Sister Nancy’s ‘One Two’ Returns on Black Vinyl in US
The Dancehall stalwart’s 1982 debut, featuring “Bam Bam,” was reissued on September 5 in the US and will be reissued on September 12 in the UK
One Two, the incredible 1982 debut solo set from Reggae and Dancehall stalwart Sister Nancy, is back on vinyl once again via VPAL Music and Techniques.
Initially reissued for Record Store Day in April 2025 on limited blue vinyl, the release proved so popular that it reached #3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart—a testament to the enduring power of the music. Now, due to popular demand, One Two returns in a heavyweight black vinyl edition.
The album includes one of the most celebrated Jamaican recordings of all time and Nancy’s signature tune, “Bam Bam.” Since its original release, the track has appeared in films such as James Bond: No Time To Die and TV series including Ozark and Dexter. It has been sampled or referenced by a slew of global stars—Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Groove Armada, and more—and was listed among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone.
Born Ophlin Russell in Papine, on the outskirts of East Kingston, Sister Nancy began her career at just fourteen—at a time when female DJs were a rarity. Encouraged by her brother Brigadier Jerry, she quickly made her mark on Kingston’s soundsystem circuit, blazing a trail for women in Dancehall. After catching the attention of General Echo, Nancy was introduced to influential producer Winston “Riley” Edwards, whose work with her resulted in this groundbreaking LP. Alongside “Bam Bam,” the album features highlights such as “Transport Connection,” “The Only Woman DJ With Degree,” and the title track “One Two”—a bona fide Dancehall classic.
Recorded and mixed at the legendary Channel One studio with a first-class lineup of musicians, One Two remains a crucial slice of authentic rub-a-dub that has been coveted by collectors for decades. This new limited edition features the original artwork, liner notes from reggae historian John Masouri, and an exclusive sticker sheet.
More than four decades after its release, “Bam Bam”—Sister Nancy’s global anthem—continues to resonate. Its influence is now the subject of a new documentary featuring reflections from Janelle Monáe, Kool Herc, Pete Rock, Large Professor, and other music icons on the song’s lasting cultural impact.