Shabba Ranks
Capricorn
59 years old
Who is Shabba Ranks?
Shabba Ranks is a legendary Jamaican dancehall musician widely credited as one of the pioneers who brought dancehall to the international stage. Known for his gritty vocal style, bold lyrics, and iconic swagger,
Shabba Ranks – Personal Life
Shabba Ranks has been married to Michelle Gordon since 1992. The couple has two children:
- Jahwon Ranks
- Rexton Jr. Ranks
Though his wife, Michelle, prefers to keep a low profile, Shabba has credited his family with being a source of strength and stability throughout his long-standing career. His full name is Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon.
Early Life and Background
Shabba Ranks was born and raised in St. Ann, Jamaica, but moved with his family to Trenchtown, Kingston, when he was eight years old. He grew up immersed in Jamaica’s vibrant sound system culture, which greatly influenced his musical journey.
Inspired by legendary DJs such as Josey Wales, General Echo, Yellowman, and Charlie Chaplin, Shabba started performing at a young age. His raw, commanding voice quickly set him apart in the local dancehall scene.
His parents are:
- Father: Ivan Gordon
- Mother: Mama Christie
Details about his education are not publicly known.
Music Career and Breakthrough
Shabba Ranks released his first single in 1985 titled “Head Under Suffer’s Feet” under the stage name Co-Pilot. Not long after, he adopted the now-famous name Shabba Ranks and caught the attention of his idol Josey Wales, who helped mentor his career.
Major Highlights:
- In 1991, Shabba signed with Epic Records, marking a breakthrough into the international music scene.
- He released a string of successful albums including:
- Rappin’ with the Ladies (1988)
- Just Reality (1991)
- X-tra Naked (1992) – Grammy Award winner
- A Mi Shabba (1995)
Hit Songs:
- “Mr. Loverman” – His most iconic track that topped charts worldwide
- “Ting-A-Ling”
- “Housecall” (feat. Maxi Priest)
- “Wicked Inna Bed”
He also collaborated with artists like KRS-One, Johnny Gill, and Queen Latifah, helping popularize reggae fusion and dancehall globally.
Awards and Recognition
- 🏆 2x Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album:
- As Raw As Ever (1992)
- X-tra Naked (1993)
- He remains a cultural icon in both Jamaica and the broader reggae and dancehall scene.
Controversies
Shabba Ranks sparked controversy in 1992 during a TV appearance when he expressed support for anti-homosexual violence, stating that “the Bible says it.” Host Mark Lamarr publicly denounced the comment, and Shabba’s remarks were heavily criticized.
Following backlash, Shabba apologized, clarifying that he did not condone violence against anyone. However, the incident affected his popularity in certain regions.
Recent Activity
Although less active in the mainstream in recent years, Shabba Ranks made a partial comeback in 2007 with the single “Clear the Air”, and as of 2013, he has been reportedly working on new material.
Fun Facts About Shabba Ranks
- He was the first dancehall artist to win a Grammy Award.
- Known for his signature deep growl and commanding stage presence.
- “Mr. Loverman” remains a staple in dancehall and 90s throwback playlists.
- Despite international fame, he maintains strong ties to Jamaican culture and roots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Shabba Ranks still married?
Yes, he is married to Michelle Gordon since 1992.
2. How many children does Shabba Ranks have?
He has two sons: Jahwon and Rexton Jr.
3. What is Shabba Ranks most known for?
He is best known for “Mr. Loverman” and for pioneering dancehall reggae’s crossover into global pop.
4. Did Shabba Ranks win a Grammy?
Yes, he won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album.
