Early B

Early B, born Earlando Arrington Neil on February 28, 1957, in Kingston, Jamaica, was among the deejays who helped shape dancehall's transition out of the roots reggae era. He earned his stage name for his reputation of arriving early to shows, and performed on the Soul Imperial Hi-Fi sound system alongside a young apprentice, Wild Apache, who would later achieve fame as Super Cat. From 1980 to 1981 he performed on the Killamanjaro sound system, where he picked up the nickname 'The Doctor.'

His best-known recordings include "Visit of King Selassie," "History of Jamaica," and "Wheely Wheely," an ode to bicycle-riding in Jamaica, along with "Gaterman Get Fraid," "Sunday Dish," and "Learn Fe Drive." He released four albums between 1984 and 1985 on labels including Midnight Rock, Black Solidarity, and Sunset, recording and performing across Jamaica, Canada, the United States, and England during this period.

On September 11, 1994, Early B was shot to death inside the Windsor Cricket Club in Dorchester, Massachusetts, at age 37; his killers were never found. He is remembered as an influential figure who helped train the following generation of deejays, most notably Super Cat, during dancehall's formative years.