I-Roy interview [UNCUT]

Unedited mid-90’s interview by reggae historian Steve Barrow. The Jamaican deejay whose rich vocal style - sly, funny, and frequently pruriently knowing, made him one of the great Jamaican originators, and paved the way for the development of rap music in the U.S. Filmed by Don Letts and Rick Elgood.
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The Palm Channel will present some of the highlights from our catalogue, an eclectic mix of original short films, interviews from our archives exploring the roots and branches of Jamaican music, and much more.
Created by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell (Bob Marley, U2, Grace Jones etc.). Palm Pictures has always pushed musical boundaries and encouraged unlikely collaborations. Since the late 90's it has been a leader in the convergence of music and film, producing and distributing music documentaries, arthouse & foreign cinema, and music videos.

[@geoffreytucker2333]

One of the most talented and intelligent Dj's to come out of Jamaica, yet so underrated. He didn't get the respect that he was due in life, but his music lives on .

[@lawrencedosithee7502]

Such is life sometimes we ve been deprive what is rightfully your but rise above negativity.

[@rockers7889]

Cann blow dunny on blow

[@africangodman6145]

@Pierce Ryker I don't think anyone is bothered by your comment, that's you and your girlfriend business 😎.

[@engleystewart4675]

I met I Roy in the Seventies when he first came here he used to deejay on King Tubbys (UK) sound and helped us to win our first major sound clash @ Battersea Town Hall in 1973. Happy Days!

[@MAArch-ec7se]

Does anyone else think he’s funny as heck! 😂. He cracks me up. Extremely likable guy. Sounds like he’s talking to his buddies in a bar or in his home personal space. Except unbeknownst to him- he’s sharing deeply personal daily life info that is being broadcast to the world. RIP. This man had a tremendous VOICE that I love to hear! Blessings❤️

[@samuelnelson9613]

M.A. Arch he is amazing yep I agree he is charismatic love him. 😁😂

[@KyleWallacekev]

@@samuelnelson9613 Thats how the average Jamaican talk with each other

[@donnajacksunn489]

Yassssss, he has me laughing all thru the interview 🤣🤣🤣

[@mikefamilyman]

look on his face when the lights go off...😂😂😂

[@africanwarrior8999]

You are absolutely on point!

[@SunShyne_Culture]

I had the privilege of deejaying with him one night on his sound Turbotronic, on the beach at Rio Nuevo, St. Mary 1981. Intellectual lyrics legend! Missing him right now!

[@magogmarsmantugorma7678]

One of the most Educated artist to ever come out of Jamaica.

[@admiralhipowa7158]

I remember when I was a small kid & my Dad was playing in a shubeen, I was trying to sleep on the couch upstairs. After the dance me & my Dad got in the car and he gave me an album to hold as he drove us home, I didn’t know what the album was as I was about 4 years old but the cover of that album stayed with me forever, that album was Hell & Sorrow. A few years later I’m looking in the gram & find nuff I-Roy albums, luckily I inherited them when my Dad passed. RIP the Great I-Roy, hopefully one day Jamaica will wake up & treasure those that paved the way.

[@desmondgrant4126]

👍😁

[@sandrawillis1334]

I absolutely agree it pains me when people compare him unfavourably to U Roy.

[@philliplyn2692]

True facts hopefully everyone pays attention 🙏🙏🙏🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💪💪💪

[@deryckhaynes3657]

O98 is not to say p4'O

[@juniorbrown5904]

@@sandrawillis1334 if you're saying that I Roy is greater than U Roy, Sandra, you clearly haven't listen carefully. I'Roy's voice is more commercial than URoy and that is what.he has over URoy. Otherwise he is the third in line. The first is URoy. The second is Big Youth. I Roy copy them both. Listen again. URoy and Big Youth are original kings in their styles. They are the greatest influences, style wise by all popular DJs of their time. I love the glitter that I Roy brings to the music though. No one could do "Buck and the preacher" any better and maybe several others too. I think many people who hardly knows the difference between URoy and I Roy, gives I Roy Hugh Roy's credit. I check for them both though. Prince Jazzbo gave I Roy a run for his money in one single song. We love them all though and we always love the truth.

[@clive6641]

19 Kids ( flashing the whip). U Roy was the original but this guy rides and sits on a ridding unlike any other. I love him and to this day in 2020 I still play and listen his talent. IRoy in my opinion was one of the best!

[@blackstar-cg1se]

Before u-roy there is already i- roy dont forget that.

[@JayCharlse]

11qa

[@647boss2]

He was the absolute best in his time, the most lyrics out of them all!!! Only Charley Ace, Dr. Alamintado and Jah Youth (Big Youth) could chant even close to his standard '70 to '75 👑💫💯

[@peterredish9807]

@@JayCharlse

[@cartervanpelt]

Great interview with a key figure in Jamaican music. Thank you for all your work Steve Barrow. Rest in Power, I Roy.

[@steveb5129]

Respect to you too, Carter, for your work. I Roy - a man who is definitely missed....

[@647boss2]

​@steveb5129 yes respect everytime Carter your work is legendary!!! 💥💥💥

[@MAArch-ec7se]

This man is extraordinary. Thanks for posting the great and mighty IRoy. His sound is like no other, or 2nd to none. I hope he'll get the true respect he deserves from his organic and original sound that so many have pilfered. Rest In Peace IRoy. You ruled mightily. One love.

[@jomohector5274]

Respect to my Brethren Fowler massive who send me this Historical video interview with this Historical Man the great IRoy, what a history lesson on sound system this man is giving to the world which I was a part of in my younger days, straight legend this man, hear the giants this man mention King Tubbys, coxson, channel one sons junior ect, my Sound Was Papa Moke Hi Fi, my boss use to get a lot of dubs From the great King Tubbys himself, RIP Papa Moke Tubbys IRoy, great legacies.

[@jermainemiller9957]

Big up uself papa Moke. Original sound from America. Jamaican culture!

[@GhettoQueen-bp8rl]

Thank you for positing one of me top on my list hits 👊🏿👊🏿💯

[@koont666]

My reggae hero,i had black man time on down town UK,at the age of 7 ,dont ask ,but those strings one the slaving riddim shaped my musical taste,god bless king I roy the best❤🇬🇧🇮🇪🍀

[@kevinenfield2338]

Been listening to I Roy from a boy in my 50s now 1st time I have heard him speak lol full respect Roy.

[@DjQwest876]

This is like Gold!!! Thank you sooooo much.

[@omarisankofa6956]

Ye bredda, better than gold!!!

[@oceanchime861]

Near 2019 still listening

[@KingShone]

I knew Steve Barrow filmed this and he talked about this long time and I wanted to see it soooo much. I Roy, my favourite jamaican DJ, woooow... THANX A MILLION for this video.

[@PALMPicturesChannel]

Thanks for your comment! Keep coming to our channel for more interviews by Steve Barrow, very soon!

[@steveb5129]

Thanks King....that's one man that I do miss.

[@townman1]

This is one of the best interviews I have ever heard on the start of Dance Hall music , I also saw a very informative interview from Big Youth , just gold about the real history.

[@GullysideGazatugs]

Fam you wrote every word that came to my thoughts about this person

[@selvinwright7447]

As a teenager i remember he used to DJ at Ho.Sang club in Spanish Town

[@edsmith1757]

next man with photographic memory king daddy High Roy

[@samuelnelson9613]

An absolute pleasure listening to him! I grow up listening to his music from Jamaica to England I’m listening to the great I-Roy. Him make me laugh 😂 and smile 😊one love me brother.

[@mithritades]

Beinga Dancehall head, this is the things I LOVE to hear LOL, Big up I-Roy !!

[@etherealdreams7936]

You can even hear the richness and tone quality in his speaking voice t'rass ! One of the best sounding articulate deejay ever.

[@admiralhipowa7158]

Wish my Dad was here to watch this, the great I-Roy was always played in our home.

[@MrYanks]

Jah Know Star I love hear how I Roy a reason Brethren. I remember I met him in di early 90’s at SuperPower Records with Count Shelly on Church Ave. What a fun Bredda.R.I.P. I-ROY 🔉🔉🔉🎼🎼🎼🎵🎵🎵🎶🎶🎶🎤

[@Bmants]

Its nice to see the great I Roy. I have only seen him in one video that was not well done. Jamaicans have fantastic memory. RIP Great One!

[@willmoore4093]

Thank you PALM Pictures for this lovely piece of history. I've been waiting for to see I-Roy live in interview since I was a young boy. Quite refreshing to say the very least!

