The Disciples (band)
Encyclopedia
The Disciples are a dub
roots reggae
group who formed in 1986 by brothers Russ D. and Lol Bell-Brown. They are said to be named by Jah Shaka
after producing exclusively for Jah Shaka. They recorded 4 albums of instrumental dub for Jah Shaka's King Of The Zulu Tribe label during 1987 to 1990.
Russ D. acquired some very basic recording equipment in 1985 which started their productions. Over the years this has seen many changes moving from a bedroom with 4 and 8 track recording to a small purpose built studio which now comprises full 24 track recording and mixing facilities.
The Disciples built their own sound system in 1991 and played events across the UK for the following 5 years after. They played alongside notable UK sounds like Aba Shanti-I, Iration Steppas and Channel One Sound System. Musical content was strictly roots reggae
and dub music
from all eras.
Their first label, Boom Shacka Lacka, was formed in 1993 for releasing heavyweight instrumental dubs and this included a release of Prowling Lion. The also prouced another album, For Those Who Understand. During this time their tracks featured on compilations for labels such as Virgin (Macrodub series), Dope On Plastic, Zip Dog and Dubhead. Further albums where released with artists such as Rootsman, Dayjah and Sister Rasheda.
In 1996 they formed their second label, Backyard Movements, which was designed for releasing roots reggae vocal releases. The label has seen works with both homegrown and Jamaican artists including Prince Allah, Michael Rose, Bunny Lie Lie, Lutan Fyah, Prince Malachi
, Tony Roots, Danny Vibes, Christine Miller, Ras Mac Bean, High Priest, Anthony Que and others.
Since 1996 the Disciples sound system was dissolved and brother Lol pulled out of the business, Russ D. continued with both the label and DJ`ing, teaming up with long time friend Jonah Dan.
The works continue in the Disciples Backyard Studio for their own productions and other labels.
Dub music
Dub is a genre of music which grew out of reggae music in the 1960s, and is commonly considered a subgenre, though it has developed to extend beyond the scope of reggae...
roots reggae
Roots reggae
Roots reggae is a subgenre of reggae that deals with the everyday lives and aspirations of the artists concerned, including the spiritual side of Rastafari and with the honoring of God, called Jah by rastafarians. It also is identified with the life of the ghetto sufferer, and the rural poor...
group who formed in 1986 by brothers Russ D. and Lol Bell-Brown. They are said to be named by Jah Shaka
Jah Shaka
Jah Shaka has been operating a South East London-based, roots reggae Jamaican sound system since the early 1970s. His name is an amalgamation of the Rastafarian term for God and that of a Zulu warrior, Shaka Zulu.-Career:...
after producing exclusively for Jah Shaka. They recorded 4 albums of instrumental dub for Jah Shaka's King Of The Zulu Tribe label during 1987 to 1990.
Russ D. acquired some very basic recording equipment in 1985 which started their productions. Over the years this has seen many changes moving from a bedroom with 4 and 8 track recording to a small purpose built studio which now comprises full 24 track recording and mixing facilities.
The Disciples built their own sound system in 1991 and played events across the UK for the following 5 years after. They played alongside notable UK sounds like Aba Shanti-I, Iration Steppas and Channel One Sound System. Musical content was strictly roots reggae
Roots reggae
Roots reggae is a subgenre of reggae that deals with the everyday lives and aspirations of the artists concerned, including the spiritual side of Rastafari and with the honoring of God, called Jah by rastafarians. It also is identified with the life of the ghetto sufferer, and the rural poor...
and dub music
Dub music
Dub is a genre of music which grew out of reggae music in the 1960s, and is commonly considered a subgenre, though it has developed to extend beyond the scope of reggae...
from all eras.
Their first label, Boom Shacka Lacka, was formed in 1993 for releasing heavyweight instrumental dubs and this included a release of Prowling Lion. The also prouced another album, For Those Who Understand. During this time their tracks featured on compilations for labels such as Virgin (Macrodub series), Dope On Plastic, Zip Dog and Dubhead. Further albums where released with artists such as Rootsman, Dayjah and Sister Rasheda.
In 1996 they formed their second label, Backyard Movements, which was designed for releasing roots reggae vocal releases. The label has seen works with both homegrown and Jamaican artists including Prince Allah, Michael Rose, Bunny Lie Lie, Lutan Fyah, Prince Malachi
Prince Malachi
Prince Malachi , is a roots reggae singer who has been acclaimed as an international "New Roots Messenger".-History:...
, Tony Roots, Danny Vibes, Christine Miller, Ras Mac Bean, High Priest, Anthony Que and others.
Since 1996 the Disciples sound system was dissolved and brother Lol pulled out of the business, Russ D. continued with both the label and DJ`ing, teaming up with long time friend Jonah Dan.
The works continue in the Disciples Backyard Studio for their own productions and other labels.