A riddim is more than a backing track. It can be a reusable musical system where drums, bass, offbeat chords, producers, studios, labels, selectors and artists all shape how versions travel through dances and recordings. Program the drums here, then follow the links to hear how the same riddim carries different songs.
Turn your device sideways
The Riddim Lab needs the full width of the screen — the decks and controls won’t fit upright.
The Music Room
RIDDIM LAB
Build the beat
Before a singer reaches the mic, a producer programs the kick, snare and offbeat skank that gives reggae and dancehall their bounce. Tap a riddim, hit play, build your own.
RIDDIM MACHINESTEP SEQUENCER
One drop The roots-reggae heartbeat: nothing on beat one. Kick and snare land together on beat three, so the bar seems to fall into place instead of marching. Hear it in Studio One and Channel One productions.
Hear it in the archive →deep boom
body + noise
cross stick
tight
sizzle
layered
bell
sub
offbeat chord