Riddim & Dub
Rebel Lyrics
Studios & Sound Systems
Voices from the Underground
History & Firsts
100

This riddim, used in “Real Rock” by Sound Dimension, became a foundation for hundreds of reggae songs.

What is Real Rock

100

Get up, stand up / stand up for your rights” was co-written by these two reggae legends. 

Who are Bob Marley and Peter Tosh?

100

This Kingston studio, run by Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, birthed ska and early reggae. 

What is Studio One?

100

Max Romeo’s “Chase the Devil” was famously sampled by this British electronic group in “Out of Space.” 

Who are The Prodigy?

100

This year is considered the birth of reggae as a genre, following ska and rocksteady. 

What is 1968?

200

Known as the father of dub, this engineer transformed B-sides into sonic landscapes.

Who is King Tubby

200

Burning Spear's lyrics often focus on this Pan-African hero and Ethiopian emperor. ()

Who is Haile Selassie?

200

This producer and label owner is credited with giving The Wailers their first big break.

Who is Coxsone Dodd?

200

Known for the spiritual song “Satta Massagana,” this group became roots reggae icons. 

Who are The Abyssinians?

200

The term “reggae” first appeared in this Toots & the Maytals song. 

What is “Do the Reggay”?

300

Scientist, a protégé of King Tubby, released this 1981 album battling extraterrestrial forces. 

What is Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires?

300

The song “War” by Bob Marley is entirely adapted from a speech by this leader. 

Who is Haile Selassie I?

300

U-Roy helped pioneer this vocal style over sound system tracks. 

What is toasting?

300

This female singer released “Steppin' Out of Babylon” and performed with I-Threes. 

Who is Marcia Griffiths?

300

The first reggae artist to win a Grammy Award. 

Who are Black Uhuru?

400

This Sly & Robbie-produced riddim features a minimalist digital beat that launched the digital dancehall era. 

What is Sleng Teng?

400

In “Equal Rights,” Peter Tosh declares he doesn’t want peace but this first.

What is justice?

400

King Jammy revolutionized dancehall from this neighborhood in Kingston. 

What is Waterhouse?

400

This track by Junior Byles critiques post-independence political chaos: “Curly Locks, your daddy’s got a gun…”

What is “Curly Locks”?

400

Bob Marley was baptized into this branch of Christianity shortly before his death.

What is Ethiopian Orthodox?

500

Lee “Scratch” Perry’s studio, the Black Ark, was destroyed under mysterious circumstances in this year. 

What is 1983?

500

This roots artist sang “Africa Must Be Free by 1983” at just 16 years old.

Who is Hugh Mundell?

500

The name of Duke Reid’s sound system that dominated the 1950s and early '60s. 

What is The Trojan?

500

This obscure yet foundational artist wrote “Small Axe,” though Marley popularized it. 

Who is Lee Perry?

500

This 1968 song by Desmond Dekker became the first international reggae hit. 

What is “Israelites”?