Several weeks ago, Twista released his latest project Lifetime. The title track features none other than Mad Lion, a pioneer of ragga hip hop.
Mad Lion is best known for his partnership with the legendary Blastmaster KRS-One. During the 1990s, the duo helped define ragga hip hop by blending Jamaican reggae with New York-bred hip hop.
Even today, their creative bond remains strong, as they continue to collaborate and release music together
Twista – Lifetime feat. Mad Lion
In 1993, Mad Lion released the single “Shoot to Kill,” which generated significant buzz, particularly in New York. KRS-One produced the track and had previously used the beat on Return of the Boom Bap for his song “Black Cop.”
However, it was Mad Lion’s follow-up single, “Take It Easy,” that pushed him into the mainstream. Released in 1994 and again produced by KRS-One, the song helped solidify Mad Lion’s place in ragga hip hop.
Mad Lion – Shoot to Kill (prod. by Krs-One)
Krs-One – Black Cop
Mad Lion – Take It Easy (prod.by Krs-One)
The following year, Mad Lion released the project Real Ting. One of its standout tracks, “Double Trouble,” received a remix featuring KRS-One, further strengthening their creative partnership.
Around the same time, the duo appeared on the classic posse cut “1,2 Pass It.” The track also featured Doug E. Fresh, Fat Joe, Smif-N-Wessun, and Jeru the Damaja, with production handled by DJ Premier for The D&D Project.
Later on, DJ Premier reunited with Mad Lion and KRS-One on “Wannabemceez,” which appeared on KRS-One’s self-titled album.
Mad Lion – Double Trouble (remix) feat. Krs-One
Krs-One – 1,2 Pass It feat. Mad Lion, Doug E Fresh, Fat Joe, Smif-N-Wessun & Jeru The Damaja (prod. by DJ Premier)
Krs-One – Wannabemceez feat. Mad Lion (prod. by DJ Premier)
In 1997, Mad Lion released Ghetto Gold Platinum Respect, with KRS-One handling the production. The album featured standout tracks such as “Carpenter” and “New York.”
In 1998, the duo expanded their reach by teaming up with Shaggy on “Ey-Yo! (The Reggae Virus),” which appeared on the soundtrack for the film Caught Up.
Around the same time, Xzibit included Mad Lion and KRS-One on the compilation Likwit Rhymes. They appeared with Ras Kass on “Up from da Underground.”
Mad Lion – Carpenter (prod. by Krs-One)
Mad Lion – New York (prod.by Krs-One)
Mad Lion – Ey-Yo!(The Reggae Virus) feat. Krs-One & Shaggy
Xzibit – Up from da Underground feat. Mad Lion, Krs-One & Ras Kass
Since 2000, Mad Lion has continued producing tracks for KRS-One and appearing alongside him on various projects. Over the years, their chemistry has remained intact.
To this day, they represent ragga hip hop at its finest. Their work reflects the power of two genres coming together, while reminding listeners of a movement that defined the 1990s and remains deeply missed.
