C.J. Lewis delivers a quintessential 90s British take on reggae fusion, where the grit of dancehall is smoothed over with high-gloss pop production. It is music that sounds like bright colors and clear skies, characterized by bouncy digital basslines and infectious, familiar melodies. There is an undeniable optimism in the sound, bridging the gap between London's sound system culture and the top of the charts.
What sets Lewis apart is his ability to take classic soul and pop standards and re-skin them with a rhythmic 'toasting' style that feels accessible rather than aggressive. His collaborations with producer Phillip Leo and vocalist Samantha Depasois created a signature sound: a blend of male rap-style verses and soaring, soulful female choruses that defined the 'reggae-lite' era of the mid-90s.
Start with the 1994 album 'Dollars' to hear the peak of this aesthetic. It contains his massive cover of 'Sweets for My Sweet,' which perfectly encapsulates the project's mission: taking a beloved melody and giving it a rhythmic, danceable pulse that works just as well at a wedding as it does on a beach club dancefloor.
C. J. Lewis (born Steven James Lewis, 1 February 1967) is a British reggae singer. His biggest hit single was the 1994 cover version of "Sweets for My Sweet". The track was produced by Phillip Leo, as was his debut album, Dollars (UK No. 44). The vocals were performed by Samantha Depasois, a British vocalist who also sang on the tracks "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and "Best of My Love", and provided the vocals for Dollars. Leo co-wrote original material on Dollars, including "Dollars" (UK No. 34) and "R to the A" (UK No. 34).
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