Rafael Cameron
Rafael Cameron, born in 1951 in Georgetown, Guyana, is a prominent singer-songwriter known for his contributions to the soul, funk, and post-disco music genres. He was raised in a strict family that prioritized education over music, which shaped his early life. Despite this, his passion for music eventually led him to pursue a career in the industry.
In 1973, Cameron moved to the United States with the initial intention of studying Journalism and later Medicine. However, he shifted his focus to music after discovering his talents and opportunities in the burgeoning disco scene. He was signed by Randy Muller to the Salsoul Records, where he began to make a name for himself in the music industry.
Cameron's most famous track is "Boogie's Gonna Get Ya," which showcases his signature boogie style and received wide acclaim, including remixes by notable artists. Throughout his career, he released several albums and became well-regarded for his energetic performances and unique sound that blends disco, R&B, and funk elements.
Active primarily during the 1980s, Rafael Cameron's work remains influential in the genres of soul and disco, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world. His career highlights reflect his significant impact on the music scene during a transformative era.
Cameron
Engineer – John Bradley
5:05
A2 Funkdown
Backing Vocals – Larry Payton
Engineer – John Bradley
5:46
A3 Together
Backing Vocals – Denise (Pretty Lady) Muller, Larry Payton
Engineer – John Bradley
6:46
B1 Get It Off
Backing Vocals – Delores Dunning Milligan
Engineer – Akilli Walker, Jerry Gabinelli
7:45
B2 Can't Live Without Ya'
Engineer – John Bradley
3:26
B3 Feelin'
Engineer – John Bradley
7:00
Written by Randy Muller
(track B2 written by R. Cameron)
Label: Salsoul Records – SA 8535
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Funk, Disco, Boogie
Released in 1980 on Salsoul Records, Rafael Cameron's self-titled debut album is a notable fusion of funk, disco, and soul. Produced by Randy Muller of Brass Construction and Skyy, the record is often cited as a quintessential example of the "boogie" or post-disco sound of the early 1980s.
The album blends exuberant funk with disco-inflected soul, punctuated by analog synthesizers that create a "space funk" or electronic Eurodisco atmosphere.
It features instrumentation by members of Skyy (performing as the uncredited studio group Funk Deluxe) and showcases Muller’s signature arrangement style, including sprightly melodies and heavy dance grooves.
Critics praise the album's vivacity and consistency, noting that it avoided the "sub-disco" clichés of the era by maintaining authentic "old-school pockets" of rhythm.
Key Tracks:
"Magic of You (Like the Way)": A Top 20 hit known for its lengthy, evolving dance groove.
"Let's Get It Off": A significant club hit characterized by "spangly beats" and a subtle raunchiness.
"Funkdown": A throwback to classic early '70s funk that allows the musicians to demonstrate technical skill.
"Feelin's": A tender, soul-heavy ballad that served as the album's third hit, proving Cameron’s versatility beyond uptempo tracks.
"Can't Live Without Ya": Written by Cameron himself, this track introduces a unique Caribbean-style reggae funk.
Reviewers highlight the "vivacity" Cameron brought to the genre, describing the album as an "exuberant, joyful fusion".
Modern listeners and collectors on platforms like Discogs frequently rate the album highly (averaging between 3.75 and 4.5 out of 5), often calling it Cameron's best work and a "killer album" for funk enthusiasts.
While the production is universally lauded, some reviewers note that Cameron's distinctive vocal style can occasionally be "hard to get into" for new listeners.