Dub music was born as a subgenre of Reggae during the 1960′s. It is typically heard as a remix of an original track, with stripped vocals and an emphasis on the bass and drums so selectas (DJs) can bang it through the soundsystem (speakers). The tracks are often littered with effects such as echoes and reverberation to provide a unique sound that hits super hard.  Aswad have been staples in the dub world for decades, and this track features all the classic components of dub music. The epic horns make this one a true standout.  Something different..

Aswad – Dub Fire

About six years ago while home on Christmas break from college in Canada, I picked up the “No, No, No (Remix)” twelve inch from Music Factory.  Reading the credits I learned that the beat was made by Scram Jones, who in the following years would become one of my favorite producers in the game. Present day, I now work closely with Scram, and was able to chop it up with him about how this record came about, perfect content for a Sample Saturday.  From that conversation, I learned the following things…

In 2004 Scram was mixing his album in Soho Studios, formerly owned by DJ Stretch Armstrong. Working in the next room, was Harlem battle rapper Jae Millz, a fairly unknown artist at the time.  Millz got a hold of one of Scram’s beat CDs, and within a day had recorded two records.  The first was called “Born & Raised” which featured another unknown Harlem rapper named Vado, who has recently achieved huge success as a part of Cam’ron’s UN crew.  The next was the Dawn Penn sampled “No, No, No” which Scram heard on the radio within a day of meeting Jae Millz in Soho Studios.  Both these records got airplay on Hot97, being both rappers first time on the radio.  ”No, No, No” gained so much momentum and popularity that a remix was soon after released featuring industry heavyweights Killa Cam and T.I. All the hype helped Jae Millz ink a record deal with Warner Bros., even shooting a video for the song in Jamaica.  Since Millz’s Warner release never came to fruition the song was then put out on Scram’s fully self-produced project, Loose Cannons, pressed to vinyl, and put in stores… where I picked it up.

Dawn Penn – You Don’t Love Me

Jae Millz ft. Cam’ron & T.I. (prod. Scram Jones)

via KevinCaseyMusic and Et Musique Pour Tous

Distant Relatives was one of the more slept on albums that came out this year, and undeservedly so. Both Nas and Damian Marley are among the best artists in their respective genres, and they both shine on this album. Distant Relatives fused African, reggae, and hip-hop music together to give us an exciting new sound.  ”Strong Will Continue” is one of the harder tracks on the album, and features an exceptionally good verse, even by Nas’ standards.  After remaining quiet about his tumultuous personal life over the last few years, Nas goes in with his last verse and opens up to his audience like only he can.

Nas & Damian Marley- Strong Will Continue

Collie Buddz was born in New Orleans, and moved to his mother’s home of Bermuda at the age of five when his father passed away.  ”Come Around” came out in 2006, and since then I’ve seen it get consistent positive reactions in the clubs.  I have to say that this record and “Blind To You” are two of my favorite modern reggae joints out there.  Finally the herbs come around.

Collie Buddz – Come Around

I was listening to Angie interview Wyclef today on Hot97 on my ride to the studio, and I was really glad I caught it.  This man seems to be ready to dedicate the upcoming years of his life entirely to rebuilding Haiti.  He emphasized the fact that pretty soon the hype is going to die down, along with the aid.  Haiti is going to experience deadly droughts in resources for years, and Wyclef encouraged people to store away goods to send in the later stages of the relief effort.  After the interview they cut to “No Woman, No Cry,” which seemed to take on a whole different meaning this time around.  Do what you can; make a donation, gather food and clothing … make a difference.

The Fugees – No Woman, No Cry

Jimmy Cliff’s appearance in the movie The Harder They Come, and his contribution to the soundtrack, helped popularize reggae music across the world.  His music heavily influenced the career of that guy on your posters, Bob Marley.  He was recently announced as a 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

“So as sure as the sun will shine.  I’m gonna get my share now of what’s mine.”

Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come

Songs like this give you a look inside the mind of lead singer Bradley Nowell, who’s lifestyle and experiences led to great music, and eventually his untimely death from overdose.  Raw emotions write the best records – pain and suffering from addiction included.  Sublime is a special type of band that has been often imitated, but never duplicated.

“If you only knew all the love I found … It’s hard to keep my soul on the ground.”

Sublime – Garden Grove

When attending university in Canada, my roommate put me onto his friend’s band, Bedouin Soundclash. We went to see them live a bunch of times in small venues, and these guys always did their thing.  They play a reggae style sound, sing very tight harmonies, and were all masters at their respective instruments. “When the Night Feels My Song” was off of their 2005 album entitled Sounding A Mosaic. Since then, the drummer Pat Pengelly (far right) has left the band, leaving behind guitarist/lead vocalist Jay Malinowski, and bassist Eon Sinclair.  Great guys, great musicians, I wish them the best.

Bedouin Soundclash – When The Night Feels My Song