[@sjvice2197]

Thanks for the upload it was a pleasure to watch

[@funnyeater9039]

i absolutely love iRoy! and he is such an INCREDIBLE TALKER, JUST SET HIM OFF AND, AN HOUR PLUS LATER HES STILL GOIN LIKE HE JUS STARTED!!!!!!! Iv got the original recording of him talking bout Jazbo to Roddy, its my favourite tape of All time, do you wish You had it?

[@tahira1]

Yes

[@funnyeater9039]

@@tahira1 I would send you a copy but I cant find the orig right now, iv got to sort thru about 2thousand tapes

[@emmanuelgeorge5286]

Yes

[@funnyeater9039]

@@emmanuelgeorge5286 I'm afraid I have to refer you to the answer I gave some months ago.

[@rtee4086]

he was one of Jamaica's top DJ's, Dem man deh ram dancehall back in the days, RIP I Roy

[@omarisankofa6956]

Th is the best interview on I Roy yet!!! Thank you so much for all your works!

[@renfordperry123]

The first DJ I listened to at the age of 13 my fav DJ ever nobody like I ROY nobody

[@wacatonesparkbrook7795]

I Roy one of the first djs ever heard loved his voice True legend

[@rastaman12ify]

Awesome!! Love the deejay I-Roy ...one of the all time great Deejays inna Jamaica

[@justyna4276]

Fantastic, simply fu**ing fantastic.

[@funnyeater9039]

I-Paul (harris) has Always LOVED him, he is abosolutely Funtastic , could listn im all day!

[@reggaeroots1693]

One of the originators of DJing and great interview...smooth DJ style and very underrated..R.I.P

[@bondedbymuzik]

Too bad the great I Roy the duke transited before his plans became a reality. This is an interview unlike any other!!!

[@ShortieLeeroy]

A boombastic interview with I.Roy in full flow patois.Hot Pot Music has some wicked reissues,just thought i´d throw that in.

[@wahreeyah]

This is a classic interview. I man give thanks. The Great I Roy live and in living colours. Salute.

[@blazerdan227]

Very educational I love every second of it bless up

[@FreshkingFreshking-kh5ds]

Grandpa is a legendary man Rest In Peace ✌️

[@sharweinwalker3802]

Freshking31 Freshking31 I m trying to find Aaron Reid or Trevolin. I Roy is my Aunty's son.Any info u have please email me at [e-mail].

[@647boss2]

Most legendary DJ ever!!! 👑💫💯👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿...be very proud

[@andrewajjones122]

Brilliant interview, much thanks ❤👊🏾, was trying to find year of the interview... Anyway...Great Work. 👌🏾

[@JuniorRodigan]

Such a gifted talent, humble and classy gentleman. May his soul be blessed and rest in peace. *LEGEND* ... thank you for this outstanding interview. Salute to Steve Barrow

[@philliplyn2692]

Loving this one thanks for sharing very important information giving thanks blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🙏🙏🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💪💪💪

[@moedemama]

pure joy! great stories, hope to see more from palm!

[@jamaicanking45]

I roy the great Dj 2021 still listening 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bennettstephenson9090]

the legend interview Jamaica needs these great legends again in the music again.

[@carltonbenjamin6688]

Brilliant interview this man was a awesome dj don't think people realise how good he was years ahead of his time very articulate and very knowledgeable and intelligent lyrical some of old tunes are classics up to this day out of the Spanish Town camp where future lyrical dis come from like the great Papa San Lieutenant Stitchie Ricky Stereo Wolfman

[@simeonstarr8254]

the great I Roy, ah him mi first rate as a dj from 74,75,76 b4 mi really like U Roy still... Both legends. thanks for the upload 👍

[@strictlydubrecords]

Gold... Thanks for the interview, I don't know why I found it only today. There is not so much information about I-Roy out there on the internet. Such a PERSON!

[@tftkadawidalle6342]

THE MOST ARTICULATE, SLY,, LOGICAL OF THE CLASSIC DJS. What a treasure. He reminded me of W.C. Fields when he rapped/ toasted.... Treasure. GIVE THANKS mates. Cheers.

