Words by Jesse Serwer—

Freddie McGregor celebrated the start of his 50th year in the music business (Yes, he’s only 57; he got started at 7!) in January with the release of a new album, Di Captain. “Bagga Hype” is definitely one of the standout tracks from that effort. The song’s lyrics address the out-of-control, reckless behavior McGregor observes amoung many young Jamaicans, particularly those representing their country via the music business (or so it sounds to our ears at least), and the impact it has on the country at large: When mi talk to dem, dem say ‘respect due’ but dem nuh have none for me and you/Hotting up the place ’cause it’s pure curfew/Mek di Babylon dem a pressure me and you. Heavy stuff.