As the resurgence of juggling riddims continues to coincide with international interest in dancehall music, we look at a few defining riddims of the last 24 years.
Following consultations with a handful of music experts in the field, a few criteria were established for the recommended productions.
Among the metrics evaluated include hits songs produced, the sonics or uniqueness of the sound, the usefulness of the production beyond the year of its release, and its cross-generational appeal.
Mad Collab Riddim -2010
Zj Chrome delivered a hot drop with this 2010 release, which saw Bounty Killer and Elephant Man provide one of the best flossing anthems with “How We Do It” and the iconic global hit “Clarks” by Vybz Kartel, Popcaan and Gaza Slim(Vanessa Bling).
Diwali Riddim-2002
Created by Steven “Lenky” Marsden this super production which has yielded a handful of Billboard chart toppers and certifications from Sean Paul with “Get Busy“, Wayne Wonder-“No Letting Go” and Lumidee is seen as the premier defining riddim of dancehall in the last 24 years.
Coolie Dance -2003
This high-tempo beat released in 2003 remains undoubtedly one of the most infectious cross-over productions. The Cordell Skatta Burrell produced riddim hit the target as the juggling delivered several hit singles led by Billboard entries from New York-based singer Nina Sky and Elephant Man.
Produced by the legendary Dave Kelly, “Fiesta” provided an exciting delivery of dancehall spice, which included “Dude” by BeenieMan and Lady Saw’s– “Man is The Least. “
One of the all-time cross-generational staples in Dancehall music, “Anger Management” highlighted the expanded level of creative utility in the sound of the local genre. The joint DASECA and Foota Hype production birthed several anthems from Bounty Killer, Mavado and Vybz Kartel.
The title seemingly a description of its actual structure was produced by Rohan “Jah Snowcone” Fuller and was an instant hit among artistes, dancers and fans. With its simple yet hard-hitting baselines encased in its catchy rhythmic flow, Applause was the most suited adjective for the riddim. Among its most notable vocals on the riddim were Sean Paul’s Billboard smash “Temperature” and Shane O’s break-out hit “Lightning Flash.“
With songs such as “Knock It” by Vybz Kartel and “Gullyside” By Mavado, this Firelinks-produced riddim was another sonically unique release within the space. It’s slow groove and compelling vibe – Airwaves is one of those unsung and unique gems of the mid-2010′ era.
Stepz Riddim-2004
One of the most versatile releases by noted dancehall sound Renaissance Disco, the Stepz riddim is an unforgettable production that allowed an unconfined range of artistic direction, which was the case among the vocals that appear on the riddim.
Stepz delivered major drops such as Elephant Man‘s hype classic “Nuh Junjo” and Sean Paul’s mega-hit “We Be Burning.”
Mad Ants Riddim-2002
Sonically one of the most ear-catching productions across genres, Mad Ants Riddim by the legendary Don Corleon was a standout release in 2002 and undoubtedly remains a staple among music lovers with its signature “keys” and “high hats.”
Dem Time Deh-2006
This “Leftside” and “Esco” production showed the innovativeness of experimenting with unique sounds to expand the variety of dancehall tones and feel. Mavado‘s “Weh Dem A Seh“ and Aidonia’s “Ukkubit” were among the noted singles on the riddim.
Gear Box Riddim-2008
This Truck Back production is a standout release over the last two decades for its utility as both with the beat allowing for a routine skank or chilled rock, essentially making it an all-inclusive juggling among listeners.
With songs such as Cham’s “Ghetto Story“ and Assassin’s-“Anywhere We Go,” among other classics, Dave Kelly delivered another memorable production with ’85’ with its hard-hitting base and slow, almost ‘rub-a-dub-esq’ groove was a pleasant throwback to original dancehall feel.
Go Go Club Riddim-2009
Sonically one of the dancehall’s most unique productions, Rvssian‘s creative use of digital manipulation of sound and music composition produced an instant classic in the late 2000s, spawning several hits. Its influence was further underscored following its 2023 remake on the 2.0 version, which also yielded several hits among the new generation
Street Vybz Riddim-2010
This “Not Nice“ production was not only a staple during the heights of Portmore Empire’s dominance, it was also a premier release among playlists as a must-play juggling at events, especially during hype sets. The impact of the once “Gaza exclusive” riddim was underlined with its re-release in 2023 as several major acts, such as Aidonia, Skeng and Chronic Law, delivered hit recordings on the riddim.
One of the many hit releases by production prodigy “Di Genius“, “Day Rave Riddim” remains an anthem for its genre-bending sounds and creative incorporation of new-age digital elements, which itself became an influential staple for the then-new sound of dancehall going into the 2010s.
This joint “Di Genius“ and Delly Ranx production provided one of the all-time great releases with its uptempo vibe creating an instant vibe of high energy.
This 2009 drop from ‘production prodigy,’ Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor was an instant hit upon its release as it incorporated various sounds that expanded its dynamism and churned out several major hits that remain hot among throwbacks.
Mr Officer by Vybz Kartel and “Hope and Pray” by Mavado are among the noted singles on the riddim.
Military Riddim, produced by Christopher Birch was an example of an excellent theme-based production which is suggested in its title. The riddim showcases the creative range of the producer as the juggling gave that militant feel without relinquishing the danceability of the production.
Notable tracks on the riddim “Step Pon Dem”- Assassin, “I’m With The Girls”-Sizzla and “War Nah Done”-Kartel
Aptly titled “High Altitude”, this Don Corleon beat gave an auditory elevation with an eclectic fuse of sounds which yielded equally exciting releases. Noted songs: “Break It Off”-by Sean Paul ft Rihanna, “Flipping Rhymes”– Munga title release “High Altitude” by Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer.
If there was a perfect blend of dancehall and carnival, this Kurt Riley production delivered well on that universal Caribbean experience as its dynamism allowed for seamless adaptations to dancehall or soca recordings.
“Jambe An,” which housed several hits also produced a diamond-selling record in the Latin market courtesy of Charly Black’ ” Gyal You Party Animal”.
One Day Riddim-2010
Rated among Rolling Stone’s definition of Jamaican music, “Seanizzle” hit the target with this 2010 drop. The production was among those unique feel-good releases of time and spawned several ‘monster’ hits such as Beenie Man’s “I’M Ok“, Zj Liquid’s Wifey Walk Out and Seanizzle’s own “One Day.”
