Nitty Gritty

Glen Augustus Holness, better known as Nitty Gritty,

Our story

was a celebrated figure in reggae and dancehall music, known for his

distinct voice and pioneering contributions to the digital dancehall era. Born on August 1957 in the vibrant community of August Town, Kingston, Jamaica, Nitty Gritty grew up in a large, religious family, being the second of eleven children. His upbringing in a deeply spiritual household, along with the influences of his Kingston neighborhood, shaped his unique approach to music, blending traditional roots with the emerging digital dancehall sounds of the 1980s.

One of Lyrical’s notable releases

Nitty Gritty’s career took off when he began working

with the legendary producer King Jammy, one of the key figures in the advent of digital dancehall, or "ragga." This new style was distinguished by its heavy use of digital rhythms, which brought a fresh sound to reggae and defined the dancehall genre. Nitty Gritty's collaboration with King Jammy produced some of his most iconic tracks, including the dancehall hit *"Hog In A Minty,"* a reimagining of a traditional Jamaican tune that became one of his signature songs. Other hits like *"Sweet Reggae Music"* and *"Good Morning Teacher"* solidified his reputation, with his rough-edged vocal delivery bringing an undeniable authenticity to the genre. In the late 1980s, Nitty Gritty expanded his reach by traveling to London, where he collaborated with Howard at Brixton's B.P. Studio. This period in his career saw him engage in the UK reggae scene, recording dubplates and exclusive cuts for Brixton Promotion. His renditions of tracks like *"Amazing Grace"* on 10” acetate and various other dubplates were embraced by UK sound system culture, where his music added depth and resonance to live sessions, echoing both his Jamaican roots and his evolvingsound.

Raw Singer, DJ

Nitty Gritty’s style was marked by his raw

and commanding vocal presence, which brought an intensity to the digital beats he favored. His work with both Jamaican and UK producers showcased his versatility and his dedication to innovation within reggae music. Despite his career being cut tragically short in 1991, Nitty Gritty's influence remains strong, as he helped shape the sounds of dancehall and opened doors for future digital reggae artists. His legacy lives on through the timeless appeal of his music, which continues to inspire reggae and dancehall fans worldwide.

Birth of Passion Enterprise and International Collaborations

Sammy Levi worked with Howard in the B.P studios in Brixton.

Sammy Levi, born Carl Douglas, is a respected reggae and lovers rock artist known for his soulful voice and his contributions to the British reggae scene in the 1980s and 1990s. He established himself within the lovers rock genre—a style of reggae focused on themes of love and relationships, characterized by smooth rhythms and emotional depth. Sammy’s vocal talent allowed him to connect with listeners on an emotional level, making him a beloved figure among fans of reggae’s softer side.

In 1990, Sammy Levi collaborated with Howard at B.P. Studios in Brixton, a cultural hub for reggae artists in London. Under the Passion Enterprise label, he recorded *”Hurting On The Inside,”* a lovers rock classic that demonstrated his unique ability to convey heartache and longing. The track quickly became popular within the UK reggae scene, resonating with audiences who appreciated its heartfelt lyrics and melodic flow. This single marked an important moment in his career, showcasing both his vocal prowess and his ability to bring depth to the lovers rock genre.

Sammy’s work with Passion Enterprise and his time at B.P. Studios placed him alongside some of the most influential figures in UK reggae, allowing him to expand his musical reach. He contributed to the thriving Brixton reggae scene, where B.P. Studios served as a collaborative space for artists who were dedicated to pushing the boundaries of reggae and lovers rock.

Throughout his career, Sammy Levi has remained a prominent figure within reggae, with his songs continuing to be celebrated by lovers rock enthusiasts. His music, characterized by its emotional sincerity and smooth delivery, captures the essence of a golden era in British reggae, and his legacy endures as an artist who stayed true to the soul of lovers rock.