Who is Anthony B?

Anthony B (real name Keith Blake) is a 45-year-old Jamaican reggae musician best known for his spiritually conscious lyrics, strong beats, and energetic live performances. He is often credited for helping to popularize hardcore dancehall and reggae music in the late 1990s.

Early Life and Career

Blake was born in rural Clarendon Parish, Jamaica in 1975. He moved to Kingston at age 14 and began attending auditions at local studios. In 1993 he released his first single, ""Do Good"", which was a major success in Jamaica. He then went on to record his first album, Real Revolutionary, in 1996. It was an instant classic and helped solidify Anthony B's place as one of the most important reggae musicians of the late 1990s.

Style and Impact

Anthony B's style combines the traditional sounds of Jamaican dancehall and reggae with his own socially conscious lyrics. His songs often tackle important issues such as poverty, police brutality, and racial injustice. His sound has been sampled by many popular hip-hop artists including Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and Kanye West. He has also collaborated with other prominent artists such as Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Capleton, and Luciano.

Legacy

Anthony B has been influential in popularizing hardcore reggae and dancehall music around the world. His music has been featured in films such as Shottas and Bad Boys II as well as on television shows like The Wire and Top Boy. He continues to tour and record new music, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.