The High School MC... Billy Boyo

Billy Boyo (born Billy Rowe, September 21, 1969) was probably the most prolific of the early-80’s child MC’s, sure Beenie Man was the only one that achieved the majority of his success far after puberty, but Billy Boyo was the man back in the day. Junjo Lawes, who was his brother-in-law, was chiefly responsible for getting the youth in a recording studio. Though his lyrics may not have been on par with the cultural and seasoned DJs of the time they are nonetheless entertaining. In 1982 Greensleeves released the album “DJ Clash Volume Two” with Billy sparring off with Little Harry (another teenage DJ at the time) and I don’t know if the Radics’ riddims made the album or what but I think it’s a pretty cool album.

Unfortunately Billy Boyo never achieved success beyond his teenage years and he sadly died on October 29, 2000 from a brain tumor.

I present for your enjoyment 3 Billy Boyo releases. The first is from a Volcano 7” called, “School I Attend.” The second track is “Bushmaster Connection" with Little John, produced by Toyan and taken from a 1982 Greensleeves 12". The third is "The Good, The Ugly And The Bad" produced by Junjo and also a Greensleeves 12" from '82. When I was going through the vinyl I realized that I have about 5 other Billy Boyo singles that I could have shared but these were the first three that popped in my head so here they are. Enjoy!







Billy Boyo

While doing the research for the bio I came across this CD released by Silver Kamel! Gotta add that one to the list of upcoming purchases!