OLDIES SUNDAY: Shelly Thunder – Kuff (1988)

The Month of March is recognized as “Women’s History Month“, and we recognize a few great Women who made significant contributions to Music. Today’s selection on “Oldies Sunday” comes from Shelly Thunder with her single, “Kuff“.

Produced by Whitfield “Witty” Henry on the “Kuff Riddim” and released through the Witty label in 1988, Shelly Thunder meant business with “Kuff”. In the this thing called love, when it comes to loyalty, many don’t uphold it, and disrespect their partners. Shelly doesn’t tolerate it, and she makes the point that if her Man is disloyal, she will issue out the punishment. In her words, man fi get “Kuff”. She shares a scenario where the man is disloyal, and it has become embarrassing, and things didn’t end well for the man and his cheating partner. She issues some advice for Women who are experiencing similar situations, in the end, it’s all about respect. “Kuff” became a big hit for Shelly Thunder in Jamaica, New York, and various parts of the world. It was sampled by a number of Artists including Boogie Down Productions, Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E., and more. “Kuff” was popular in the Dubplate game, and was also the inspiration for Shelly’s Gospel song “The Devil Get Kuff” when she later became a born-again Christian.

Since the release of “Kuff”, Shelly Thunder continued to release more music, and became a Gospel Artist, and Pastor. “Kuff” still gets played to this day by fans, and those who just becoming familiar with Dancehall’s foundation years.