Name: One Step Ahead / The Instrumentals
Brand: Sugar Minott

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

DAP1142

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-04-05

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

823134114210

Total Cap

Black 7"

Artist

Sugar Minott

Genre GB

Reggae / Dub

Label GB

Daptone

Lincoln Barrington Minott, known as Sugar Minott, was a Jamaican artist born on May 25, 1956. He started his career in sound systems at a young age and eventually formed his own called Gathering of Youth. In 1969, he joined forces with Tony Tuff and Derrick Howard to create the group the African Brothers. They recorded for various producers and gained popularity with songs like "Lead us Father" and "Mystery of Nature".

In 1974, Sugar Minott collaborated with producer Coxsone Dodd at Studio One and released hits such as "Vanity" and "Mr DC". This led to his first solo album titled "Live Loving". In 1979, he established his own label called Black Roots Music and founded the Youth Promotion Possie. Through this platform, he recorded talented artists like Little John, Triston Palmer, Barry Brown, and Tony Tuff.

Sugar Minott's contribution to reggae music was significant until his unfortunate passing on July 10, 2010 due to heart disease. His unique style influenced many artists within the genre. If you enjoy the sounds of Johnny Osbourne, Al Campbell or Leroy Smart among others from that era then you will definitely appreciate Sugar Minott's musical legacy.

Daptone is a label that specializes in hard funk, soul, and afrobeat music by current artists. It was formed by musicians and producers from the now defunct 1990s funk revival pioneer label Desco Records. The label is run by Gabriel Roth (also known as Bosco Mann) and Neal Sugarman. Daptone is home to renowned artists such as Sharon Jones, The Dap-Kings, Lee Fields, Sugarman 3, Antibalas, The Mighty Imperials, and others.

Most of Daptone's seven inch singles feature a generic blue record label. However, all singles are produced in limited quantities of 1000 - 2000 copies. In some cases where titles are highly sought after and sell out quickly, a second press run with a red colored label may be done.

Mikey Post oversees Direct Sales & Distribution at Daptone and explains that their releases have been continuously available since February 2019. While records released prior to 2009 did not include barcodes initially, they still use the original 'Mother' plates for pressing new copies today. There may be slight variations in the color of labels over the years due to printing on an offset machine with stock paper.

Newest Listed Items

Daptone Records is proud to present the latest offering from producer extraordinaire, Victor Axelrod. Initially voiced over a midi demo at Axelrod’s Don’t Trip Studio, “One Step Ahead” is one of the latest recordings made during Sugar Minott’s exceptionally influential career. 

The backing track, courtesy of The Inversions, was cut at Diamond Mine studio during the same session as the rocksteady update of Bob &amp; Gene’s “I Can Be Cool”. With Axelrod at the helm the team transforms the cult classic ballad, originally recorded by Aretha Franklin, into an ethereal piece of rocksteady magic. 

In addition to writing a wealth of original material, Sugar Minott had a deep appreciation and passion for not only Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae (which he helped develop) but also American soul and pop music. 

He brought enduring versions of Michael Jackson’s “Good Thing Going”, The Persuaders “Love Gonna Pack Up” and Dionne Warwick’s “A House Is Not A Home” to the reggae idiom.

 “One Step Ahead” fits perfectly in this tradition, effortlessly bridging the gap between American pop and Jamaican soul.

One Step Ahead / The Instrumentals

Music GB

Discover One Step Ahead / The Instrumentals by Sugar Minott on Daptone Records. Producer Victor Axelrod delivers a rocksteady magic with this ethereal piece. Available in various formats.