[@sugarbb733]

Kingston Jamestown

[@DjRickeyRicardo]

❤️one of the original deejays bless up

[@phillipforbes7569]

Am from Waterhouse and this man has talk about the history of my area. reeeeeeel talk

[@crystaltelevisionnigeria3525]

I Roy greatest hit heart of a Lion is still a masterpiece reggae album in the 70's

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

That track HEART ❤️ OF LION 🦁 was my introduction to the Mighty DJ/POET.. I-ROY around '83.....👍

[@MAArch-ec7se]

Great great interview. I'm grateful ftovsee the mighty and great IRoy. This was our and innate talent. May he get all the the

[@ricardoagard9280]

LEGEND! bring back di real 🎶 of substance I too young fi remember him but my father bless his soul knew him.

[@georgemystic7797]

I Roy was the first DJ I ever take in as a kids in Jamaica in the 70's with another DJ name prince Jasbo on ruddy's sound. I was around 12 -13 yr old boz I can remember I went to the dance in a short karki pants and a weather man hat,, good old days , he was a articulate kind off kid always wearing beva felt hat, hahaha

[@rupertrobinson2151]

George Mystic falls

[@glenroybrown2028]

I loved I Roy; he was my hero, he was next to Big Youth probably the first conscious DJ bringing to youth the importance of black self worth. I absolutely love him; I knew his lyrics word for word. For me during his time his lyrics was an inspiration they were so uplifting. God bless him.

[@traum640]

Big Youth was just different. I knew his Mom and some of his kids very well. I can listen to I-Roy all day though.

[@omarrodney2440]

Co. sign!!!!!!!!! I Roy was the Greatest DJ along with Big youth...Intelligent with Black Liberation Inspiration!!!

[@jerry76411]

great interview with a great man i-roy R.I.P

[@ayomaakaa6978]

Yes Daddy I Roy me love im from me youth in de 70's de mos intelligent and sharp inna him observations of alla de DJ outta yard

[@cperkins172]

He died humbly and it touched me when I heard but I have a good collection of his music. Without apology to anybody, I have always felt that I Roy was one of the best dj out of Jamaica since U Roy. He was clearer and his lyrics were much better in my opinion.......in addition he had the best voice I have heard recorded back then. Jazzbo was a clown compared to him. I love his music and I am holding on to my collection. I loved ranking Trevor and Hugh Brown but the flow from the great I Roy is unmatched to this day. You don’t have to agree but find his music and listen to a legend. I own a system and play occasionally........ you know I Roy is up front and center.

[@sandrawillis1334]

I Agree i like U Roy of course but what it is is, I Roy has Charisma He is captivating. Look how long the interview went on for, im quite sure he would have carried on talking into the next week😁 Personally i could listen to him talking. forever. Fascinating details and facts. "Black man time" is up there as one of best deejay tunes of all time enjoyed this immensely. "Nuff Repect I Roy."👊🏿

[@samuelnelson9613]

Balli wow I’m in shock I can’t believe him pass on already someone else commented above that he passed I had was to question the person because him did look so young and strong in the interview. This interview took place in 2016 when did he pass on. How old is he? What age him pass on. He talk about money like him have enough of it! Yet someone above stated that he was homeless and penniless when he passed! I’m confused!

[@MichaelSmith-xb5cp]

@@samuelnelson9613 Interview is Steve Barrow from the nineties (that why I-roy look so young)

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

@@samuelnelson9613 I-Roy was born in 1944 according to his biography..And yes it appears he had mental illness and passed away of heart failure. Others sources point to financial exploitation by record companies as one of the reasons for his depravation.

[@Shemra]

Hearing Don Letts speak patwa = priceless!!

[@annifdawkins8211]

Rest in power my bro. "It rough down ya".

[@velishabangu17]

I was 13 yrs old when I first listened to reggae music in my neighbors house ...song called Fire In The Wire from the Front Line Compilation album -no doubt there are great songs in that compilation but this one was and is still one my best reggae :/Dj /dub reggae in a true social commentary...Veli Shabangu from South Africa Johannesburg..

[@athuramusicproduction7926]

love this and glad to know these legend

[@lawrencedosithee7502]

Back in the 70s i use to rock to the song of i roy he is a legend love his songs

[@naphtaliisrael9629]

Respect! Mr. a ride, you are the a pitta me of a master DJ. I group on your music and love everyone of your records. My especially favorite is Miss Maggie take of your buggy and in the days of old when things were invented etc. etc. You genre of DJ is incredulously magnificent and truly lyrically exponent then. I can’t wait for you to get back in this scene.

