Jamaican record producer Rvssian added some much-needed energy to dancehall late last year when he re-released his hit 2009 rhythm Go Go Club, allowing a new generation of artistes to shine on a classic beat while also awakening the clash culture in the local entertainment scene.

It also arguably inspired another leading dancehall producer, Notnice, to go into his own vault and release his Street Vybz Riddim 2.0.

The latter got us thinking: what other dancehall rhythms from the past would we love to see the current generation of deejays and singers lay their vocals to?

Observer Online went on a stroll down memory lane and we’ve come up with four ‘riddims’ from the past that we believe could rock the dancehall in 2024.

1. The Pepperseed Riddim by Dave Kelly

Producer Dave Kelly is a master at his craft. In entertainment, it is said that if Dave Kelly produces it, chances are the project will be hitbound. This rang true for the Pepperseed Riddim. Released in 1994, the rhythm was the maiden project for Kelly’s Madhouse Records and generated countless hits including Terror Fabulous’ Number Two, Daddy Screw’s Model Pon Yuh Man, Big Tings A Gwan, Louie Culture’s No Gyal and Frisco Kidd’s Big Speech among others. It’s been two decades since its release and the beat is still so hot that it’s hard to skip any song when it’s in rotation. When making comparisons between the music being released today and music from yesteryear, industry insiders posit that the 90s era in dancehall is undoubtedly the best. We would want to put that to the test by re-releasing one of the biggest rhythms from that era and having today’s artistes try their hand at it. Do you agree?

2. Showtime Riddim by Dave Kelly

Dave ‘Rude Bwoy’ Kelly’s Showtime gave birth to a slew of dancehall hits including Shaggy’s Hot Gyal, Beenie Man’s Hypocrite, Wayne Wonder’s Searching Dem Searching and Bounty Killer’s Eagle and the Hawk. So prolific was the ‘riddim’ that in 2021, international recording artiste Cham dubbed it the greatest dancehall rhythm ever. Showtime, released on Kelly’s Madhouse label in 1997, also featured three songs from Cham, including Gallong Yah Gal.

3. The Diwali Riddim by Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden

With highlight tracks including hits such as Wayne Wonder’s No Letting Go, T.O.K’s Galang Gal, and Sean Paul’s Get Busy, Lenky Marsden’s Diwali Riddim was undoubtedly one of dancehall’s biggest projects. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer back in 2012, Marsden said the project was born from a deep desire to do something different. He believes the latter was what set the project apart and has resulted in its longevity. So popular was the Diwali Riddim that it reportedly inspired Rihanna’s Pon De Replay and Ne-Yo’s Sexy Love.

“The most satisfying thing to me is the inspiration it continues to give musicians, whether it is the clapping or the kick drum,” Marsden said in his 2012 interview. At that time the project was celebrating its 10th anniversary. It’s 2024 and we still get a vibe when songs on that beat are played in any sessions.

4. Red Bull and Guinness Riddim by Stephen Di Genius

Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, son of iconic reggae singer Freddie McGregor, co-produced this masterpiece alongside Delly Ranx when he was only 16 years-old. With highlight tracks such as Mavado’sWeh Dem A Do, and the titular single,Red Bull and Guinness by Delly Ranx and brother, Chino McGregor, the rhythm showcased Di Genius’ talent and proved from early out that the young McGregor was a force to be reckoned with in dancehall.  Red Bull and Guinness proved such a hit among entertainers that some 40 artistes recorded songs on it. They were released on two compilation albums for Greensleeves and VP Records. Safe to say, many Grammy awards and even more hit rhythms later, McGregor is one of the most prolific producers to emerge from dancehall.