In celebration of World Music Day, Fame 95 FM’s Fullhouse Fridays produced by Debbie Bissoon, staged their weekly on air clash segment with the theme ‘Top 3 Best Instrumental Riddim/Version Of All Time.’
Affectionately known as ‘Fête de la Musique,’ World Music Day is a global celebration held annually on June 21 to promote the universal language of music.
While not acknowledging the World Music Day on air, listeners tuned in to cast their votes on what they believe were the best, among the mostly dancehall riddims that were played.
Hosted by renowned DJ Collin Hinds, with supporting comedic hosts Dufton Shepherd, Schow Stewart, Orville Hall, and Chris Larmond, the show featured iconic tracks that had listeners reminiscing and debating the classics.
Hinds shared his insights on the selection of riddims and their importance. He highlighted that all the riddims played were top-notch and emphasized the criteria for judging a riddim’s greatness: the number of hits produced and the frequency of reuse or sampling.
“All the riddims played were top shelf,” Hinds remarked. “The first thing you look for is hits. Every song on Bruk Out and Bug Riddim was a hit. Second, you consider how many times that riddim has been used or sampled. In terms of reuse, the Punany Riddim is the most reused, and the Showtime Riddim and Diwali Riddim have been sampled many times, earning them high recognition.”
The veteran DJ further noted the relevance of these riddims beyond recorded material, pointing out that the Anger Management Riddim is prominent in stage shows sound clashes and dubplates, while the Showtime Riddim boasts multiple hits and dubplates.
Voters on the text line commented that the Showtime Riddim is one of the greatest dancehall riddims of all time. However, the debate heated up with the mention of other significant riddims. Some listeners expressed their love for the Pepperseed Riddim, which was missing from the selections, and several chimed in that the Poco Man Jam Riddim has the edge.
The compliment of riddims played included: Showtime Riddim produced by Dave Kelly and Diwali Riddim produced by Stephen Lenky Marsden – played by Lawman, Fish Market (Pocoman Jam) Riddim played by Orville Hall and Bug Riddim by Stewart.
In the end it was decided that the clash was a draw, however, lets take a look at each riddim’s contribution to World Music.
Showtime Riddim
The “Showtime Riddim,” released in 1997, has 37 songs with artists like Beenie Man contributing notable songs such as “Exclusive” and “Hypocrite,” while Bounty Killer’s “Eagle And Di Hawk” and Baby Cham’s “Gallong Yah Gal” also stood out. The riddim includes a blend of energetic and provocative titles, including Cobra’s “Gal Splurt,” Elephant Man’s “Nah Fight Over Man,” and Frisco Kid’s “Gal Pon De Side.” Collaborations such as Red Fox & Rayvon’s “Bashment Party” added to its popularity.
Other notable contributions came from Spragga Benz with multiple tracks like “Bad Mind” and “We Nuh Like,” and Wayne Wonder with “Searching Dem Searching.”
Diwali Riddim
The “Diwali Riddim,” produced by Lenky, features a total of 31 songs released between 2002 and 2007. This riddim became iconic in the dancehall genre and achieved significant global chart success, particularly with Sean Paul’s “Get Busy.”
Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” topped the Billboard Hot 100, bringing global attention to the Diwali Riddim and solidifying Sean Paul’s status as an international star. Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go” also enjoyed considerable success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a summer anthem. In addition to its initial release, the riddim’s popularity continued with later adaptations.
Lumidee’s “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)” in 2003 reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Rihanna’s “Pon De Replay” in 2005, produced by Carl Sturken & Evan Rogers, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Other notable tracks on the riddim include Beenie Man’s “That’s Right,” Bounty Killer & Wayne Marshall’s “Sufferer,” and Elephant Man’s “Elephant Message,” which further showcased the riddim’s versatility and widespread appeal. The riddim’s infectious beat and universal appeal attracted various artists, leading to a blend of different styles and themes, from party anthems like Danny English & Egg Nogg’s “Party Time” to more reflective tracks like Tanya Stephens’ “Can’t Touch Me No More.”
Anger Management Riddim
Anger Management Riddim, played by Dufton, was released in 2004 with tracks released on the riddim up to 2006. Produced by Craig Marsh and released under the Daseca label, the riddim includes tracks from prominent dancehall artists such as Alaine, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, and Mavado. In 2004, songs like “Anything (Only For You)” by Alaine, “Gangsta Life” by Beenie Man & Martina, and “Talk To Dem” by Bounty Killer showcased the distinctive style and energy of this riddim. Vybz Kartel contributed multiple tracks, including “Mrs. Jaw” and “Naah Shot A Soul.”
In 2006, the riddim saw additional contributions with tracks like “Full Clip” by Busy Signal & Mavado, “No Way” by Sizzla, and “War Naah Talk Over” by Vybz Kartel, further solidifying its impact on the dancehall scene. The riddim’s recurring themes revolve around street life, resilience, and assertiveness, all hallmark traits of the dancehall genre.
Bug Riddim
The “Bug Riddim,” produced by Dave Kelly and released in 1999 under the Madhouse label, features a total of 20 songs. This riddim brought together a variety of dancehall artists, creating a robust compilation that captures the energetic and gritty essence of the late 1990s dancehall scene. Notable tracks include Bounty Killer’s introspective “Look Into My Eyes,” which was banned from the radio airwaves when it was released, and the collaborative hit “Another Level” by Bounty Killer & Baby Cham. Beenie Man & Mr. Easy’s “Haters & Fools” and Spragga Benz’s “Can’t Get No Gal” are other standout tracks that highlight the riddim’s diverse appeal. The riddim also features contributions from prominent artists like Shaggy with “Girls File” and Wayne Wonder with “Keep Them Coming.”
Captain Barkey’s “Fully Loaded,” Diplomat’s “More Money,” and Singing Prince & Ricky General’s “Flashy Life” were produced by Winston Whitaker on the riddim.
Fish Market Riddim (Poco Man Riddim)
The “Poco Man Jam Riddim,” also known as the “Fish Market Riddim,” was created by Steely & Clevie and first released in 1989. This riddim features more than 100 songs.
Notable tracks on this riddim include Gregory Peck’s “Poco Man Jam,” which became an iconic dancehall anthem. The production talents of Steely & Clevie brought a distinct sound that blended traditional dancehall with innovative rhythms, making the riddim a significant hit in the dancehall scene. Other prominent tracks include Josey Wales’ “Spirit,” Capleton’s “Granny,” and Bounty Killer’s “Look Into My Eyes,” all contributing to the riddim’s enduring popularity.
Further songs on the riddim were produced by Bobby Digital & Michael Jemeison, including “Spirit” by Josey Wales, and “Dem Bow” by Shabba Ranks, a foundational track that influenced the reggaetón genre.
Steely & Clevie Productions are now involved in a US copyright lawsuit against over 100 Reggaetón artists and producers and their labels and publishing companies, including Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi. The lawsuit, filed initially in October 2021, alleges that 56 Reggaeton songs, including hits like “Despacito,” have elements from Steely & Clevie’s “Fish Market riddim.” It has since been expanded to include 1800 songs in the reggaetón genre.
A key issue in the lawsuit is that the “Fish Market riddim” (1989) was only registered for US copyright in March 2021, potentially limiting the damages they can claim.
