If you listen to Western music even a little, you’ve probably heard the terms dubstep or dubwise.
Still, many people may not be quite sure what “dub” actually means.
Dub is a genre that originated in Jamaica; put simply, it refers to remixes.
In this piece, I’ll focus on three genres: reggae dub, where it originated, and the effect-heavy styles of dubwise and dubstep.
I also explain individual tracks, so if you’re not very familiar with EDM, be sure to read to the end.
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What Is DUB? A Beginner’s Guide to Dub Music! (1–10)
Zion’s BloodLee Perry and The Upsetters
Lee “Scratch” Perry, the father of reggae dub.
Anyone well-versed in reggae will know his name.
Among Perry’s works, the track regarded as supreme is “Zion’s Blood.” It’s the opening song on his classic album Super Ape.
While Perry had already established a fully realized form of dub by the time of Blackboard Jungle Dub, Super Ape is known for surpassing even that.
If you want to delve deeper into reggae dub, be sure to check it out.
Metal Box (Rebuilt in Dub)Jah Wobble
Jah Wobble is one of the United Kingdom’s quintessential bassists.
Originally the bassist for the band Public Image Ltd, he excelled at post-punk, but after going solo he has focused mainly on experimental rock and dub.
He’s closer to a composer than a typical bassist.
His album “Metal Box (Rebuilt in Dub)” is a classic of his.
For those not used to dub, the rock-tinged approach will feel fresh, so be sure to check it out.
MemoryElektronomia & RUD
Speaking of DUB, besides reggae DUB, dubstep is also famous.
The track I’d like to introduce is “Memory.” This song was produced by Elektronomia and RUD, and it was released by NCS, a staple in the EDM scene.
The drops and build-ups—constructed with the intense electronic sounds characteristic of dubstep—pack an incredible punch.
If you’re looking for EDM with sharpness and heft, definitely give it a listen.
Blackboard Jungle Dub ( Ver. 1 )Lee Perry and The Upsetters
When it comes to essential tracks for understanding dub, it has to be “Blackboard Jungle Dub (Ver.
1).” This piece is known as a classic by Lee Perry, regarded as the father of dub.
Unlike typical reggae dub, this work is an original, unconventional form of dub.
The album of the same name is known as the world’s first reggae dub, and even compared to Lee Perry’s later works, it already exhibits a fully realized dub sensibility, brimming with overwhelming musicality.
Dinero [TAK-Z DUB-Japandinero Riddim-]Lila Iké
![Dinero [TAK-Z DUB-Japandinero Riddim-]Lila Iké](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TK3FCcKtiKI/sddefault.jpg)
Rita Ice, a singer-songwriter from Jamaica, is one of the world’s best-known female reggae singers, renowned for her advanced vocal technique and expressive power.
Among her tracks, a DUB I especially recommend is “Dinero [TAK-Z DUB – Japandinero Riddim].” It’s a DUB produced by Japanese DJ TAK-Z, and the result is an exceptionally sophisticated tune.
Guiding DubIMPACT ALLSTARS
Impact All Stars is a group made up of members considered “all-stars,” formed under the sub-label Impact, itself part of Vincent Chin’s label Randy’s—which, along with Lee “Scratch” Perry and others, supported the dawn of dub.
They’re an essential group for anyone looking to understand reggae dub.
From their classic album Java Java Java Java, the track I recommend is Guiding Dub.
It’s a perfect song for experiencing the early days of reggae dub, so be sure to check it out.
Into The Void (Feat. Dandelion)Bukkha
Dubstep continues to evolve day by day, and among the composers at the very forefront is Bukka.
An artist from Spain, he has produced numerous masterpieces as a leading figure in modern deep dub.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Guiding Dub.
This simple track, which makes the most of Dandelion’s deep vocals to the fullest, showcases the boundless potential of modern deep dub.