In 1994, Born Jamericans burst onto the scene with their debut album Kids From Foreign, an electrifying blend of dancehall reggae and hip-hop that not only captured the essence of the duo’s Jamaican heritage but also redefined cross-genre collaboration. Comprising Mr. Notch (Norman Howell) and Edley Shine (Horace Payne), the American-born duo created a sound that bridged cultures and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The production, helmed by the legendary Chucky Thompson, is steeped in ’90s flavor but avoids sounding dated. Thompson, known for crafting hits for icons like Mary J. Blige and Usher, brings a polished yet authentic touch to the record, allowing Born Jamericans’ unique vocal interplay to shine. This record, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, is being reissued on vinyl for the first time in 25 years by Craft Recordings for Record Store Day Black Friday. It is being pressed on classic black vinyl and cut from its original analog tapes by Phillip Rodriguez at Elysian Mastering.
The album’s breakout hit, “Boom Shak A-Tack,” is an infectious anthem that perfectly encapsulates the duo’s signature style. Mr. Notch’s silky-smooth vocals glide effortlessly over Edley Shine’s gritty, rapid-fire delivery, a juxtaposition that sets the group apart. The rhythm is built on a pulsating bassline, sharp snares, and syncopated kicks that mimic the cadences of Jamaican sound system culture. Another standout track, “Warning Sign” takes on a darker, introspective tone. The track opens with a dancehall-style horn and intro by Edley Shine before giving way to an ominous synth pad that sets a haunting mood, soon joined by echoing drum hits reminiscent of a dub-style production. The catchy chorus of “Red light, yellow light, green light -GO” gives this downtempo track that catchiness makes this track one to revisit time and again. “Cease & Seckel” is a lyrical showcase for Edley Shine, riding a mid-tempo groove that blends a classic reggae skank with crisp hip-hop beats. The rhythm section features a bubbling bassline and snappy hi-hats that keep the momentum alive. Mr. Notch provides a melodic counterpoint, softening the intensity with smooth, harmonized choruses. The fiery dancehall number “Informa Fe Dead” addresses the ever-relevant topic of loyalty and betrayal. The rhythm is fast-paced, with a pounding bassline and quick, staccato drum patterns that evoke a sense of urgency. “Why Do Girls” features a playful, lighthearted reggae beat that’s impossible not to sway to. The instrumentation is simple but effective, with a prominent bassline, crisp hi-hats, and occasional horn stabs, adding a touch of flair.
Kids From Foreign was groundbreaking for its time, helping to popularize reggae’s crossover into mainstream hip-hop markets. The album not only landed on the Billboard 200 but became one of the best-selling reggae albums of the year—a testament to the duo’s broad appeal. Though Born Jamericans had a short-lived career, only releasing two albums, they helped hip-hop-infused reggae crossover into the mainstream along with peers like Shaggy, Inner Circle, and Ini Kamoze. Hearing these tracks on vinyl breathes new life into the music with a warmth and clarity that digital formats often lack. Limited to just 2,400 copies, fans of 90s reggae will definitely want to add this release to their collection.
