David Victor Emmanuel (10 February 1963 – 15 March 2011),[1] better known as Smiley Culture, was a British reggae singer and DJ known for his "fast chat" style.

[9][10] Simon Reynolds has often cited this song in his writings, arguing that it presaged the creation of a new hybrid accent in which white South Londoners would adopt many terms of black origin.

This was the supposedly autobiographical tale of how Emmanuel was arrested for the possession of cannabis, but then let off in return for an autograph when the policeman recognised him as a famous reggae artist.

It picked up considerable airplay on BBC Radio One and sold over 40,000 copies in total, but only reached the lower end of the UK Singles Chart.

[15] After this he signed to major label Polydor, but his work for them – including the album Tongue in Cheek, and the accompanying single "Schooltime Chronicle" – did not replicate the chart success of "Police Officer".

[16] Culture has been identified as a major influence by later black British musicians such as DJ Luck and MC Neat, and Roots Manuva, the latter describing him as a "Britrap pioneer".

[17][18] "Cockney Translation" was one of the choices of novelist and poet Michael Rosen when he appeared on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs.

[22] On 15 March 2011, Emmanuel died from a self-inflicted stab wound,[23] while the police were searching his house on Hillbury Road [24] Warlingham, Surrey.