Grammy award-winning musician Shabba Ranks currently resides in New York City. He gained international stardom after he signed a recording deal with Epic Records in 1991. The dancehall musician became a household name in the late 1990s in Jamaica and across the United States becoming the first dancehall artist to win two Grammy Awards.
The 59-year-old Mr. Loverman singer has been married to Michelle Gordon and they share two children: Rexton Jr. and Jahwon.
Shabba Ranks was Raised in Kingston
Shabba Ranks was born on 17 January 1966 in Sturgetown, St. Ann, Jamaica. His birth name is Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon. At the age of 8, his family moved to Seaview Gardens in Kingston. The musician happens to be from the same place as Bob Marley and Burning Spear.
While growing up, his father, Ivan Gordon, worked as a mason before he passed in 1990. His mother, Constance Christie ‘Mama Christie’ worked on buses first as a bus conductor and then later as a driver in Kingston. He once revealed his parents were never married but had 7 children including him. Ranks, who is the middle child, have two sisters and four brothers.
The Jamaican reportedly grew up in a low-income family. The family of 9 lived in a one-room apartment before they bought their first home, a two-bedroom in 1983.
Before he became famous, he revealed he was known as a troublemaker and he was expelled from high school because of that.
Ranks’ praises his mother for always having his back and encouraging him to pursue his music career. Unfortunately, he lost her in 2021.
He Started Recording at the Age of 14
Growing up, Shabba Ranks got involved in music as a kid. He later started collecting discarded bottles at street dances and by the time he was a little over 14, he began performing with legendary artist Admiral Bailey on the Roots Melody sound system.
In the early 1980s, his fellow deejay Josey Wales introduced him to producer King Sammy. It was not long before Ranks became a superstar in the whole of Jamaica.
Upon gaining wide recognition in Jamaica, the dancehall star caught the attention of Epic Records. He later secured a recording contract with Epic Records in 1989. Before he started his international career, he was known as Co-Pilot.
Known for his distinct toasting rather than singing style, Ranks collaborated with many reggae singers like Cocoa Tea, Chuck Berry, and Crystal. His biggest hits in the late 90s include Mr. Loverman, Housecall and Slow&Sexy, and Ting A Ling.
Following the success of his songs he won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, As Raw as Ever in 1992, and also in 1993, X-tra Naked. That made him the first dancehall artist to win the two awards. The same year he won his second Grammy, he scored another hit in the Addams Family Values soundtrack.
He released his third album, A Mi Shabba in 1995, and in 1996, Epic Records dropped him but later, the label released a greatest hits album titled Shabba Ranks and Friends in 1999.
Shabba Ranks took a hiatus only to make a partial comeback in 2007 featuring in the song Clear The Air by Busta Rhymes. He later released a single, None A Dem on Big Ship’s Pepper Riddim. In 2012, he was also featured on Tech N9ne’s EP E.B.A.H. He was also mentioned in A$AP Ferg’s song Shabba and made a cameo in the music video.
In August 2013, it was rumored that he was working on a new album. Although he has not released any tracks since then, he did not stop performing. He has performed at the Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica and also the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival in New York.
Shabba Ranks was Involved in Controversies Regarding Homosexuals
The Jamaican got himself caught up in a controversial comment regarding homosexuals. According to reports, Shabba once revealed during an interview that “the word of God” advocated the crucifixion of homosexuals.
Following his views, he was dropped as a performer at Bobby Brown’s concert. He also faced altercations with Sony Music. Ranks later apologized for his comments but it took a toll on his career.
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He Married Michelle Gordon in 1992
Shabba Ranks married Michelle Gordon in 1992. They have two children, Rexton Jr and Jahwon. The Jamaican emperor once revealed his children make him a proud father, especially for their academic accomplishments.
Shabba and his wife have been in several events such as the On Da Reggae Tip 2014 concert event at Pier 97 in New York. There are speculations that his wife is now his manager.
Shabba Ranks credits his parents for having a successful marriage and career. He once revealed that his mother who was his first love taught him how to love his wife.
Where is Shabba Ranks Now?
HONOURABLENESS!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/jmRlwK2A9Q
— Shabba Ranks (@EmperorRanks) February 18, 2021
Shabba Ranks moved to New York City in the early 2000s. Before he moved, he bought a house for his mother. In October 2016, Shabba was invested with the Order of Distinction, an officer by the Jamaican Government for his contribution to music. Also, he received the heritage award in 2021 in New York City.
While many sources claim the 59-year-old musician lives in New York, his Twitter and Facebook pages claim he is in Kingston.
Widely known as a legendary dancehall musician, Shabba Ranks gained international fame and recognition through determination and hard work. For someone who began as a bottle collector at concerts, Ranks is definitely a role model to kids from Kingston and beyond. Despite the challenges he faced at some point in his career, the father of two has joined the likes of Damian Marley and Tonny Matterhorn as the best dancehall musicians of all time.
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