Shabba Ranks was born Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon on January 17, 1966, in Sturgetown, St Ann's, Jamaica. He has worked with a varied clutch of fellow artists. These include the British vocalist Maxi Priest, American rappers KRS One and Chubb Rock, reggae singers Cocoa Tea, Crystal, and Mykal Rose, R&B singer Johnny Gill and Rock & Roll pioneer Chuck Berry. His biggest hit outside the regular reggae communities was "Mr. Loverman", although in Jamaica and for many reggae lovers, this was not his best work. Other, more appreciated tracks by reggae enthusiasts, include "Respect", "No Mama Man", "Get Up Stand Up And Rock", "Caan Dun", and "Ting A Ling".

His later reputation was badly damaged by his explicitly homophobic views and lyrics. This was evidenced by a particularly notorious incident on the Channel 4 programme 'The Word' where he appeared to advocate the crucifixion of homosexuals. This view was also aired, for example, on his track "No Mama Man", where the following lyrics can he heard:

"Don't give a love to a man if you nuh seh him a mama man"

"If jamaica would a legalize gun / to kill battyboy would be the greatest fun"

Some people might say that following this episode, and subsequent negative media coverage, his career never fully recovered. He was eventually dropped by his American record label, Epic Records, in 1996. However, his many popular tracks have rewarded him with no less than two Grammy Awards. It should also be mentioned that, despite of his homophobic history, this is very normal viewpoint in the reggae-dancehall community in Jamaica, and that Shabba Ranks is not the only artist to have referred to such matters in song. Other reggae artists that have come under criticism for their homophobic views include Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Sizzla.