Super Cat is a dancehall deejay and reggae musician from Kingston, Jamaica. Born William Maragh in 1963, he is of Jamaican and Indian descent and is associated with the late 1980s and early 1990s dancehall movement. He records on Mr. Maragh Music.

Career

Super Cat first comes to prominence in the late 1980s and becomes more widely known in the early 1990s. He is nicknamed the “Wild Apache”, a name given to him by his mentor Early B. His first single, “Mr. Walker”, becomes a hit in Jamaica.

His debut album, Si Boops Dey, follows the success of “Boops” and becomes a major hit, prompting many response records and helping establish his reputation in reggae. He later consolidates his place in both Jamaican and US music with Don Dada, an album that includes guest appearances from Heavy D and Notorious B.I.G.

Notable songs and collaborations

Among his best-known tracks are “Don Dada”, “Dolly My Baby” and “Ghetto Red Hot”, which are treated as classics within his catalogue. He also records “Dem No Worry Me” with Heavy D and “Alright” with Kris Kross. Super Cat is an early collaborator with The Notorious B.I.G., appearing alongside Mary J. Blige and Puff Daddy on the B-side remix of “Dolly My Baby” in 1993.

He later features on Sugar Ray’s 1997 number one single “Fly”, and works with India Arie on “Video” in 2001. In 2003, he collaborates with Jadakiss and the Neptunes on “The Don Of Dons”.

Recognition and controversies

Super Cat’s early 1990s hits lead to him being named The Source magazine’s dancehall artist of the year in 1993. His career is also marked by controversy, including accusations surrounding the killing of reggae artist Nitty Gritty in New York City, which he denies, and a shooting incident during a Sting stage show performance involving his rival Ninjaman.

Later work

After the death of his long-time road manager Fred “The Thunder” Donner in 2004, he releases a multi-CD tribute album, Reggaematic Diamond All-Stars, featuring contributions from Yami Bolo, Michael Prophet, Linval Thompson, Nadine Sutherland and Sizzla among others.