Show Notes
I’ve always seen/heard the parallel between reggae and house music—namely, the Steppers vs. 4-On-The-Floor groove, and have been drawn to that fusion of the two. Back in 2002, I’d slapped a King Tubby sample over a house beat, and it was a revelation to me (I can fuse this) that song that became Journey To The Center Of The Dub. The King Tubby sample was removed, but the idea remained.
On the other side of the pond, in the UK and across Europe, this style was already established and in the clubs. I can’t profess to more than a surface-level knowledge, but after sifting through a lot of tracks, I put together this playlist of songs that I enjoyed. I encourage you to share some of your favourite house reggae tracks in the comments—include a YouTube link if possible.
More from Dubmatix Sticky Icky Reggae Mix
This week’s mix brings together legends and new artists from around the globe - from Linval Thompson, Prince Alla to Jah Garvey and Jar - this is a tossed salad of grooves ready for your ears.
This mix brings together a focused selection of reggae recordings from around 1976, a period when roots reggae was at its most confident and clearly defined. The songs reflect the era’s balance: strong rhythm sections, thoughtful lyrics, and a deep connection to Rastafarian beliefs, social commentary, and everyday life in Jamaica.
Aram Scaram returns with round two, picking up right where the last session left off. Blending reggae, dancehall, dub, afrobeats, and global grooves, this mix is a deep dive into sound system culture. Featuring selections from his weekly radio show Sound So Nice, airing Saturdays 9–10 PM EST on CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph, Canada, and streaming online at cfru.ca.
This selection focuses on early Jamaican ska and rocksteady recordings, highlighting classic artists such as Desmond Dekker, Prince Buster, Derrick Morgan, and Delroy Wilson. The tracks feature vintage rhythms, simple arrangements, and early deejay versions that shaped the foundation of reggae.