EPISODE · May 31, 2026 · 2 MIN
REGGAE DANCEHALL PIONEERS: Alton Ellis — The Rap Before Rap | Part 7 | The London Single Nobody Talks About
from History of the Caribbeans | Exploring Resilience and Culture · host history experts | Joe & Kevin
In 1967, Alton Ellis cut a London single on Pama Records where he didn't sing — he rapped. Twelve years before Sugarhill Gang. Part 7 of the Reggae Dancehall Pioneers series tells the story of "The Message," the forgotten record that puts the Godfather of Rocksteady inside hip-hop's origin story.
What this episode covers
In 1967, Alton Ellis cut a London single on Pama Records where he didn't sing — he rapped. Twelve years before Sugarhill Gang. Part 7 of the Reggae Dancehall Pioneers series tells the story of "The Message," the forgotten record that puts the Godfather of Rocksteady inside hip-hop's origin story.
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REGGAE DANCEHALL PIONEERS: Alton Ellis — The Rap Before Rap | Part 7 | The London Single Nobody Talks About
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