The Top 10 Reggae Riddims of All Time
Check out our list of the top 10 reggae riddims of all time. From classic riddims like ‘Chalice’ to more contemporary ones like ‘Sting’, these are the tunes that have kept reggae lovers dancing for decades.
What is a Riddim?
If you Google “top reggae riddims of all time,” you’ll find a number of different Listmanias on the subject (as of this writing, there are at least three different ones on Amazon.com). This should give you some idea of the passion that reggae fans have for riddims. But if you’re not a reggae fan, or if you’re new to the genre, you might be wondering: what is a riddim?
A riddim is a Jamaican Patois word for “rhythm” (pronounced “rid-dim”). In reggae, it refers to the drum and bass pattern that forms the foundation of a song. While every song has its own unique riddim, many riddims are reused over and over again, by different artists and in different songs. In fact, some riddims have become so popular that they’ve taken on a life of their own, becoming known as “riddim tracks.”
There are literally thousands of different reggae riddims out there, but some have proven to be more popular than others. Here is a list of ten of the most popular reggae riddims of all time.
The History of Reggae Riddims
Reggae music has come to be known for its distinctive rhythm, which is often referred to as a “riddim.” Riddims are the backbone of every reggae song, and they have been an integral part of the genre since its inception.
However, while riddims are an essential part of reggae music, they are also relatively simple. In fact, many of the most popular riddims have been used over and over again by different artists.
Despite their simplicity, though, riddims have played a vital role in shaping the sound of reggae music. Here are 10 of the most iconic and influential riddims in the history of the genre:
The 10 Greatest Reggae Riddims of All Time
Reggae music has been around for decades and has produced some truly iconic riddims. Riddims are the core of every reggae song, and some have become so popular that they have been reused multiple times. In this article, we will countdown the 10 greatest reggae riddims of all time.
#10 – The Rockers Riddim
Recorded at the famed Channel One Studios in 1976, The Rockers Riddim was inspired by the classic rock n’ roll of the 1950s. The riddim features a number of instrumental tracks, including “The Rockers” and “Rockers Rock.”
#9 – The Black Uhuru Riddim
Released in 1981, The Black Uhuru Riddim was produced by Sly & Robbie and was used for the Black Uhuru songs “Sponji Reggae” and “Shine Eye Gal”. The riddim has a slow, dub style that is unique and different from most reggae beats.
#8 – The Stalag Riddim
The Stalag Riddim, also known as the Sleng Teng Riddim was released in 1985 by Wayne Smith. The riddim is one of the most popular and influential in reggae history. It is characterized by it’s use of a drum machine and synthesizer that give it a very distinctive sound. The riddim was responsible for launching the careers of many artists including Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, and Beenie Man.
#7 – The Roots Radics Riddim
The seventh greatest reggae riddim of all time is the Roots Radics Riddim. This unforgettable reggae riddim was originally produced by the Roots Radics band in the early 1980s. The Roots Radics Riddim is characterized by its hard-hitting bassline and drumbeat, which are accented by horns and keyboards. This riddim is often credited with popularizing the roots reggae sound. It has been used as the foundation for countless reggae songs, including “Bad Boys” by Bounty Killer, “No, No, No” by Dawn Penn, and “Radical” by Sizzla.
#6 – The Scientist Riddim
The Scientist Riddim was produced by Sly & Robbie and released in 1985. The riddim was later used for the song “The Scientist” by Snoop Lion ft. collie Buddz. The riddim features a heavy bassline and horns.
#5 – The Mad Professor Riddim
The Mad Professor Riddim was created by the legendary producer, who is responsible for some of the biggest reggae hits of all time. The riddim features a simple, yet effective, bass line that is guaranteed to get your head nodding. The drumming is tight and the overall feel of the riddim is very smooth. This is one of those rare reggae riddims that can be enjoyed by both fans of classic reggae and modern dancehall.
#4 – The King Tubby Riddim
Popularized by the great Jamaican producer, King Tubby, this riddim is characterized by a heavy bassline and drums that seem to echo in the distance. The result is a hypnotic groove that is perfect for dancing.
#3 – The Lee “Scratch” Perry Riddim
The Lee “Scratch” Perry Riddim is a classic reggae riddim that was popularized by the legendary producer Lee “Scratch” Perry. The riddim is characterized by a catchy, off-beat rhythm that is perfect for dancing. It was used extensively by Perry during his days as a producer, and has been sampled and reused countless times by other producers. The Lee “Scratch” Perry Riddim is a true classic of reggae music, and it is sure to get your feet moving.
#2 – The Augustus Pablo Riddim
Augustus Pablo’s “Java” is one of the mostsample-heavy tracks in all of reggae, and it’s all anchored by that unforgettable organ riff. The song became so popular in Jamaica that sound systemselect started playing it at dances, which spurred a new wave of “Java”-inspired tunes.
#1 – The Bob Marley & The Wailers Riddim
The Bob Marley & The Wailers riddim is one of the most iconic and well-known reggae riddims of all time. The song ” One Love/People Get Ready” by Bob Marley & The Wailers was originally released on this riddim and has since become one of the most popular songs in reggae history. This particular riddim has been used by numerous other artists over the years, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Sean Paul.
