Eek-A-Mouse

Biography

Ripton Joseph Hylton, known as Eek-A-Mouse, was born on November 19, 1957, in Kingston, Jamaica, in the notorious Trench Town ghetto. He displayed musical talent from childhood, singing with his mother and performing at school concerts, initially as a roots reggae singer. While in college, he released his first two roots reggae singles under his real name, produced by his mathematics tutor Mr. Dehaney and influenced by Pablo Moses. He worked with various sound systems like Papa Roots, Black Ark, Gemini, Jah Life, Black Scorpio, and Virgo before adopting the stage name 'Eek-A-Mouse' in 1979, inspired by a racehorse he bet on.[1][2][3][4]

Eek-A-Mouse pioneered the 'singjay' style, blending singing and deejaying with a unique percussive, nasal scatting technique that set him apart from traditional toasters. Discovered by producer Henry 'Junjo' Lawes in late 1979, he released hits like 'Wah Do Dem' (1980), 'Once a Virgin,' 'Modelling Queen,' and 'Virgin Girl,' leading to his debut album Bubble Up Yu Hip that year and the international smash Wa Do Dem in 1981. Backed by the Roots Radics and working with producers like Linval Thompson and Scientist on Greensleeves, he became the highlight of Reggae Sunsplash 1981 and 1982, with further albums like Skidip (1982), Mouse and the Man (1983), and Mouseketeer (1984) cementing his stardom amid dancehall's rise.[2][3][4][5]

His legacy endures as one of reggae's earliest singjays, influencing the genre with quirky, socially conscious lyrics on ghetto life, ganja, and vigilantism, delivered through vocal gymnastics dubbed 'reggae's Al Jarreau.' Touring extensively into the 2000s (200-250 shows yearly), he collaborated on modern projects and released Eeksperience in 2001, maintaining a high profile with his 6'6" stature and distinctive style.[3][5]

Fun Facts

• His stage name 'Eek-A-Mouse' came from a racehorse he frequently bet on, a nickname already used by friends.
• At 6 feet 6 inches tall, his towering height matches his larger-than-life stage presence.
• He was the standout performer at Reggae Sunsplash 1981, providing cathartic energy amid mourning for Bob Marley, with his catchphrase 'Biddy biddy beng' becoming a 1980s reggae staple.
• 1982 was dubbed 'the year of the Mouse' due to smash singles like 'Ganja Smuggling' and 'Wild Like a Tiger.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mr. Dehaney - mathematics tutor who produced his early singles (two roots reggae singles) [late 1970s]
• Henry 'Junjo' Lawes - legendary producer and Volcano sound system owner who discovered and managed him (Wa Do Dem, Skidip, Mouseketeer) [1979-1984]
• Pablo Moses - stylistic influence on early roots reggae work (early singles) [late 1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Linval Thompson - producer (Bubble Up Yu Hip, Mouse and the Man) [1980-1983]
• Scientist - remixer and producer (Wa Do Dem (Greensleeves version), Virgin Girl, Noah's Ark) [1981]
• Roots Radics - backing band (multiple albums including Wa Do Dem, Mouse and the Man) [1981-1984]
• Anthony and Ronald Welch - producers (Assassinator) [1985]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Ganja Smuggling (Wa-Do-Dem)
2. Wa-Do-Dem (Wa-Do-Dem)
3. Ganja Smuggling
4. Sensee Party (Skidip)
5. Long Time Ago (Wa-Do-Dem)
6. Khaki Suit (Welcome to Jamrock)
7. Noah's Ark (Wa-Do-Dem)
8. Anarexol (12") (Mouseketeer)
9. Do You Remember (Skidip)
10. Penni-Walli (Mouse-A-Mania)

External Links

• Spotify