY’, 'JAH WILL PROVIDE', and
most recently 'I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU’, have proven his consistency, and are doing well both locally
and on the international market. A new album is in the works for the entertainer in 2009, this will
mark his second album on Size 8 Records.
So once again the wheels are turning for yet another lyrically creative production from Degree and
will be an addition to his growing catalogue.
Not to be outdone by the young bloods in the business, Degree has and will continue to rank among
the best, and has pledged to maintain and continue contributing to the development and success
of dancehall music.
NEW JERSEY'S 10 ANNIVERSARY BALL OF THE YEAR ..COME AND BE A PART OF HISTORY DEC 31 ..PARTY FROM 11PM TO 8AM DRESSZ TO IMPRESSTHE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH INSIDE THE ALBANY MANOR....FRIDAY .JAN 29.......
Just passin to show some love, make sure you keep workin hard, there's no rest for the BLESSED! Add me on facebook if you wanna network. Kaya H Osbourne
Greetings and blessings thanks for the great vibe may JAH bless you always keep up the great work and hope you enjoy the music one love keep the link www.mrmention.com have a great weekend.BLESSED!!!!
"OKTOBERFEST RIDDIM" OUT NOW!!! Straight from Germaica to the world! Klick auf den Banner, hör mal rein and gwaan schunkel!!!....wickeeeeed!!! Big up all original heads... Greetz
WHA DUP DEGREE! BLESS UP HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU, YA FAMILY AND FRIENDS! THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THE ADD IT REALLY MEANS ALOT BREDREN! JUST WANNA LET EVERYONE KNOW MI JUST POST ALL NEW TUNES PON MI PAGE SO LINK UP. RESPECT GENERAL DEGREE! RESPECT RASTA JAY
Greetings ayah, new stuff out now! Get nu shirtz & hoodies fi dem cold days dem on www.jah-army.com. for more infos plz subscribe to I&I blog: http://lnk.ms/0NXCt or become a fan on facebook at http://lnk.ms/1w2wl 1love J.A.H.
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THE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH INSIDE THE ALBANY MANOR....FRIDAY .JAN 29.......
