Like Peter Tosh, who many have compared him to, and whose influence he proudly acknowledges, Capleton's explicitly culture-conscious lyrics decry the corruption and immorality running rampant in the world today. He insists upon continuously going against the grain, artistically attacking social ills and economic inequities in the language of the streets. Positive proof is his debut album on Def Jam Records. The album, Prophecy, features "Tour", the #1 international dancehall smash, which received the "Single of the Year" award in 1995 at the "Caribbean Music Awards" in New York.

Every song on his powerful album "Prophecy" carries a serious political message while still boasting groundbreaking beats and booming' bass in the righteous reggae flavor. The single "Wings of the Morning" saw him teaming up with Method Man and took off in both the dancehall and Hip-Hop genres.

Born Clifton Bailey on April 13, 1967, in rural Islington, St. Mary, Capleton received his moniker from friends who thought that his sharp ability to reason should allow him the privilege of being named after the most prominent lawyer in town. From the age of 12, when he would sneak out to go to the dances, he knew sooner or later music would be his life and salvation. At 18 he moved with his relatives to Kingston, where the real reggae action was.

Supporting himself through odd jobs and regularly practicing his dj skills with neighborhood sound systems, Capleton eventually auditioned for Stewart Brown's Toronto based set, African Star. Stewart provided the backdrop for Capleton's first, sizzling stage show, which served as a magnet for much greater success. "I'll always be grateful to Stewart for believing in me and giving me a chance to prove myself," Capleton acknowledged.

Back home in Jamaica, word of Capleton's Canadian triumph spread like wildfire, prompting Fattis, the hit making producer, to put him in the studio. The underground dancehall hit "Bumbo Red" catapulted Capleton's popularity, even though its explicit lyrics kept the record out of prime radio spots. In his own defense against charges of the songs alleged "slackness" Capleton makes no excuses, instead noting that its social substance speaks for itself.

Now on stardom's fast track, the dancehall circuit begged for as much Capleton as it could get and he was soon a headliner on Kingston's biggest sets. Two Top 10 hits, "No. 1 on the look good chart", and "Woman Mi Lotion", on the Jah Life and Brava labels respectively, helped to further bolster his career. But the best was still yet to come.

At the 1990 "Reggae Sunsplash" festival he was so impressive he scored seven encores for his scintillating performance. From that day on Capleton has been a major dancehall player. He's toured the US, Canada, Japan, and of course the Caribbean, gaining the admiration of millions of loyal fans and re-establishing mass interest and support for '90's culture based music.

Now armed with a string of hits, Capleton is a main attraction for any reggae line-up. He brings to the stage a new dimension of electrifying performance and professionalism that are nearly impossible for audiences to watch without going into a frenzy. His one-of-a-kind, majestic attire takes Capleton into a new realm of spiritual and artistic existence.

Capleton is dedicated to the righteousness of the Rastafari religion, which he's proud to say positively changed his life. The teachings of great black leaders such as Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie, to whom he often pays tribute in songs like the 1994 classic "Don't Dis the Trinity", are a great influence on this phenomenal performer.

"For a real artist it's about being true to Jah, yourself, and your art. And, starting with "Tour," my new album seeks to do nothing less," says Capleton. "The Almighty has made it my destiny to help keep Rasta and roots culture alive and strong, through my music, my lyrics, and my life."

_{Copyright Spider Consulting Inc Article By Karim Kameka.
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