During a Brooklyn stop of Usher’s Past, Present, and Future Tour, legendary dancehall and reggae performer Barrington Levy surprised everyone by making an appearance. It was the last night of Usher’s four sold-out performances at the Barclays Center in September. Other performers included Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, and Busta Rhymes.
As speakers inside the arena played his smash song, Bad Boyz, featuring former rapper Shyne, Levy made his stage debut, presented by Swizz Beatz. He continued with electrifying performances of Black Roses, Tell Them A Ready (Murderer), and Here I Come, three of his popular songs.
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As he thought back on the evening, the 60-year-old thanked everyone on Instagram: “It was a movie! Just want to say thanks to my brothers @usher @therealswizzz @bustarhymes @barringtonlevy411 @spliffstar_mrlewis @dangermental. I was so proud to take this to my city where I’m from, Brooklyn! So much #Love #Powerful #hit #bigstepper #Brooklyn #platinumcamprecords.”
Along with Living Dangerously—a collaboration with Bounty Killer—Barry Levy is also well-known for several other famous songs, such as Money Moves, She’s Mine, Too Experienced, Shine Eye Girl, Collie Weed, and Work.
His cousin Everton Dacres and he, who were both born in Clarendon in 1964, created the Mighty Multitude when he was a teenager. The pair recorded their debut single, “My Black Girl,” in 1977 and worked on sound systems to formally enter the music business. A Long Time Since We Don’t Have No Love, Levy’s debut solo single, was recorded when he was just 14 years old. In 1984, he collaborated with producer Jah Screw to create the hit song Under Mi Sensi, which was followed by the title track of the album of the same name, Here I Come.
The 12-track Here I Come album, which featured hits like “Vibes Is Right,” “Real Thing,” “Moonlight Lover,” and “A Ya We Deh,” won him the Best Vocalist Award at the British Reggae Awards. His most recent album, “Acousticalevy,” (2015), led to a Grammy Award nomination for Best Reggae Album. In 2023, Rolling Stone placed Levy at number 119 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Usher’s most recent tour features Barrington Levy as its second Jamaican act. Dancehall performer Masicka was brought on stage by Kardinal Offishall during a tour in Canada earlier this month.
Usher’s already incredible year is made even better with the Past Present & Future Tour. The previous year saw the R&B legend play at the Super Bowl, finish a 100-show run in Las Vegas, and release his ninth studio album.
