A rarity amongst the most versioned riddims, the Abyssians’ “Satta Massagana” (plus a myriad of similar spellings) has also been regularly covered by other artists. Driven by powerful horns that give way to entrancing vocals, the original song is instantly recognizable.
Text by Anderson Muth Artwork by Irie Design This is a riddim of many names, though “He Prayed” truly seems to give respect to where it’s due, as that’s one of the two early titles (along with “Joe Frazier”) used by Burning Spear before “Dub Organizer” arrived later via Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. In a 2011 […]
Text: Jeremy Freeman, Artwork: Irie Design The Billie Jean riddim first came to attention with the release of Shinehead’s 1984 cover of Michael Jackson’s smash hit “Billie Jean” on New York’s African Love label. Interestingly, the flip side of the original 12” was another cover (of UK R&B singer Junior’s “Mama Used To Say”) and […]
Text by Anderson Muth Birthed by the great Jackie Mittoo as the 60s began to give way to the 70s, the Hot Milk riddim, aka Murderer, has been the source of hit records ever since. The initial Coxson 7” led to the Studio One era and then into deejays, rubadub, dancehall, and sound system: like […]
Arising out of the increasingly slack dancehall scene found in mid-80s Jamaica, the Punanny (also spelled Punaany and Punany, amongst other possible iterations) riddim is a much-versioned up-tempo digital shuffle.
The Groove Thief explores the elusive roots and evolution of the mythical Kunta Kinte Riddim