Dennis Alcapone is a towering figure within the world of reggae, best known for being one of the original deejays—a term that refers to reggae or dancehall musicians who sing and toast over riddims. Born Dennis Smith in Clarendon, Jamaica, Alcapone started his music career in the late 1960s and gained prominence in the 1970s by working with producer Keith Hudson and later with Bunny Lee. His style was heavily influenced by the work of U-Roy, another pioneering reggae deejay, and this led to Alcapone developing a rapid-fire, rhythmic vocal delivery that was both innovative and widely emulated.

The titles of his most recent releases, such as "Beware," "Get Happy," and "Mandingo Warrior," suggest a continuing passion for delivering messages of vigilance, joy, and strength, which are staples in reggae music storytelling. Projects like "Reggae Greats: U-Roy, I-Roy and Dennis Alcapone," and collaborative compilations "U Roy vs Dennis Alcapone" and "Head 2 Head" indicate Alcapone's respect within the industry and affirm his standing as a peer to other greats. Over the decades, Alcapone has left an indelible mark on the genre with an extensive discography that includes collaborations with other prominent figures like The Aggrovators, Sly & Robbie, and King Tubby. His impact on the genre has led to his work being essential listening for anyone interested in the evolution of reggae and the role of the deejay as a central figure in Jamaican music.

Genres

Dub

Early Reggae

Old School Dancehall

Reggae

Rocksteady

Roots Reggae

Latest Release

Belch It Off

Dennis Alcapone

Album - 10 Tracks - Released April 24, 2024