Transitions in the history of music are very exciting periods. Genres are blurred and progressively become hard to describe. This one happened between the end of the 70s and the beginning of the 80s
“Rub-A-Dub” or “Rub-A-Dub Style” is one the genres doing the passage between Reggae and Dancehall. It also describes a dance style trendy at that time when women and men use to rub up really close together. This period is probably the most intriguing one of the Jamaican history because it contains elements of the past and of the future of this musically rich country.
Toasters/DJs were recording serious hits and took over the market. They were no more ashamed to perform next to singers. The time when they were considered as just party animators was long gone. Their style was now mainstream. Studios were also changing and pre-programmed instruments were introduced. It was just the beginning of a new technological revolution.
In the meantime, a new breed of toasters described as “sing-jay” was rising.They were mixing the soulful reggae singer style with the deejay / toaster style. This fusion was a fertile ground for many kind of experimentations. Producers were also pushing the limits of their dub explorations on their instrumentals and their productions for deejays and singers reflected all this.
Almost all the ingredients of the forthcoming Dancehall style were already there waiting for the digital revolution…
Here is a selection of tunes covering this period:
Clint Eastwood & General Saint – Hey Mr.DJ
Mikey Dread – Israel (12 Tribes) Stylee (Extended Play)
Dillinger – Take it easy (Producer: Augustus Pablo)
Don Carlos – Shanky Producer
General Saint & Clint Eastwood – Another One Bites The Dust
Sylford Walker & Welton Irie – Give Thanks And Praise To Jah
Little John – All Over Me
Frankie Paul – Worries in the Dances
Lone Ranger – Fish Tea
Junior Reid – Oh Happy Day + Daylight Version
Mikey Dread – Warior Style (Extended Stereo Mix)
