NEW RELEASE

After the heavyweight 2024 release Prince Philip Presents: Dubplates & Raw Rhythm from King Tubby’s Studio 1973–1976, we’re now treated to a fresh follow-up. And it’s again a real nice one.

Titled Never Eclipsed: Dancehall from Philip Smart’s HC&F Studio 1985–1996, this 10-track set gives you a proper look at the next chapter of Philip Smart’s journey. This is him stepping fully into his role as engineer and producer at his own HC&F studio in New York, shaping that raw dancehall sound.

Ten tracks, but plenty of ground covered. The selection runs from the early days of the studio right through to 1996, when his final productions wrapped up. And the tracklist really tells the story. You get classics such as Half Pint’s Don’t Try To Use Me and Garnett Silk’s Retreat Wicked Man alongside tunes that don’t always get the spotlight. Frankie Paul’s take on Black Uhuru’s Plastic Smile is a standout, and if you know your New York dancehall, you’ll probably be familiar with dancefloor staples like Scion Success’ Cry Fi Mi Girl and Shelene’s Where Does It Go From Here across the Tempo riddim. And it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find lesser-known tracks like Lilly Melody’s Promotion And Stride and the smooth instrumental Autumn Leaves from Tom & Jerry Horns.

And for the collectors, there’s real treasure here. Two unreleased tracks make the cut: Tony Tuff’s Hit & Run, plus the original theme from Philip Smart’s Get Smart radio show on WNYU back in 1985. That show ran for years, so hearing this piece now feels like opening a time capsule.