Various Artists - Fatis Tapes in the Oven

Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, producer extraordinaire, founder of Jamaica’s iconic Xterminator record label which started on the road to its legendary status in the early 1980s. The label originally began as Vena Recordings and later transitioned to Kings & Lions, which then became Exterminator. It wasn’t until later that Exterminator would rebrand by dropping the ‘E’ to become known as Xterminator. At the time, there were interesting movements taking place in black music all over the world, from Funk to R&B and even Hip Hop, but the digital era of reggae and dancehall would soon follow with Xterminator playing a major role in its development. Fatis’ core philosophy was perhaps what propelled him into the forefront of the music and drew a multitude of talents, who became some of the biggest artistes in Jamaican music history, to his label such as Luciano, Sizzla, Mikey General, and Capleton. It was evident that Fatis’ sonic philosophy would go on to make the music of the time. This Vinyl compilation has delved into the vaults of Xterminator, taking tracks that were recorded from as far back as 1994 until 2003, and is pioneered by Fatis’ son Kareem ‘Remus’ Burrell. Remus has been going through Fatis’ 24 track analogue tapes, as well as the final mixes on DAT tapes from his father’s catalogue. The 24 track tapes, in particular, have to go through an arduous process of baking in an oven before being transferred digitally, hence the name “Fatis Tapes In The Oven”. This selection features artists like Beres Hammond who recorded “How Come You Don’t Know Me” at Fatis’ home studio located in Stony Hill, around the year 2003. The Xterminator Label has groomed many artistes throughout the decades, including Luciano who is featured on this release with “Give Thanks”, & Sizzla performing, “Distance Way”. Both tracks were recorded in 1994 and 1995 at Gussie Clarke’s Music Works Studio which was located on Slipe Road before moving to 7 Windsor Ave and being renamed Anchor Recording Studios. Other Xterminator family members who are included in this compilation are Ini Kamoze also known as the ‘Hot Stepper’ with “They Don’t Know This”, Marcia Griffiths, the Queen of Reggae, giving us “Jah Is”, Charlie Chaplin and Josey Wales, dancehall music’s dynamic duo, with “Only Jah” and one of Jamaica’s wonders, Wayne Wonder, with “The Way I Am”.

A great deal of the quality Xterminator has become known for is due to Fatis’ inclination towards live instrumentation. Although its name was built on the digital era of dancehall music, the label worked alongside a great deal of musicians who became a part of the Xterminator family. From the likes of Dean Fraser who later became the chief musical arranger, to the legendary drum and bass duo Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare, Fire House crew bass player Donald Dennis, ace guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith as well as Third World guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore. Xterminator is all about music you can feel, whether it's analogue or digital. The label has worked with Jamaica’s biggest and best artistes and musicians of the time, amassing a discography that is too vast to list. This anthology represents a summary of that list and is proudly presented by Kareem “Remus” Burrell who continues to uphold the legacy through his XTM.Nation label imprint and preserving the musical wealth of his father’s remarkable productions.

Vinyl by Sizzla and Fatis Tapes in the hands of Gabre Selassie, owner of KINGSTON DUB CLUB and member of the ROCKERZ SOUNDSTATION SOUND SYSTEM.

Protoje, a pioneering artist at the intersection of reggae, hip-hop and soul, holding the Sizzla and Fatis Tapes vinyl.

Kareem, the visionary head of XTERMINATOR label and son of Fatis, alongside reggae legend Beres Hammond, proudly holding the iconic Fatis Tapes vinyl. A powerful fusion of musical heritage and contemporary influence, capturing the essence of reggae's rich legacy.