Funking for Jamaica

I know all of y’all know this song was about home, “Jamaica, Queens” that’s NYC (not the west indies, Jamaica)…and yes, it’s absolutely a Queens, thing baby!

Now, I’ve loved home all of my life but I began to really appreciate our culture in Queens more and more, especially as l traveled away to school and lived in different states and saw how other people lived. It was something so unique about our perspective and culture, I was most proud of. Listening to Tom Browne discuss his inspiration for this hit song makes me ever so proud. See link below.

I still believe growing up in the hip hop era was the best experience ever. There is no place that can compare to New York City, the big apple…especially Queens. Tom Browne shared a very rich experience with Jazz, also coming out of Jamaica, Queens too, which was also home to Legends like, Count Basie & Dizzy Gillespie, etc. Please look it up yourselves on “Youtube” it’s under:“The story behind’ Funkin for Jamaica (NY) ‘ by Tom Browne.” Queens has given so much historic value to Black culture…and it still does.

“Jamaica funk that’s what it is.” This is certainly a “Queens” thing guys…so be proud of it.

You can’t tell me listening to this song doesn’t take you back instantly (this was 1980 or 81…the original vocalist, is named, Ms. Toni Smith, not Chaka). Chaka Khan heard it and loved it so much, she made a rendition of it. Many still don’t know this hit song, “Funkin for Jamaica” was literally about Jamaica, Queens (NYC) and the unique culture found right there…in Queens, NY. Hopefully, I’ve raised awareness of our culture. The neighborhoods played such a big part in the culture too.

I’m surprised a Rapper hasn’t dropped bars over this instrumental yet…maybe, most didn’t know it was talking about where we grew up…in our hood in Queens. Well, they do now. LOL .

I wasn’t shocked where Hip-Hop went after it hit Jamaica, Queens. Once a few brothers from Hollis, Queens, added their “Queens” swag to it…”Run DMC.” They single-handedly upgraded Rap and Fashion. All sorts of endorsements deals came about because of their swag. That’s Queens, NY for you.“We set the Trends”…shout out to Capo and Juelz (& The Amigos) with that one. Smile.

Be proud of your beginnings, no matter what…”Never despise small beginnings”, it’s pivotal because it’s what shaped you into YOU…always be proud of that. It matters.

“Funkin for Jamaica” by, Tom Browne & Dirk Jan Roeleven…a great song about, Jamaica-Queens, NY. I love it.

I told y’all before, “Queens” produces “Kings.” And, whether you like him or not, the 45th President of the USA is also from Jamaica, Queens. Queens is home to some very unique people that aren’t afraid to step-up and get the job done right. We’re Courageous.

We make things happen…QGTM

Keep shining.

~Triddy Kat💋

Youtube channel- Triddy Kat’s Meow & Triddy Kat

RIP to Ms. Toni Smith that is also the actual vocalist on “Jamaica Funk.”

Visit me at https://triddykat.com and https://triddykatsmeow.com

TRIDDY KAT®

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-yaWMvpeUU&list=RDm-yaWMvpeUU&start_radio=1