"Them a Hustler" is on a killer one-away digital riddim, which utilises the sleng teng bassline, yet stands alone. "

The late Alton Black was a part of the NY Chopper crew, and one of NY's most popular artists when he cut "Reunited" on Chopper's killer lick of 'billie jean' now well known via Don Hickey's "Cooperate." All fans of the 'lovers digi' micro-genre (ha!) take note, this one should be near the top of your lists.

Tonto Irie recorded many songs on popular Jammys' rhythms as one of demanded deejays at that time.
'Life Story' was on side B of 12inch vinyl - "Wayne Smith - Icky All Over" on Greensleeves label. You might notice that this song on 'Sleng Teng' rhythm was specially edited and arranged just only for Tonto Irie's performance.

Wayne Smith scored numerous hits at Jammys and one well known is 'Under Mi Sleng Teng'. He also released same title album 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' where he showcased wavy & choppy 'E20' and crisp & clear song 'In Thing' on further computerized [Barrington Levy - Come] rhythm.

round this time Selassie was a young artist hanging with the Youth Promotion crew as well as Callo's Rythem Track crew. This rugged live-digital (played, not programmed) tune was cut at Music Mountain studios, and to us has a similar vibe as the great live-digital Leggo Sounds releases we put out a while back. "Variety" was until recently very obscure, being released only in NY, on a 12" on the Genesis Music label, operated by a former Bronx record shop.

Courtney Melody jumped on it, a rare outing for the artist on a full live-band Channel 1-cut riddim! But "Watching You" shows how Mr. Melody can ride this kind of riddim just as well as ever.

Philip Myers released only a handful of tunes in the second half of the 1980's, and among them was this now very rare 45 from 1985. The lone release on Daniel Senior's Junior Militant label, based out of Seaview Gardens, Kingston 11, this tough digital cut features lyrics about babylon coming to mash up your dance. Arranged by Noel Davey (legend has it, before the release of sleng teng!), this tune perfectly captures the digital dancehall sound just being born, and proves yet again that so many killer tunes were bubbling under but never made it into the spotlight. Thankfully, this huge tune is now back on the street, rescued from rarity and obscurity, and ready to receive its due!

It is well-known that Wayne Smith, who was deeply associated with Jammys in production of 'Sleng Teng' rhythm, was an essential individual to embrace the Digital Revolution for Reggae / Jamaican musical history. Its tough baseline that symbolized Jammys' real sound work and young Wayne Smith's high key voice, both elements perfectly fused together to create another killer tune.

In the period of Jammays golden era, Chaka Demus was a prolific artist among others like Admiral Bailey. At this time, Bobby Digital, who was often regarded as the right-hand man of King Jammy, had a popular 'Peanie Peanie' rhythm. 'Original Kuff' was recorded on this rhythm, which can be characterized by its minor chord baseline and choppy riffs and there Chaka Demus performs his catchy lyrics and melody smoothly.

Prince Junior’s ‘Crucial Boy’ appeared　on the King Jammy’s classic LP [Prince Jammy Presents VOL. 2]. Although he recorded a few songs for King Jammy in 1986, much information about the artist remains unknown. However, this ‘crucial ’song preaches equal rights, Justice and Love & Unity over his high-pitched weeping voice with his conscious and profound lyrics.

Admiral Tibet maintained himself as one of forefront cultural singers during the 80’s and the early 90’s. He consciously warns his girl friend about their love relationship with his melodious lyrics. “May be, Might be, Could it be, Girl you are running from reality”

A few titles has been released on Suguar Minott’s ‘Conscious Lover’ rhythm but ‘Sugar Me’ by Conroy Smith is one of the most wanted records on the rhythm among collectors. On this smooth drifting rhythm, he sings mournfully but also with his sweet lyrics.

This twelve-inch from Mr. Levy is some bad bad mid '80s Barrington on one of the most killer licks of the 'revolution' (aka 'black roses'/'here I come') riddim…always hard to find! Two different mixes on this 12", vocal & dub on each side.

Frankie Paul's "That Love" is a cut on the same lick of the 'revolution' rhythm made famous by Barrington Levy's "Black Roses." It was originally released on CH1's one-away 'Channel Expression' imprint, only on 7" in JA.

"Raise Again" originally came out in 1987 on Tasha's one-away Under Pressure label. Another fantastic mid '80s rhythm from the Gifted Roots Band, this one infuses digital vibes with the live Channel 1 sound.

From 1987, a piece of one-away digital fire, "Serious Thing" by Suru Board. Originally released on Tuff Gong studio's 56 Hope Road label, and produced by Tuff Gong mainstay and Jam Rock label boss Denzel Bowford, alongside the late Wailers' associate Trevor Bow. This is prime digital reggae, a scorching riddim with killer synths, and fantastic vocal from the young Suru Board (please note, the spelling of "Surn" Board on the original label was a typo!) Like the lyrics say, "serious mi serious, and me nah mek no joke!", serious digital reggae, deservedly available again.

Robert Lee was also one of demanded singers at Jammys because of his musical characteristic - 'Out of Key' style. Here King Tubby produced 'Tempo' rhythm was rearranged by Jammys and it allowed Robert Lee to perform calmly with his aggressive lyrical expression for creating another killer song.

