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The Rebel has been double -featured on the Grammy nominated Stir-it-Up compilation [Chaos / Columbia], had consecutive Certified Gold success on the Cool Runnings Soundtrack [Columbia Records] and in 1991 had the Billboard Chart busting single, "Weekend Love" with Mowtown Recording Artist Queen Latifah. In addition, his 1991 album in North America "Vibes of the Time" went straight to # 1 on the CMJ Charts and remained at or near the top of that and various other charts for several months.

Rebel's legendary stature as an entertainer with firm but liberal Rastafarian beliefs, has allowed him, since 'busting out' in 1990, to consistently resist the musical tendency towards slackness and violence, which permeated the decade of the 1980s. Instead 'the Rebel with a cause' courageously set his own trend and led a wave of message musicians such as his best friend, [the late] Garnet Silk; Buju Banton and Everton Blender back to reggae's spiritual roots.

Undoubtedly, Tony Rebel is at the forefront of what is perhaps the most pivotal movement in contemporary reggae history: the union of roots and dancehall. Lyrically, he comes with the wisdom literature similar to that of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh but the rhythms he rides are as pedestrian as any used by Bounti Killer. However, his vocal delivery is said to fall somewhere between the two; a new masterpiece of 'sing-jay' fashioned by the Rebel himself.

Lauded today as the father of the cultural revolution which has swept through the 1990s and viz. a viz. the help of artistes such as Buju Banton, Sizzla, Anthony B and Luciano, Tony Rebel stands tall at the pedestal of his career with the longest unbroken string of conscious hits in modern reggae history, tunes which embody reverence for his creator, love for his fellowmen and respect for the African past and hope for its future.

A most proficient lyricist with careful enunciation, the potency of Tony Rebel's righteous raps are undeniable. Songs such as 'Reggae on Top' [1990] and 'Teach the Children' [1994] have become musical rallying cries while 'Sweet Jamaica' [1993] and "Jah By My Side" [1996] have been publicly acclaimed as unofficial national anthems. Headlining concerts from Jamaica and the Caribbean to North America and Africa and performing before as many as 60,000 foreign fans, this cultural ambassador has, since 1989, taken his effervescent message of peace and love to open hearts on every continent. However, despite his success and longevity in the entertainment industry, this 36-year-old veteran says the path of consistency and success has been a long, hard and not so friendly road.

This statement becomes overwhelmingly true because 1994 marked a turning point in both Tony Rebel's personal and professional life. His best friend, co-artiste and soul mate Garnet Silk died. Shortly afterwards, relations with reggae artistes and Columbia Records went sour and a host of contracts with the international recording company including Tony Rebel's was terminated because of what they described as 'unfavourable' returns.

However, 1994 also brought its share of happiness for the Rebel. The 'original guerilla' proved that he was a gifted producer with an eye for talent when he founded his own music production house, Flames Productions and the Flames label. Today, Rebel produces a host of artistes including his backing vocalists, Sugar Black and Lehbanchuleh; Jah Mason and Sebastian. Also in 1994, Rebel was to delve into the promotions industry by hosting his own musical showcase, Rebel Salute. The show is now five years old and according to Tony Rebel, "it is a spiritual renaissance, it celebrates the more spiritual and certainly the healthier aspects of reggae music".

And continuing the musical mission, the Rebel released his fourth album in 1997. Interestingly, this album is called Jah By My Side" , after his multi-award winning song of the same name.

Today, it is undeniable that when Tony Rebel announced in 1989 that " A Fresh DJ is Coming", it was not an idle boast. The work of this cultural icon indeed embodies a commitment to lyrical purity and race consciousness. His 'squeaky-clean' image remains untarnished and his acclaim, locally and internationally, is both envied and admired. To this, Rebel responds, "it's hard work and Jah, who is always by my side."