[@MattsYoutubeChannel]

Surprising to hear him mention Richard Branson and Mick Jagger. lol Lot of things happen in history behind the scenes we never hear about

[@hennessycool]

Mi luv fi hear dem old-time interview ya...I wudnt know its I-Roy if i didnt see the name.....im funny bad.....RIP I-Roy and Prince Jazzbo

[@clarencewright9841]

I Roy is my favorite DJ of all times, he is great

[@moiseslabranche3336]

Bb

[@taboo7tatoo257]

Palm Pictures brought I-Roy back to live again. That is great.

[@ludlowramsay7603]

taboo7tatoo qa

[@icomstancarter3851]

respect up up from prince jazzbo icomstan I remember u with my dad graet days so much joy!!

[@traum640]

My favorite 70's DJ

[@RaggaBaby]

Him and Trinity are the only 70's deejays i rate cause in my opinion they made 80's rub a dub before it even existed

[@uniquevision1717]

Legendary I don't know him yet I can feel the passion

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

20:42 "Even the great Mick jagger come in from America to attend I-ROY dances. ...." -- I-Roy

[@iriereggaevibes1553]

THE GREAT LEGEND I.ROY..RESPECT PAPA

[@phillipforbes7569]

Love the history. reeeeeeel talk about the industry. original artist

[@Mastermayham]

'A whole heap a kids me have inna England whoa me have kids all of the world' 😆😆lolzz big up I ROY legend.

[@cliffwelfare8800]

Big fan of I-Roy and U-Roy good interview!

[@MAArch-ec7se]

Jamaicans are the best!

[@paulcoade]

Blinding little interview!

[@luke3172]

So a long time clash ting a gwaan. 😂.

[@robertblack4921]

what a brilliant interview

[@funksway8565]

Love dis Man, RIP Great I-Roy Black & Proud Mr. Wise

[@nzilantemo]

What a great video. Welding, teapot, upper brockley Rd se4 record shop next to the chinny man shop who sold real Jamaican patties not so popular like now. I rinsed those tunes on my dads old blue spot, what a bass. Just left secondary school about to go to Se london college Lewisham way. Great times mummy and daddy was still Live my two sisters and little brother were still alive. Great video great times stay safe my people.

[@djgenius626]

Nice piece of history!!! Thanks

[@johndaniels7700]

What a inspiration .the energy is astounding ! Yes roy reid! I*

[@paulhaye]

I love his raspy voice and the way he talks. Could listen to him all day. Interesting character.

[@stnlov]

Master blaster, what a interview. Original dada, irie

[@1001apes]

Nice informative interview give thanks. Unfortunate that Mr. Roy died in 1999. Did he accomplish finishing he studio and producing artists?

[@ahkenregeneral2429]

The Real MAN!! NO DJ TEST, I MEAN NO DJ....I ROY RULE! Rest in PowRa! TEACHER!

[@waltondeals9263]

Thank you.

[@kennydust]

What a joy. Big up PALM.

[@hentleygreen4516]

I too ,I am from Waterhouse and I appreciate him mentioning the # one music area in Kingston Breda the amp builder many thanks sound system builder 0

[@DjRickeyRicardo]

First deejay to clash with Prince Jazzbo!

[@markb5478]

The best interview I have ever heard yet. This Man give you everything plain with out any Question been ask. Just sit back listen. He a give the whole History book part 1 and part 2 and remember everything. Bwoy I love this one the best of all. Great Dj and musician. R.i.P. man.

[@ChrisJones-yh6dr]

Mark B -True

[@etherealdreams7936]

Priceless.

[@carltonbenjamin6688]

19 children and not one them helped him out when he was in need. I've seen this happen so many times one of the main problems in my opinion is that a lot of artists don't evolve and move with the times. Its tragic

[@biggasmelly]

Before we judge we must know all the circumstances.

[@marcusbrowne6897]

nuff knowledge.big up palm

[@PalenqueRecords]

one of my idols ever...

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

Growing up in Trinidad, this man was/is a LEGEND!! R.I.P. Brejjin

[@ahkenregarvey7731]

HONOR n Salute......Daddy I roy....The Best in the Business...Original BLACK Man..Afrakan...Roots!!

[@TheNaps9]

Love him to the max..What an Orater

[@ronaldmoses48]

Me feel it when I roy speak 🙏🏿🥰