The second volume in the Dancehall 101 series is a bit more consistent than the first, though both succeed overall at presenting a good overview of the Jamaican dancehall reggae scene of the 1980s and early '90s. Volume 2 presents a higher ratio of superstars to unknowns;
Johnny Osbourne (one of the first great dancehall singers),
Pinchers,
Foxy Brown (who would later make a name for herself with her cover version of
Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car"), Sanchez, and
Beres Hammond all put in appearances, though the album's best track may be by its most obscure artist,
El General, who delivers an exquisite piece of Spanish toasting on "Pun Tun Tun." Other highlights include the great singer-DJ combo track "Love Him Haffi Get" by
Beres Hammond and
Cutty Ranks, and
Sister Nancy's ruling take on the very popular "Bam Bam" rhythm. (Both volumes of Dancehall 101 include a bonus disc on which the album's tracks are mixed in live dancehall style: Volume 1 is mixed by the Adonai sound, Volume 2 by Road International.) ~ Rick Anderson