Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Best Jamaican Riddims
The Music Behind Our Favourite Hits
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
Best Jamaican Riddims | Dave Kelly Tribute At Reggae Sumfest 2022 - Beenie Man and Cham (Photo Credit: Urbanislandz)Dancehall has established itself as one of the top music genres since it began in the middle of the 1980s. The showstopping genre has gained worldwide popularity and respect from Europe to Asia. Not bad for a tiny Caribbean island.
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
The artistes and their lyrics are known across the world, but none of these songs, dancehall or reggae, would have the impact they do without the right riddim.
What is a Riddim?
The Jamaican Patois name for the word "rhythm" is "riddim." The term "rhythm section" is used to describe the musical backing for a song in the context of reggae, dancehall, and séga music. The riddim and the voicing (voice portion) sung by the deejay make up the Jamaican musical genres that utilise the name.
The structure of the resulting song is unusual in several respects. If a particular riddim is well-liked, it might be featured in dozens or even hundreds of songs, both in recordings and live performances. Riddims have accompanied reggae music since the 1970s.
Best Jamaican Riddims In Dancehall - The Producers
1. Dave Kelly
A prolific Jamaican record producer and the brother of fellow producer Tony “CD” Kelly. In the late 1980s, he started working as an engineer. In 1991, he and business partner Janet Davidson launched their own label, "Madhouse," after getting their start in production at Donovan Germain's "Penthouse" label.
He later rose to prominence as one of Jamaica's top dancehall producers, penning several hits like "Action" by Nadine Sutherland & Terror Fabulous in 1994 and "Look" by Bounty Killer in 1999 that reached No. 1 on both domestic and international reggae charts. He was recently honoured with a tribute at the Reggae Sumfest Show with a various artistes he has worked with over the years, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Frisco Kidd, Mr. Easy, Cham, Spragga Benz and Wayne Wonder coming together for one electrifying performance.
2. Steely and Clevie
Wycliffe Johnson and Cleveland Browne made up the Jamaican dancehall reggae producing team known as Steely & Clevie. The duo collaborated with musicians like Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, the Specials, Gregory Peck ("Poco Man Jam" 1990), and No Doubt.
3. Steven "Lenky" Marsden
This Producer and musician was born in Jamaica and is best known for his work in dancehall reggae. Additionally, he remixes and arranges pop and hip-hop songs. In addition to being the founder of the Jamaica-based label 40/40 Records, Marsden formerly played in the ensemble of the singjay, Buju Banton.
He is most known for the dancehall riddim Diwali, which featured three songs by Sean Paul, Lumidee, and Wayne Wonder. Sean Paul's song was the most successful, peaking at number 1, Lumidee at number 2 and Wayne Wonder reaching the number 11 spot on the Billboard charts.
Some of the best Jamaican riddims of all time:
- Showtime Riddim (1997) – Produced by Dave Kelly. Highlight Tracks: Beenie Man’s “Hypocrite,” Spragga Benz’s “We Nuh Like,” Bounty Killer’s “Eagle & Di Hawk”
- Pepperseed Riddim (1994) – Produced by Dave Kelly. Highlight Tracks: Terror Fabulous’s “Number Two,” Daddy Screw’s “Model Pon Yuh Man,” Daddy Screw’s “Big Tings A Gwan”
- Street Sweeper Riddim (1999) – Produced by Steely & Clevie. Highlight Tracks: Capleton’s “What Is My Purpose,” Sean Paul & Mr. Vegas’ “Hot Gal Today,” Burro Banton’s “Boom Wah Dis”
- Bruk Out Riddim (1998) – Produced by Dave Kelly. Highlight Tracks: Bounty Killer’s “Anytime,” Baby Cham’s “Can I Get A…,” Mr. Easy’s “Murder”
- Diwali Riddim (2002) – Produced by Steven “Lenky” Marsden. Highlight Tracks: Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go,” T.O.K’s “Galang Gal,” Sean Paul’s “Get Busy”
- Joy Ride Riddim (1996) – Produced by Dave Kelly. Highlight Tracks: Wayne Wonder’s “Bashment Girl,” Baby Cham’s “Joy Ride,” Lady Saw’s “Sycamore Tree”
- Buy Out Riddim (2002) – Produced by Tony “CD” Kelly. Highlight Tracks: Sean Paul’s “Like Glue,” Mr. Easy’s “Drive Me Crazy,” T.O.K’s “Money To Burn”
- Action Riddim (1990) – Produced by Bunny Gemini. Highlight Tracks: Terror Fabulous & Nadine Sutherland’s “Action,” General Degree’s “Mr. Do It Nice,” Buju Banton’s “Love How The Gal Dem Flex”
- Bookshelf Riddim (1998) – Produced by Tony Kelly. Highlight Tracks: Beenie Man’s “Bookshelf,” Sasha’s “Dat Sexy Body,” Sean Paul’s “Deport Dem”
Punanny
- Riddim (1986) – Produced by King Jammy. Highlight Tracks: Shabba Ranks’ “Caan Dun,” Beenie Man’s “Romie,” Admiral Bailey’s “Punanny”
- Up Close & Personal Riddim (1998) – Produced by Donovan Germain. Highlight Tracks: Tanto Metro & Devonte’s “Everyone Falls In Love, ” Sean Paul’s “Nah Get Nuh Bligh,” Beenie Man’s “Do You Wanna Diss”
- Filthy Riddim (1998) – Produced by Haldane “Danny” Browne”. Highlight Tracks: Lady G’s “Breeze Off,” General Degree’s “Traffic Blocking,” Mr. Vegas’ “Heads High”
So there you have it, the best Jamaican riddims. How many of the highlighted tracks do you recognise?
You might like these
Real Reggae Music | Jamaican Music, The Heartbeat of Jamaica
For many, reggae music defines Jamaica & Jamaica defines reggae. But how was it started? What's its impact? Read more this enthralling musical genre here, now.
The History of Jamaican Rumba
Jamaican Rumba - A brief history of this enthralling Jamaican music
Bob Marley | King Of Reggae Music
Jamaica's Bob Marley is the undisputed the king of reggae music. But what do you know of him? Here is an inspirational background to this exceptional Jamaican.
Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
Return to Jamaican Music from Best Jamaican Riddims
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Best Jamaican Riddims
References & Sources For Best Jamaican Riddims
- Music: 15 Of The Best Dancehall Riddims Of All Time – The Library, https://thelibdotcom1.wordpress.com/2014/08/26/music-15-of-the-best-dancehall-riddims-of-all-time/
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
10 Beachfront Restaurants In Jamaica
Feb 14, 25 04:54 PM
Discover the top 10 beachfront restaurants in Jamaica, perfect for a romantic sunset dinner or a fun meal with friends. -
Will Portmore Become The 15th Parish In Jamaica?
Feb 13, 25 08:49 AM
Will Portmore Become the 15th Parish in Jamaica? Find out what this means for residents and the future of the city. -
What Are Some Must Listen Reggae Songs For Beginners? Here's My Top 20
Feb 12, 25 07:45 PM
You’ve found reggae! Welcome! What are some must listen reggae songs for beginners? Here is a list of 20! -
Black Sapote | The Chocolate Pudding Fruit
Feb 12, 25 03:59 PM
by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer See Also: 10 Most Loved Fruits In Jamaica Nature never ceases to amaze me! The flora and fauna in Jamaica -
What To Do For Valentines Day In Jamaica?
Feb 09, 25 12:00 PM
It's the season of love! So you are probably wondering what to do for valentines day in Jamaica? Well, here are my top suggestions.
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.