This thursday, let’s go back in time with the “Stalag Riddim”
The “Stalag Riddim” is one of the most —if not the most— sampled Reggae Dancehall riddim of all times. It was heard for the first time in the 1973 single of Big Youth titled “Jim Screechie”. In 1976, Winston Riley produced a remake of this riddim, in which he incorporated the characteristic horn section phrase that has been the trademark of the “Stalag Riddim” ever since.
The rhythm has been voiced by the some of the best Reggae Dancehall artists of all times like Nicodemus, Shabba Ranks, Yellowman, Sugar Minott, Garnett Silk, Sizzla just to name a few.
It has been used and adapted many times in various genres during the past decades. In Beenie Man‘s single “Compton”, featuring Guerrilla Black, the sample has been switched with a gangster Hip Hop flavor. More recently, Ward 21 rejuvenated the riddim on their latest album “Still Disturbed”.
No one can deny the fact that this riddim is a classic. You should definitely get it in your collection. For those who don’t have it yet, here’s a sample of it with a few tracks dating from the 1985 to the 1991’s versions.
1985 Version Track list:
- Admiral Tibett – Trouble To A Man
- Beres Hammond – Church On Sunday
- Buju Banton & General Echo & Tenor Saw & Candy Man & Sister Nancy
- Capleton – Heathen Reign
- Courtney Melody – No Sound Tonight
- Garnett Silk & Cocoa Tea – Every Knee Shall Bow
- Garnett Silk – Sen Dem
- Johnny Osbourne – Rub A Dub
- Nicodemus – Suzy Wong
- Pinchers – Lift It Up Again
1991 Version Track list:
- Buju Banton – Major Christie – Du Dem Sump’n
- Buju Banton – Mama Rule
- Buju Banton – Quick
- Chilla Rinch – Sensi
- Cutty Ranks – Rude Bwoy Game
- Freddie Mcgregor – No Defeat
- Jr. Demus – Good Over Evil
- Little Kirk – What’s Love Got To Do
- Michael Prophet – Room Full
Note: Link updated on 03/19/16.