If the name needs any introduction: John McMorris, better known as Little John, is a prolific Jamaican singjay who came up as a child star in the 1980s. A foundational figure in dancehall, he cut records with some of the heaviest producers of the era, including Henry “Junjo” Lawes, George Phang, and Jammy’s. (We have an interview with Little John on the site, worth checking out.)

VP is serving Give Thanks & Praise in three forms: the vocal single version, an extended mix, and the version. And don’t expect dub treatment on that last one. It’s a clean, laid-back instrumental, no heavy effects. The tune was also featured on the 1984 LP True Confession, and a 12″ version did come out in 1983, but only in Canada on the small Jam Can label.

George Phang produced this one for his Powerhouse label, and it was recorded at Channel One and mixed at Dynamic Sounds, with engineering from Peter Chemist and Michael Riley. The rhythmic backbone? None other than Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, whose presence was central to the Powerhouse sound of that period. You can hear it.

The song is a fine showcase of Little John’s singjay style, that natural ease he had pulling a crowd in. What’s interesting is that he went conscious and spiritual here, stepping away from the more everyday, worldly themes that ran through much of his other work. And for the riddim spotters among you, this one’s a little puzzle. Some will tell you it’s built on the True Love riddim, others point to the Heavenless riddim. The debate stays open.