Black Uhuru is a reggae band that formed in the late 60s in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1984 it became the first reggae band to win a Grammy. By phone Duckie Simpson (vocals) discussed the band's longevity, new album, and modern reggae artists he appreciates.

AXS: Black Uhuru has been around a long time. What do you think is the key to the band's longevity?

Duckie Simpson: The key is I. I am the key because I am the one that keeps it together all these years. The type of music that we do. We do serious cultural stuff. We were the first one that did a whole song about marijuana - "Sinsemilla."

AXS: Now that's pretty much a staple in reggae.

DS: We were the first one that did a full song about Selassie. Longevity is coming through our militancy.

AXS: Do you see yourself as a kind of reggae pioneer?

DS: I think I am. I come from the old school and I'm still in the business, still doing shows. Still traveling, stil recording. Some people call it a dinosaur.

AXS: You must be doing something right to do it this long.

DS: It's my pride and my sincerity. I'm true to myself.

AXS: The music business has changed a lot since you started. How have you had to evolve to keep up with the music business?

DS: In the computer age, record sales are down. So artists make their money from touring. That's where it is now.

AXS: Have you had to change your approach to making music?

DS: I think it's the same approach, the same topics. In this day and age, promoting yourself is a different ballgame from in the past. Social media is where it is now. You don't have to be with a company now to be popular. Just promote yourself on social media and you can be very popular.

AXS: Looking back, what does it mean that you were the first reggae band to win a Grammy?

DS: I'm not really a Grammy guy. It's just another trophy to me. I've won a couple awards. The categories are set so weird. They don't really present it with any respect.

AXS: Who are some modern reggae artists that you appreciate?

DS: A lot of guys. I'm from the Bob Marley days. My guy is Chronixx, Jesse Royal, Kabaka Pyramid. Those are the current guys that I appreciate and listen to. The generation changes, but the music won't change with the generation.

AXS: How do you feel about the new album As the World Turns?

DS: It's kind of different. I like it.

AXS: How is it different?

DS: It's the same topics, singing about rasta, singing about ganja, singing about Africa. It's in the same trend, just different sounds. I have a song on there by the name of "War Crime." It's about Kadafi, Chavez, Mugabe, and all those guys.

AXS: What would you be doing if you weren't making music?

DS: I'm not sure I want to answer that. I'm from a tough, hardcore neighborhood. Anything would be possible.

As the World Turns was released last month and is available everywhere now.