Lincoln "Sugar" Minott, the Godfather of Dancehall, has passed away from an apparent heart condition. Sugar Minott is credited with being a reggae pioneer, laying vocal tracks over original tapes from songs from the 1960s rather than using a live band, which was the norm at the time. This decision caused a revolution in the reggae sound that brought a new style to reggae music known as dancehall. He is also known for starting his Black Roots label, which led to Youthman Promotions. Black Roots and Youthman Promotions' roster included Little John, Triston Palmer, Barry Brown, Tony Tuff, Junior Reid, Yami Bolo, Don Angelo, Tenor Saw, Nitty Gritty, Garnet Silk (who did his first recording for the Black Roots label), Tony Rebel, Colorman, Daddy Freddie, Johnny Osbourne and Steve "Shalom" Harper. Minott made more than 60 albums, and his hits included "Herbsman Hustling," "Mr DC," "House Is Not a Home," "No Vacancy," "Good Thing Going" and "Never Gonna Give Up Jah." He was 54.
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Sugar Minott performs "Rough Ol' Life (Babylon)" at Reggae Sunsplash in 1983.
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