Junior Marvin is apparently more known for his 70's work but he continued his career while dancehall period and released album 'Apartheid' at Jammys. This heavy weight dancehall song 'Jack Slick' was on the album and released on 12" single vinyl. On side B, 'Dancehall Vibes' by Anthony Johnson on the same rhythm with different arrangements was only released on 12" single vinyl.

Robert Lee and Bunny General adopted the phrase of a classic song 'Midnight Hour' by Sivertones in their combination song 'Midnight House'. The original press was only available by 12" single vinyl on Unity label.

Chuck Turner has recorded his impressive songs at Jammys such as 'I Need You' and 'Run Around Girl'. 'We Rule The Dancehall' is one of those and this tough steppers rhythm was build by notable Steelie & Clivie. His melancholy voice is something very contrary to his aggressive lyrics but that's something it makes this record attractive.

Without mentioning Anthony Red Rose, we are simply not able to discuss the distinguished sound of King Tubby and his Firehouse label. The artist was an essential figure who recorded a song called "Tempo", creating an original rhythm. It was produced by King Tubby and immediately became a symbol of 80's dancehall. During this period, King Tubby and his entourages have created prolific rhythms while running his Firehouse label. Luckily, Anthony Red Rose was able to come on the scene with his 'out of key' style and release several hits 'Old Pan Bangrang', 'Under Mi Fat Thing' and 'Worries Again' on their rhythms. "Me No Want No Boops" on the classic roots reggae rhythm "Here I Come" features humorous voice arrangement by Anthony himself and undoubtedly, this is another reputable number within the Firehouse catalogue.

When it comes to naming the best dancehall compilation album, many will mention an album called "Sound Clash Dubplate Style" produced by King Tubby. "Line Up" by Johnny Osbourne was taken from the album where he showcases his enchanting melodies and lyrics and Trevor Levy's voice echoes calmly with vigorous lyrics on the flip side. Also both songs feature an intro by legendary MC Fuzzy Jones.

Redman has versioned one of the most popular dancehall rhythm of 80’s, “Stalag” to create another unique sound. This track allowed Wayne Palmer to pass his tender lyricisms with his melancholy melodies to listeners.

Admiral Tibet calmly sings about newly established slavery system and their new wicked tactics on the heavy-weight dancehall rhythm. He showcases his stable vocal techniques with his very own cool & smooth lyric flow to match with this minor coded rhythm. Another crucial song among the Redman’s catalogue.

To explain the Redman International label, without mentioning Carl Meeks is impossible. The ‘Danger’ is Carl’s masterpiece where he sings with his unique Out Of Key style with his sharp lyrics on simple and un-colorful but addictive sounding rhythm to produce another impressive killer tune.

From its heart-shaking intro, Conroy Smith’s fresh and piercing voice echo to deliver an intense song ‘Love Affair’. Considerably, the song is known for popularity within the Jammys catalogue. Recorded to the same rhythm track ‘In Thing’ by Wayne Smith.

Robert Lee has proven that he has much ability to bring cool soundsystem tunes with his popular song ‘Come Now’. This time, he did it again with ‘Dreams’to the same rhythm track‘Run Down The World’ by Nitty Gritty.

Along with the Sleng Teng and Stalag rhythm, King Tubby produced ‘Tempo’ rhythm is considerably one of the most loved dancehall rhythms ever. This record on Tempo rhythm features a soulful love song ‘Run Come’ by roots singer, Junior Delgado and another aggressive song ‘Can’t Ride Computer’ by King Kong.

Since the early dancehall period, Echo Minott aka Noel Phillips recorded some songs for King Jammy. After having a hit single ‘Murder Weapon’ on the Signet label in 1992, the deejay became absent in the business and away from Jamaica for nearly 2 year. But he came back to the scene with another hit ‘I Am Back’ produced by King Jammy.

Sugar Minott always showcased his versatile talent by singing lover’s rock to dancehall songs and attracted a variety of wide audiences. Certainly, he proves this ability on the ‘Tonight’ rhythm, which is regarded as one of the most popular rhythms among the Jammys catalogue. On the flip side, Pad Anthony sings a soundclash anthem to the same rhythm. The song only appeared on a LP album entitled ‘Sound Clash 89’.

One of the most famous and popular dubplates from Jammy's vault. Thriller U, who recorded regularly at Jammys, sings on the Dennis Brown's 'Promise Land' rhythm for King Jammys Super Power. And Earl Sixteen performs 'A1 Sound' on 'Trial Crosses' rhythm.

ony Roach's "Big Bout Yah" has been one of our favorite tunes for years, the riddim a killer variation on 'tempo'.

Straight from Maxfield Avenue, 1989, Castro Brown's New Name Muzik outfit produced some of the best of the first wave of digital roots. Here are a couple of their finest outings. Andrew Bees has two of his finest tunes in "Struggle & Strive" and "Life in the Ghetto", both re-released here for the first time ever. These stand right beside his classic "Militant" on Music Lion as early classics of the emerging style.

From 1986, "Joker Bad Boy" by Cane Juice. A tune which blew us away from first listen with an amazingly advanced digital riddim, played live and arranged by Leggo's longtime spar Flabba Holt of the Roots Radics. Cane Juice, long one of our favorite singers, sends a message about all false bad boys, with his infamous lyric "nuff bwoy a love up di gun but dem fraid a di bullet".