What is a riddim? A rhythm, riddim in reggae vocabulary, is a rhythm pattern. It's basically a bassline and usually a special drumpattern is used with the bassline. Sometimes a short melody is associated with the riddim, but the main ingredient is the bassline. In other musical contexts it would be called a groove, and that pretty well sums up what it is about.
Most riddims have originated from a hit tune, and usually the riddim has been given the name of that tune. The tune playing in the background is called "Cherry Oh Baby" and is an example of this. The original artist is Eric Donaldson. It was a no 1 in Jamaican Festival Song Competition in 1971. Frequently versioned ever since.
"Versioning" is the term for redoing old riddims and voicing them with new artists.
The most versioned riddims are more than 20 years old and originated at Coxone Dodd's legendary Studio One studio, Brentford Road, Kingston. Many producers has made more than one classic riddim, but none can compete with the Studio One output from the late sixties and early seventies. Versions of "Moving Away", "Pretty Looks", "Nanny Goat", "Drum Song", "Jah Shakey", "Full Up", "Real Rock", "Skylarking" and "Joe Frazier" are riddims you'll hear your favorite soundsystem play in any session.
What is a riddim? A rhythm, riddim in reggae vocabulary, is a rhythm pattern. It's basically a bassline and usually a special drumpattern is used with the bassline. Sometimes a short melody is associated with the riddim, but the main ingredient is...
Play all