Dancehall Legend Nardo Ranks Passes Away
Nardo Ranks, the iconic deejay best known for his 1992 hit song Dem A Bleach, has tragically passed away. He died in Queens, New York, on December 22, as confirmed by colleagues through social media.
Tributes Pour In
Among those paying tribute was Red Fox, a veteran of the tri-state dancehall scene. Red Fox took to Instagram to express his sorrow: “Saddened to hear the passing of Nardo Ranks… My condolence to his family and loved ones. RIP DJ.”
Dem A Bleach: A Cultural Milestone
Dem A Bleach was produced by the Taxi Gang, utilizing the Bam Bam rhythm that fueled numerous hit songs of the era, including Murder She Wrote by Chaka Demus and Pliers. The track was a sharp critique of individuals who used acidic creams to lighten their skin, a prevalent issue at the time. The song resonated deeply, topping the RJR Top 40 chart for six weeks 32 years ago.
“When I did Dem A Bleach, it was in response to Buju Banton’s Love Mi Browning. Bleaching was just catching on at the time, and I wanted to highlight that in my song,” Nardo Ranks told the Jamaica Observer in an April 2017 interview.
Continued Success with Burrup
Following the success of Dem A Bleach, Nardo Ranks released Burrup in 1993, produced by Soljie Hamilton. The single achieved significant acclaim, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Dance Music Maxi-Singles Sales chart that year.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Gary Henderson, Nardo Ranks hailed from the Dunkirk (McIntyre Villa) community in east Kingston. His music career began in the mid-1980s with the Cave Man Hi Power sound system. His first released song, Love To See The Girls, debuted in 1989.
He achieved a dancehall hit alongside fellow Dunkirk native Wayne Wonder with Sound Boy What Happen, produced by Winston Riley. However, it was Dem A Bleach that catapulted him to national recognition. The success of the track secured Nardo Ranks a contract with Profile Records, a New York-based independent label with strong hip hop connections. Profile Records released his album, Rough Nardo Ranking, in 1993.
Reflections from Industry Peers
Veteran American music industry insider Murray Elias, who worked with Nardo at Profile Records, reminisced about their collaboration:
“Nardo was an underrated deejay. He had a super-hot run in the early ’90s, where he not only delivered back-to-back dancehall hits but also saw every one of those hits cross over into the hip-hop world. They were massive hits in New York, both in the clubs and on the mix shows, and in the case of Burrup, on radio stations like KISS-FM and others up and down the East Coast. Burrup, Rikers Island, New Jersey Drive, and Dem A Bleach were all innovative and groundbreaking classics. Working with Nardo on these projects was an absolute honor and privilege.”
Beyond Music: Foray into Acting
In addition to his musical achievements, Nardo Ranks explored acting, appearing in films such as Jamaican Mafia and Jump Off. His versatility showcased his passion for the arts beyond the dancehall scene.
Legacy and Remembrance
Nardo Ranks, who was in his late 50s, leaves behind a rich legacy in the dancehall and reggae genres. His contributions, particularly through tracks like Dem A Bleach, have left an indelible mark on the music industry. As fans and fellow artists mourn his loss, his music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Rest in peace, Nardo Ranks. Your rhythms and messages will continue to echo in the hearts of many.
