Terms

The words the music uses for itself. 7

concept Dubplate acetate culture from the sound-system era · clash staple to the presentJamaican sound systems → global sound-system culture

A record made for a particular sound, not the whole world.

 concept Dubwise 1970s reggae language → presentJamaican recording and sound-system culture → global usage

A signal that the mix is about to open up: vocals thin out, drum and bass step forward, and echo or reverb starts moving through the track.

 concept One-Drop late-1960s/1970s reggae vocabulary · still usedJamaican rhythm sections → global reggae

A reggae drum feel built around what is missing: beat one is left open while kick and snare land together later in the bar.

 concept Riddim 1950s recording practice → reggae and dancehall standardJamaican studios and dances → global circulation

The musical foundation under the voice: drums, bass, chords, hooks and feel.

 concept Selector 1950s sound-system culture → presentJamaican dances → global sound-system culture

The person choosing the records and steering the musical journey of a sound system.

 concept Singjay 1970s development · major 1980s dancehall role → presentJamaican sound systems and studios → global reggae/dancehall

Half sung, half deejayed, fully Jamaican.

 concept Version late 1960s expansion · central through the 1970s and beyondJamaican studios, 45s and sound systems

The same record, opened up again.

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