Reggae legend Colvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott passed away at 65 this morning (March 11, 2025) in a Broward, Florida hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed with the Jamaican Gleaner that his death at occurred 4:46 AM following a cardiac arrest. Diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, he had also been battling pneumonia for the past six months.
Several artists and dignitaries from around the world have expressed condolences including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Baby Cham, Gramps Morgan and more.
Cocoa Tea’s smooth vocals and powerful lyrics have transcended reggae, influencing hip-hop and global music in unexpected ways. His work has been sampled, interpolated, and reimagined across multiple genres, from rap to drum and bass. Here are ten Cocoa Tea songs that have left a lasting impact on music worldwide.
1. “Pirates Anthem” (1988) – Sampled in Tupac’s Violent (1991)
One of the standout tracks on hip-hop superstar Tupac Shakur’s 1991 debut album 2Pacalypse Now is Violent, which samples Pirates Anthem, a 1988 track produced by Augustus “Gussie” Clarke and performed by Home T, Cocoa Tea, and Shabba Ranks.
Pirates Anthem is a defiant song highlighting the struggles of underground pirate radio stations that faced government crackdowns while providing an alternative voice to mainstream media. Tupac’s Violent uses this sample to reinforce themes of resistance and frustration with law enforcement, mirroring the suppression of marginalized voices in both music and society.
Despite controversy—including condemnation from then-U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle—2Pacalypse Now cemented Tupac’s reputation as a voice for the oppressed, with Cocoa Tea’s influence subtly woven into his message.
2. “18 and Over” (1993) – Sampled in Nia Archives’ 18 & Over (2021)
British producer and singer Nia Archives sampled Cocoa Tea’s 18 and Over in her 2021 jungle track of the same name. The original song, released in 1993, showcases Cocoa Tea’s signature reggae style, while Nia Archives’ rendition blends jungle and drum and bass elements, introducing his music to a new audience.
3. “18 and Over” – Interpolated in Renard’s Too Young (2009)
Canadian electronic artist Renard transformed 18 and Over into a high-energy electronic piece with Too Young (2009). This track demonstrates the versatility of Cocoa Tea’s music and its ability to cross into unexpected genres.
4. “The Going Is Rough” (Acapella) – Sampled in The 1975’s Shiny Collarbone (2020)
British band The 1975 sampled The Going Is Rough (Acapella) by Home T, Cocoa Tea, and Cutty Ranks in their 2020 track Shiny Collarbone. The original song’s reggae and dancehall vibes are reimagined in an electronic and alternative fusion, creating a fresh interpretation of Cocoa Tea’s sound.
5. “The Going Is Rough” (Acapella) – Sampled in Hyroglifics’ Set It (2014)
UK-based producer Hyroglifics incorporated The Going Is Rough (Acapella) in his 2014 drum and bass track Set It, adding a reggae-infused layer to the high-energy beats, further bridging the gap between reggae and electronic music.
6. “The Going Is Rough” (Acapella) – Sampled in FineArt & My Nu Leng’s Border (2017)
Producers FineArt and My Nu Leng sampled Cocoa Tea’s acapella vocals from The Going Is Rough in their 2017 track Border. The song fuses reggae roots with modern bass and house music, reinforcing Cocoa Tea’s influence in electronic music.
7. “18 and Over” – Sampled in Joss Stone’s Harry’s Symphony (2015)
British soul singer Joss Stone infused reggae influences into her 2015 track Harry’s Symphony, which samples 18 and Over. The track reflects her appreciation for reggae’s roots and Cocoa Tea’s contribution to the genre.
8. “Me No Like Rikers Island” – Sampled in Troy Ave’s Rikers Island (2016)
American rapper Troy Ave sampled Me No Like Rikers Island by Cocoa Tea and Nardo Ranks in his 2016 track Rikers Island. The original song addresses the harsh realities of the infamous prison, and Troy Ave’s version continues this narrative, proving the enduring relevance of Cocoa Tea’s themes in hip-hop.
9. “Burning” – Collaboration with Chase & Status (2019)
British electronic duo Chase & Status collaborated with Cocoa Tea on the 2019 track Burning, which samples Lyn Collins’ Think (About It). This fusion of Cocoa Tea’s reggae vocals with electronic beats highlights the successful blending of genres.
10. Rugged Terrain – Boot Camp Clik feat. Twanie Ranks (1997)
Brooklyn-based rap collective Boot Camp Clik incorporated elements of Pirates Anthem into Rugged Terrain, adding a rugged, streetwise energy to the track. With dancehall artist Twanie Ranks delivering patois-infused lyrics, the song blends East Coast hip-hop with Caribbean influences, reinforcing the deep-rooted connection between reggae and rap.
11. Warning – Potential Bad Boy (1994)
Jungle producer Potential Bad Boy sampled Pirates Anthem on Warning, a track that helped define the early jungle scene in the UK. By merging Cocoa Tea’s vocals with high-tempo breakbeats, Warning became a staple in underground raves, showing how reggae’s foundation seamlessly integrates with electronic music.
12. With a ‘K’ – DJ Rus De Tox feat. Zoe (1994)
In With a ‘K’, DJ Rus De Tox and Zoe infused Cocoa Tea’s Pirates Anthem with a dancehall-meets-hardcore sound, creating a track that bridges reggae, house, and hip-hop. The sample’s use in this track highlights the far-reaching influence of Cocoa Tea’s voice in shaping club music across the 90s.
13. Good Times – New Jack Pimps (1995)
Sampling Pirates Anthem, Good Times by New Jack Pimps adds a reggae-inspired groove to its hip-hop and R&B blend. The track’s use of Cocoa Tea’s melodies reinforces the smooth, laid-back essence of 90s urban music, making it a perfect example of how reggae influences shaped mainstream sounds.
14. Just Because We Play – Hannibal Lecter (1992)
Among the earliest instances of Pirates Anthem being reworked, Just Because We Play incorporates Cocoa Tea’s signature sound into a unique, alternative hip-hop track. The song serves as a testament to the versatility of Cocoa Tea’s music and its ability to adapt across different musical landscapes.
These tracks, alongside the others that have sampled Cocoa Tea, reflect his immense global impact. From hip-hop to jungle, electronic to R&B, his music continues to inspire new generations of artists, ensuring that his legacy will live on for years to come.
