7. Michigan & Smiley, “Rub-a-Dub Style”(1978)
In the late 1970s, reggae music was the hottest sensation. Everywhere there was either a new release in your local record shop, a major concert in a foreign country or a sound system dancehall event where deejays were displaying rhythmically lyrical prowess for one and all to hear. Such was the case for Papa Michigan & General Smiley, the first official deejay duo.
The two made their recording debut in 1978 at Studio One with Rub-A-Dub Style, a call-and-response tune laid over a drum and percussion over an update of Alton Ellis’ I’m Just A Guy rhythm. It won the people over with its sense of style and class. Papa and the General made albums with “Sir Coxsone” Dodd (where they also had a hit with “Nice Up The Dance”), Jo Jo Hookim of Channel One, Henry “Junjo” Lawes (who produced their trademark tune, “Diseases” in 1981), and RAS Records in the U.S all before taking a sabbatical. While they did not have a major hit since “Diseases,” the name Michigan & Smiley is a still a name people enthusiastically remember.
