Music Scene
An uptempo kind of DJ from London

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

"Oh," he started, with a little hesitation, "I was a little worried. But you can't really let people stop your life."

The terrorist attacks in New York and Washington had postponed the reggae icon's earlier concert in Hawai'i. (He plays World Cafe today.) But nothing's going to stop Irie now. Not when he's about to visit paradise for the first time.

"I'm very excited," said the South London 36-year-old via cell phone from L.A. "I want to play the show, do as much promotion as possible for the album and my career, then have a look around, see the Islands."

A smile crossed his face, evident in his voice.

"You know, just see the sights," he said, his mind already drifting to sunsets and picturesque beaches. "See what there is to see. 'Cause I've never seen before."

Born Anthony Henry, Irie has spent decades perfecting the combination between dancehall, roots and hip-hop. He has been part of a new generation of British emcees who have developed and refined the fast-talking style similar to that of rapper Busta Rhymes.

"My style is original," Irie said matter-of-factly. "We created that style, a style of talking, basically, quicker than the DJs in Jamaica were doing."

Instead of working the mike in the more relaxed, laid-back style popular with island DJs at the time, Irie turned up the tempo and busted out lyrics that some have tried to emulate but couldn't duplicate.

The feedback has been "amazing," he said with a self-satisfied chuckle. "Basically, if I can be honest, there's not a lot of people who can do what I do."

And it's not a style that can be learned, either.

"I think it's something that's gotta be in you," he said. "I don't think it's something you can learn. Fast talking is different. Some of the styles you've heard, it's still not as quick as I can go ... And you can still understand what I'm saying."

Irie grew up surrounded by live music and turntables. His father would throw parties in the basement of the family's grocery store in South London. Music flew off the turntables and reverberated in Irie's ears until music became his life.

And he loves it.

"I get to travel the world and bring happiness to people with my music," said Irie, who owns two recording studios in London and produces other British talents. "And if you're good, the rewards are good, too."

Irie's career began at 13, performing with local sound systems and imitating Jamaican DJs. At 15, he was an adept emcee with the potential to bust big. And when dancehall merged with reggae in the early '80s, Irie finally found his forte.

He quit his job as a plasterer to focus on music full time.

Months of extensive touring and several albums later, Irie is now basking in the success of being an international reggae-dancehall sensation.

His latest album, "I Miss," is a deeply personal and emotional tribute to his sister, who was shot and killed in England during a break-in three years ago. She was 30.

"I was shocked," Irie said, his voice softening. "But rather than taking revenge and losing my life, the only way I could express myself was through the music. This album is a message, not just for my sister but for the entire black community. There's a lot of crazy people out there doing a lot of crazy things. Basically, that's why I made this album, as a message to people to love one another and stop killing each other."

He oozes with undeniable charisma on stage. His chat-rap style is something to be heard, making his live shows a must-see for any fan. The energy, the free flow of lyrics, the rush of tempo — Irie plans to deliver something for everyone.

"The show will be a mixture of all types of reggae music," he said.

He plans on flexing his creative muscles, playing laid-back roots, uptempo dancehall, even some "lovers rock. A couple of tunes for the ladies to keep them happy, you know.

"It's going to be a diverse show," he added. "I hope people like it."