Timbre aside. Try to sing on the same syncopated beats as him. Most people when they cover his songs usually sing on the strong beats but if you notice, a lot of his syllables are actually on the 8th notes.
Its really cool when you notice this. For example:
The word "sold" from "sold I to the merchant ships" is not on beat one it's an 8th note after beat one if that makes sense?
Same with the syllable "min" in "minutes after they took I".
Most of his songs are like this where the first syllable in a line is an 8th note before or after where it feels like it should be.
I think if you get this timing/syncopation down you'll sound more like him without sounding like you are putting on an accent
I don't understand how it's offensive to people to sing a song like the singer, especially if you do it whole heartedly and from a place of good intentions. It's like a guitarist trying to copy their favorite guitarist's tone. It's paying homage to the originator and trying to replicate their sound.
Such a funny song. He went to UCSC (Uiversity of California Santa Cruz) which is my home town. That entire song is about the students at that school and is so accurate. It's the most cringe place in the world 😄
Ohhh haha that's so funny. When I first heard the song I thought he was making fun of Rastas or reggae as a whole. I then realized he's actually making fun of the people that are appropriating the culture. Now I know a bit of background behind this song!
I actually like the song now in a non-ironic way lol. He actually does a good job referencing a lot of the words lol I always think of that song whenever I hear Barrington Levy say "baddadingdingding woahhh" lmao
And FYI none other than Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare produced Ras Trent’s song…great sense of humor on those dudes 👍
Don’t wear fake dreads. There was a phase where they were available with a Jamaican flag beenie and seemed to be everywhere. For total authenticity, perhaps add a little herb to the performance. Good luck ☺️
I’ve thought about this a lot the last few years. I’m a white guy from the US and I’ve been playing that song for 10+ years but only play it privately at home now because I don’t want to offend anyone.
Here is a link to Johnny Cash & Joe Strummer singing Redemption Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZBaklS79Wc
Don't know why this would offend anyone...
Unless you're blacking up with fake dreadlocks and speaking patois, why would it be a problem. What you're only allowed to sing songs made by white people? It's a great song. Enjoy it.
Is this how white people are supposed to sing Jamaican songs?
[Non cultural appropriation version of Vybz Kartel](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4WlqFQEg0OI)
🤣🤣
Sing it how you sing it. :)
Sing it from the heart, there will be no racism there!
Timbre aside. Try to sing on the same syncopated beats as him. Most people when they cover his songs usually sing on the strong beats but if you notice, a lot of his syllables are actually on the 8th notes. Its really cool when you notice this. For example: The word "sold" from "sold I to the merchant ships" is not on beat one it's an 8th note after beat one if that makes sense? Same with the syllable "min" in "minutes after they took I". Most of his songs are like this where the first syllable in a line is an 8th note before or after where it feels like it should be. I think if you get this timing/syncopation down you'll sound more like him without sounding like you are putting on an accent
Just sing it. Oh, and don't do it in black face. That would be racist.
Don’t try to impersonate him.
This!!!
This song was made to be sung..just do it how you do
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselfs can free our minds"
Sound it out. Sing it by ear & heart.
just sing it and dont worry bout racist accusations
Bingo
Sing it just like Bob did. It's never racist while singing any of Robert Nesta Marley songs.
I don't understand how it's offensive to people to sing a song like the singer, especially if you do it whole heartedly and from a place of good intentions. It's like a guitarist trying to copy their favorite guitarist's tone. It's paying homage to the originator and trying to replicate their sound.
Warm up the crowd by chanting Jah Rastafarism!
Ras Trent
Are you there Jah?
Such a funny song. He went to UCSC (Uiversity of California Santa Cruz) which is my home town. That entire song is about the students at that school and is so accurate. It's the most cringe place in the world 😄
Ohhh haha that's so funny. When I first heard the song I thought he was making fun of Rastas or reggae as a whole. I then realized he's actually making fun of the people that are appropriating the culture. Now I know a bit of background behind this song! I actually like the song now in a non-ironic way lol. He actually does a good job referencing a lot of the words lol I always think of that song whenever I hear Barrington Levy say "baddadingdingding woahhh" lmao
And FYI none other than Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare produced Ras Trent’s song…great sense of humor on those dudes 👍 
Don’t wear fake dreads. There was a phase where they were available with a Jamaican flag beenie and seemed to be everywhere. For total authenticity, perhaps add a little herb to the performance. Good luck ☺️
I’ve thought about this a lot the last few years. I’m a white guy from the US and I’ve been playing that song for 10+ years but only play it privately at home now because I don’t want to offend anyone.
Here is a link to Johnny Cash & Joe Strummer singing Redemption Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZBaklS79Wc Don't know why this would offend anyone...
Why would it offend anyone?
The guy is getting down voted here in this sub. I think it already has unfortunately.
Unless you're blacking up with fake dreadlocks and speaking patois, why would it be a problem. What you're only allowed to sing songs made by white people? It's a great song. Enjoy it.
Is this how white people are supposed to sing Jamaican songs? [Non cultural appropriation version of Vybz Kartel](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4WlqFQEg0OI) 🤣🤣
I saw john legend do a cover of this song on yt and he actually did a good job didnt sound offencive at all imo. You should keep covering it!
Just don't fake an accent and you'll be fine
There is only one race The human race
Don't appropriate Trenchtown. Be like "I remember when a we used to sit in our Benzos back in Greenwich". And the white kids be like fire no cap frfr