The shackles will come off on Oct 24th, 2011 when reggae giant Greensleeves Records opens its vaults to launch a pivotal series in dubstep. The first album, aptly entitled Greensleeves Dubstep: Chapter 1, has an awe-inspiring list of the genre’s finest producers with the likes of The Bug, Coki andMala ofDigital Mystikz, Goth-Trad, Horsepower Productions andTerror Danjah. They mix up some of dancehall’s most popular anthems from leading contemporaries Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Busy Signal andGyptian as well as icons Yellowman, Barrington Levy andAdmiral Bailey for the ultimate culture clash.
Dubstep, – which converges some of the UK’s most sought-after club music including garage, drum and bass, dancehall, dub and techno – always has a strong emphasis on its production, known for its experimental headiness, wobbling basslines, atmospheric ambiance and often murky undertones. Greensleeves Dubstep: Chapter 1 captures the essence of this signature sound and also charts new water by equally emphasizing on the vocalists’ side.
The artists are mostly comprised of Jamaica’s leading dancehall stars with the exception of the UK’s prime reggae sensation Gappy Ranks on “Stinking Rich” (TMSV Remix)and East London’s grime MC Flow Dan, who makes a vital contribution toThe Bug’s remix of Ding Dong’s “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up”. Horsepower Productions’ remix of Yellowman’s “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng” and Coki of Digital Mystikz’s remix of Busy Signal and Mavado’s “Badman Place” are currently circulating the blogosphere and DJ circuit.
These outlets have been the driving force to transport dubstep beyond the borders of nightlife, and regional lines. For many more gems to be discovered on this must-have compilation for DJs, longtime fans and new listeners alike, the all-star tracklist below speaks for itself.