TONY ROOTS AND KING ORIGINAL ELEVATE ‘MOUNTAIN TOP’ REVIVAL
Recorded in 1997 and championed by fans worldwide, Mountain Top by Tony Roots and King Original is finally here. Released on 31 January, this evocative track arrives on 7” vinyl and digital platforms, delivering a sonic time capsule of 90s Jamaican roots reggae.
Tony Roots commands attention with his soulful vocals, urging listeners to rise above life’s trials in pursuit of “Jah Love on the Mountain Top.” His message, steeped in cultural and spiritual depth, remains strikingly relevant in today’s fleeting consumer culture.
STEEPED IN CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL DEPTH, MOUNTAIN TOP REMAINS STRIKINGLY RELEVANT
Backed by the iconic Firehouse Crew—known for working with legends like Luciano and Sizzla—this track rides a vibrant up-tempo 4/4 stepper beat. The MPC drum machine anchors the rhythm, layered with warm analogue textures and rich instrumentation, creating a sound both nostalgic and timeless.
Produced by visionary Clifton Carnegie (Fada Waz), this release marks a powerful collaboration between Before Zero Records, Footsie and Studio 55. With Mountain Top, King Original’s legacy marches forward, keeping roots reggae alive and thriving.
TRACKLIST
1. Mountain Top (Tony Roots)
2. Jah Love Dub (Firehouse Crew)
ABOUT TONY ROOTS
Tony Roots, hailing from Manchester, Jamaica, rose to prominence in the 1980s alongside legends like Garnet Silk. Unlike his peers, Tony moved to the UK, where he released ten albums and hits like Grow Your Natty Dread Locks and Hola Zion.
A dedicated Rastafari advocate, Tony has worked with the Firehouse Crew and earned global respect. His music resonates deeply in the reggae community and the UK sound system scene, securing him a loyal following.
MORE FROM TONY ROOTS
LINK WITH TONY ROOTS
ABOUT KING ORIGINAL
Clifton Carnegie, aka Ras Wazair and Fada Waz, founded King Original Sound System in 1973, making it East London’s premier reggae sound. Operating under his Studio 55 moniker, he collaborated with icons like Johnny Osbourne and Michael Prophet.
A key figure in London’s Rastafari community, Ras Wazair ensured Jamaican music remained central to the UK sound system scene.
After his passing in 2021, his son Footsie, a UK Grime pioneer, revived the legacy, expanding King Original’s influence in bass music.
