SHABBA RANKS – Mr. Loverman (1991)

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“Mr. Loverman” is a song released in 1991 by Jamaican dancehall artist Shabba Ranks. The song was written by Ranks, Mikey Bennett and Hopeton Lindon. It was released in 1992 and 1993 as a single, reaching number 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart, as well as the top 20 in France, Germany and Ireland. In 2003, Q Magazine ranked “Mr. Loverman” at number 866 in their list of the “1001 Best Songs Ever”.

The song first appeared as “Champion Lover” by Deborahe Glasgow. Ranks then versioned “Champion Lover” under the new title “Mr. Lover Man”, with Deborahe Glasgow the featured female lead. This version appeared on his Rappin’ With the Ladies album in 1988. Glasgow’s illness and subsequent early death led to the song being re-recorded for release as a single, this time with Chevelle Franklyn as the featured singer.

The version featuring Chevelle Franklyn was originally released in 1992 with the David Morales remix promoted as the main version, when it charted in a modest position on the UK Singles Chart, but after being re-released in 1993, when dancehall music was starting to enjoy mainstream popularity, the track rose to number three on the UK Singles Chart and remains his biggest hit single to date.

This track also features the first time he used his trademark cry “Shabba!”, using the sampled vocals of Maxi Priest from the track “Housecall” on Ranks’ 1991 album As Raw As Ever.

In his review of Rough & Ready Vol. 1, AllMusic editor Ron Wynn said that Shabba Ranks “kept the slack dancehall” and noted “his thick, patois-laced delivery” on the song. He added that it “basically defined” the album. Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that “the Shabba Ranks success story will have yet another glowing chapter added once radio programmers get their hands on this deliciously sexy R&B/dancehall gem. A languid, shuffling groove is enhanced by easygoing toasting and sultry femme backing vocals. Yummmm.” John Martinucci from Gavin Report stated that “Mr. Loverman” “has hit written all over it”. Music & Media commented that “the top man in the ranks of raggamuffin artists knows the tricks to break a relatively unknown musical genre. He keeps it simple and accessible with a very high sing-along factor.” James Hamilton from Record Mirror described the song as a “huskily ragga rapped swayer”.

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