Silver Cat

b. Neil McDonald, 1974, Clarendon, Jamaica, West Indies. Silver Cat began chanting on local sound systems, although he had to overcome the indifference of his parents when he decided that he should concentrate on a musical career. In 1993, he journeyed to Kingston alongside his ‘sparring partner’, the equally gravelly voiced DJ, Supervisor. While the DJ duo had become local heroes in Clarendon they felt a need to establish themselves in various recording studios based in the capital. Silver Cat auditioned at Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Studio where he recorded the unreleased ‘Oh La La’, that was followed by his official debut ‘I Know’. While Silver Cat recorded with Germain, Supervisor recorded with Steely And Clevie who released, ‘Roundness’ on the then popular ‘Hardcore’ rhythm. While Supervisor enjoyed some success, Silver Cat’s second recording with Germain failed to make an impact in the Jamaican chart. Silver Cat felt dissatisfied with Penthouse and was consequently introduced to Patrick Roberts, the leader and guiding mentor of the Shocking Vibes crew. Roberts recorded Silver Cat’s debut on the au courant ‘Corduroy’ rhythm entitled, ‘Dead In Yah’, a dancehall favourite that was subsequently banned for its violent lyrics. The follow-up ‘Fowl Affair’, which proved to be his breakthrough hit, demonstrated his ability for comical lyricism. Silver Cat’s vocal style was clearly influenced by artists such as Buju Banton and Mega Banton. In 1995, he joined Beenie Man on his second international hit ‘Chronic’. The DJ also recorded in combination with Beenie Man’s brother, Little Kirk notably, ‘Show Me Your Motion’ alongside the double a-side, ‘I Swear’/‘Dionne’. A series of tours followed, including acclaimed appearances with the Shocking Vibes crew in Europe, the USA and the Caribbean. Throughout the 90s, Silver Cat maintained a high profile with hits such as ‘All These Girls Are Mine’, ‘Violence And Crime’, ‘Nah Go Bow’, ‘Lose Him Gal’, ‘Get Too Bright’, and ‘Use Your Imagination’ a combination hit with Cocoa Tea, Thriller U and Cutty Ranks.