Philip Burrell (22 March 1954 – 17 December 2011), known professionally as “Fatis” Burrell, was a Jamaican reggae and dancehall record producer. He is best recognized for founding the Xterminator record label and for producing a series of successful releases by prominent artists such as Capleton, Sizzla, Luciano, and Anthony B during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Early life
Philip Burrell was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1954. Details about his family background and education are limited in publicly available sources.
Career
Burrell began his involvement in the music industry through work as a sound‑system operator and later as an engineer at various Jamaican studios. In 1990, he established the Xterminator label, which quickly became a central platform for the “roots revival” movement in reggae. Under the Xterminator imprint, Burrell produced numerous albums that blended contemporary digital production techniques with traditional roots reggae themes.
Key productions and collaborations include:
- Capleton – albums such as "More Fire" (1992) and "Good Sinner" (1995).
- Sizzla – early releases like "Burning Up" (1995) and "Praise Ye Jah" (1999).
- Luciano – "Where There Is Life" (1995) and "A New Day" (1998).
- Anthony B – "The Future" (1995) among other projects.
Burrell’s production style was noted for its heavy basslines, prominent use of digital drum machines, and lyrical emphasis on spiritual and socially conscious content. He played a pivotal role in bringing a new generation of roots-oriented artists to international attention during a period when dancehall dominated Jamaican popular music.
Death
Philip “Fatis” Burrell died on 17 December 2011 at the age of 57 after a brief illness. His passing was widely reported in Jamaican and international reggae media.
Legacy
Burrell is remembered as a seminal figure in the evolution of modern reggae production. The Xterminator label continues to be cited as an influential force that helped bridge the gap between classic roots reggae and the digital era, while his work with artists such as Sizzla and Capleton contributed significantly to the global dissemination of contemporary Jamaican music. Scholars and music historians often reference his contributions when discussing the resurgence of spiritually driven reggae in the 1990s.