ReggaeEDM

ReggaeEDM
Stylistic origins	Reggae electronic dance music jungle dub drum and bass
Cultural origins	Early 1990s, San Francisco, Miami
Typical instruments	Drums, bass guitar, synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, horns, vocals

ReggaeEDM is a subgenre of music that fuses elements of reggae, dub, drum and bass, and Electronic Dance Music (EDM). It evolved during the 1990s from the convergence of the UK jungle music scene, American rave culture, and Jamaican sound system traditions. ReggaeEDM incorporates reggae's one-drop rhythms, dub style production techniques, synthesized instrumentation, and drum and bass. The genre has grown steadily in influence across international festivals, digital platforms, and underground music scenes.

History

ReggaeEDM's stylistic roots lie in the early 1990s jungle movement in the United Kingdom, which fused reggae, dancehall, and dub vocals with breakbeats and electronic basslines. Jungle music laid the groundwork for global hybrid genres by using rhythmic syncopation and dub production techniques. As these sounds reached North American shores, artists in cities like San Francisco and Miami began incorporating them into their own original fusions.

The genre's modern identity is closely linked to the career of Kēvens, an American musician raised in Miami. Kēvens began experimenting with electronic and dub influences after performing with the progressive reggae band Le Coup, which included Richard Booker, Bob Marley's half-brother. Having coined the term "ReggaeEDM" in the late 1990s, and introduced the sound at events like Zen Music Festival and Ultra Music Festival while performed as the MC with Rabbit in the Moon. Not contentwith performing with a DJ, he fronted a live band, making him a pioneer artists to bring live reggae infused EDM to electronic stages and festivals.

Musical characteristics

ReggaeEDM fuses together components from its parent genres; reggae, dub, jungle, and drum and bass. Vocal styles range from traditional reggae singing, and toasting, to processed vocal samples layered over high-energy electronic arrangements.

In 2023, Kēvens’ "Legal Dreamers," was the first ReggaeEDM song to chart on the Jamaican Reggae Singles Charts, and the first ReggaeEDM song to climb to #1.

Rhythmic structure

At the core of ReggaeEDM is the "one drop" rhythm combined with 4/4 EDM kick drum patterns. The tempo is moderate to fact ranging from 90-140 beats per minute. This rhythm is often combined with syncopated offbeat patterns, known as the "skank," played by guitars or keyboards, providing a distinctive groove.

Instrumentation and production

ReggaeEDM blends traditional reggae instruments like electric bass, drums, and horn sections with electronic elements such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. The basslines are heavy and melodic, reflecting reggae's emphasis on bass, while the electronic components introduce elements like drops, build-ups, and synthesized textures common in EDM. Production techniques often include reverb and delay to create a spacious and immersive sound.

Vocal styles

Vocals in ReggaeEDM often incorporate reggae's toasting and singjay styles. These are frequently processed with reverb and delay consistent with reggae dub music.

Thematic content

Lyrically, ReggaeEDM maintains reggae's tradition of addressing social and political themes, promoting messages of unity, love, and social resistance in the Caribbean style of Reggae.

Notable artists and contributors

Kēvens: A pioneer of ReggaeEDM, credited with coining the term and developing the genre’s international profile. His single "Legal Dreamers" reached number one in Jamaica.

Major Lazer: This project by Diplo, Walshy Fire, and Ape Drums blends dancehall and EDM, and their mainstream hits brought global attention to the fusion of reggae and EDM.

Adrian Sherwood: A British producer known for innovative dub-electronic hybrids that helped lay the groundwork for ReggaeEDM aesthetics.

Thievery Corporation: A duo that merges downtempo, dub, reggae, and electronic textures, often cited for their genre-crossing productions.

Asian Dub Foundation: This UK-based group blends electronic rhythms with dub, hip-hop, and world music, contributing to the genre’s political and cross cultural acceptance.

Skrilliex: Nine time grammy award winner, Skrillex, is known for his work in dubstep and electronic music. His contribution to ReggaeEDM originated with his collaboration with Damian Marley on "Make It Bun Dem," which charted on over 164 DJ Charts. His ReggaeEDM style track, "Rumble" featuring Flowdan won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

Influence and legacy

ReggaeEDM's innovate fusion of genres is offering a revitalized sound that resonates with contemporary audiences. As traditional reggae experiences fluctuations in mainstream popularity, ReggaeEDM has merges as a dynamic force, gaining in popularity, and breathing new life to both genres of music.