NOW VIEWINGReception
Debate & reception

DebateContested

Who authors a riddim? Bass, keys and the credit for the version

One side

Session musicians as uncredited authors

The other

Producers and labels as rights-holders

What was argued

A long-running, documented industry debate framed from both sides. One position holds that the session musicians who wrote the foundation basslines and keyboard figures - the players behind rhythms like Real Rock and Full Up - are the uncredited authors of the version tradition. The other holds that authorship and rights sit properly with the producers and labels who commissioned, owned and marketed the masters. Neutral; a matter of public discussion, not a claim against any person.

The records this concerns

Sources

United Reggae (Leroy Sibbles interview); David Katz, Solid Foundation; Bass Culture