The late David Victor Emmanuel, aka Smiley Culture, is one of the most important artists in reggae, soundsystem culture and UK music as a whole. 

An originator of the "fast-chat" style, Smiley also played a pivotal role in the popularisation of mixing Jamaican patois and Cockney slang, even sneaking references to "ganja" and "sinsemilla" into chart-invading singles — simply because censors had no clue what it meant. To see what we mean, check out his 1984 debut single "Cockney Translation".

Over the years, Emmanuel has been cited by a huge range of UK artists, including DJ Luck & MC Neat, Roots Manuva and MCs from the Saxon soundsystem, as being an inspirational force and, in the words of Roots Manuva, a "Britrap pioneer". 

We could write endlessly about Smiley Culture's contribution to UK music, but instead you should watch this Top Of The Pops performance of his biggest hit "Police Officer" from back in 1985 for the proof.