Sister Nancy – One Two (VPAL / Techniques, 2025)
Sister Nancy’s landmark debut album One Two will be reissued on vinyl for the first time since its original 1982 release, courtesy of VPAL Music and Techniques, as part of Record Store Day 2025. Best known for the echoing vocals and dubby riddims of global anthem “Bam Bam,” the album remains one of the most influential releases in Jamaican music history.
Since its release, “Bam Bam” has appeared in major films like James Bond: No Time To Die, TV series including Ozark and Dexter, and has been sampled by artists such as Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Groove Armada. Its cultural significance was further cemented when Rolling Stone named it one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Born Ophlin Russell in Papine, near East Kingston, Sister Nancy was a pioneering force in Dancehall. Mentored by her brother, DJ Brigadier Jerry, she began performing on sound systems at 14, challenging the male-dominated DJ scene with bold, reality-based lyrics. Her talent caught the attention of producer Winston “Riley” Edwards, leading to the creation of One Two.
The album, recorded and mixed at Kingston’s iconic Channel One Studios, features other key tracks such as “Transport Connection,” “The Only Woman DJ With Degree,” and the title track “One Two.” Long regarded as a cornerstone of the Rub-A-Dub era, it has remained highly sought-after by collectors.
This special edition will feature original artwork, new liner notes by reggae historian John Masouri, a sticker sheet, and will be pressed on limited-edition colored vinyl. In addition, Sister Nancy’s enduring legacy is the subject of a forthcoming documentary, spotlighting the ongoing influence of “Bam Bam,” with contributions from Janelle Monáe, Kool Herc, Pete Rock, Large Professor, and other notable artists.
Release Date: 12th April 2025 – Record Store Day (UK & US)
Format: Limited Edition Blue Colored Vinyl LP
Buy One Two.
Author: Joe Nash
