The Riddim Database
What is a Riddim?
“Riddim” is the Jamaican Patois spelling of the English word “Rhythm”.
Jamaican music typically consists of a riddim (the instrumental part) plus a voicing (the vocal part). Together they form a song (also called a tune). A riddim is not exclusive to one song, but is rather used in many other songs. The more popular riddims are used hundreds of times. Riddims have their own name, their own producer and owner, and their own musical life independent of particular songs. The riddim phenomenon started in the late 1950's and continues strong up until this day.
Riddims are mainly used for Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Lovers Rock, Dub and Raggamuffin music. The first riddims were recorded in studios, as most studios had their own house band with a wide variety of musicians. Halfway through the 1980s the usage of synthesizers and drum machines became more common, which propelled riddims into the digital era.
![Sir Coxsone Sound System](/img/sir-coxsone-sound-system.jpg)
What are the Most Used Riddims?
1960s
![Real Rock Riddim](/img/riddims/1960s/real-rock-riddim.jpg)
- Real Rock Riddim (1968)
- Answer Riddim (1967)
- Heavenless Riddim (1968)
1970s
![Stalag Riddim](/img/riddims/1970s/stalag-riddim.jpg)
- Stalag Riddim (1973)
- Taxi Riddim (1975)
- Storm Riddim (1977)
1980s
![Sleng Teng Riddim](/img/riddims/1980s/sleng-teng-riddim.jpg)
- Sleng Teng Riddim (1985)
- Punanny Riddim (1986)
- Kuff Riddim (1987)
1990s
![Giggy Riddim](/img/riddims/1990s/giggy-riddim.jpg)
- Giggy Riddim (1991)
- Joy Ride Riddim (1996)
- Corduroy Riddim (1994)
2000s
![Martial Arts Riddim](/img/riddims/2000s/martial-arts-riddim.jpg)
- Martial Arts Riddim (2002)
- Applause Riddim (2004)
- Coolie Dance Riddim (2003)
Popular Riddims
- Punanny (1986)
- Real Rock (1968)
- Sleng Teng (1985)
- Up Close And Personal (1998)
- Serve And Protect (2009)
- Pepper Seed (1993)
- Showtime (1997)
- Stalag (1973)
- They Gonna Talk (2000)
- Full Up (1968)