Sugar Minott’s early recordings for Coxsone Dodd’s venerable Studio One imprint and his incendiary performances on the Kingston dancehall circuit made him an immediate star in Jamaica. So it came as a surprise to many when, in 1984, Minott left Jamaica for New York, where he immersed himself in the comparative obscurity of Lloyd “Bullwackie” Barnes’ North Bronx recording studio. By the dawn of the ‘80s, Barnes’ releases had earned him a reputation as a first-rate producer, and his studio was beginning to receive visits from stars like Horace Andy, Triston Palmer, and Sugar Minott. Wicked Ago Feel It was Minott’s first collaboration with Barnes. It alternates between relaxed (but instrumentally robust) lovers rock tracks like “She Stays on My Mind” and punishing roots cuts like “Going Back to the Motherland” and “Wicked Ago Feel It." Minott’s supple, impeccably delivered vocals are supplemented by ace session work from a host of Wackies regulars. A few surprise guests also contribute parts, including outstanding organ work from veteran Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo.