T.O.K.

T.O.K.

T.O.K. is a Jamaican dancehall group from Kingston, active from 1996 to 2015. The group consists of Alex, Bay-C, Craigy T and Flexx, and is also known as Touch Of Klass.

Background

The group forms in high school, where its members begin with R&B covers before moving into dancehall and developing a style shaped by their different voices. Their name becomes widely associated with Jamaican dancehall and with crossover success outside Jamaica.

Recordings and recognition

Their first album, My Crew, My Dawgs, releases in 2001 and reaches the top 10 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums chart; it also earns platinum status in Japan. A later VP Records album follows. Among their best-known songs are "Footprints", "Gal You Ah Lead", "Chi Chi Man", "Eagles Cry", "Guardian Angel", "Money 2 Burn", "Hey Ladies", "The Voice" and "I Believe". "Gal You Ah Lead" helps extend their reach in the United States and beyond.

Controversy

"Chi Chi Man" draws criticism for lyrics about murdering gay people. T.O.K. do not sign the Reggae Compassion Act.