“I Need A Roof” by Sugar Minott

Lincoln Barrington “Sugar” Minott is often credited as the originator of the “Dancehall” subgenre of Reggae music. Born in Kingston Jamaica, Minott began his career as a child “selector” or DJ. He soon fronted his own sound system as a teen and dabbled with singing. This led to an apprenticeship with Coxsone Dodd and his Studio One record label. While there, Minott not only produced records, but started laying down new lyrics over older tracks. These recordings proved more popular than the originals. They also mirrored the less activist political landscape of the day. Soon, the roots recordings of social injustice and the Rastafari movement were overtaken by songs that championed partying and dancing.

Although not considered a true dancehall classic, “I Need A Roof” is still an excellent example of this transition from Roots to Dancehall. It showcases Minott’s ability to take dark and socially aware lyrics by the Mighty Diamonds and turn them into something slightly more melodic and upbeat.
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I adore this song and especially his version. It’s soulful, honest, and soothing and if you turn up the volume and bass you will find it hard not to rock with the Brentford All Stars’ excellent musicianship.