Riddims

The rhythm tracks that hundreds of songs share, by the year they were cut. 8

1960s

Riddim Answer / Never Let Go 1967 rocksteady source · recurring dancehall foundationStudio One · Kingston → dancehall versions

Before dancehall called it Answer, Slim Smith sang “Never Let Go” over the foundation at Studio One.

 Riddim Real Rock recorded 1967 · versioned for nearly six decadesStudio One · Kingston → sound systems worldwide

Three organ notes and a bassline that refuses to die.

 Riddim Full Up late-1960s Studio One foundation · major 1980s afterlifeStudio One · Kingston → global pop

A buoyant Studio One bassline that kept travelling.

 Riddim Satta Massagana recorded 1969 · roots foundation with decades of versionsKingston → Rastafari and reggae communities worldwide

A slow, solemn Abyssinians foundation that became bigger than one record.

1970s

Riddim Stalag 1973 source instrumental · major 1980s dancehall afterlifeJamaica → global sampling and sound-system culture

Ansel Collins’ “Stalag 17” became one of dancehall’s great reusable foundations.

1980s

Riddim Tempo 1985 digital dancehallKing Tubby’s · Waterhouse · Kingston

Waterhouse goes digital from Tubby’s side of the street.

2000s

Riddim Diwali 2002 dancehall riddim · global chart afterlifeJamaica → worldwide pop and club music

Handclaps became a global dancehall pulse.

Undated

Riddim Heavenless Studio One foundation · major 1981 rub-a-dub recutStudio One → Channel One → King Tubby’s → the dance

A Don Drummond horn line from the Studio One foundation era that kept resurfacing in the dance.

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