Coming from a family of reggae artists,
Richie Spice has often been overshadowed by his brothers DJ Snatcher Dogg, vocalist
Spanner Banner, and producer
Pliers of
Chaka Demus & Pliers. In 2001,
Spice released
Universal, a collection of his hits combined with new recordings from
Everton Blender's Blend Dem production company. While his brothers' music tends to have a smoother tone,
Spice has a much more incendiary, confrontational style. His anthemic "Fire" is guaranteed to set off any crowd.
Spice's speciality is straight-ahead dancehall, but he also mixes in some roots on the socially conscious "Earth a Run Red" and some R&B on "Hold Me," and even throws in a lovers track with "Grooving My Girl." On
Universal,
Spice clearly demonstrates that he has enough versatility and talent to succeed on his own. ~ Jon Azpiri