Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare

About

Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare: The Riddim Twins, a bass-and-drum juggernaut, sculpted the sonic landscape of reggae and far beyond. More than a rhythm section, they are architects of groove, their sound a potent cocktail of roots reggae’s heartbeat, dancehall’s swagger, and a fearless embrace of funk, rock, and even electronica. Their innovative approach, characterized by Sly's crisp, precise drumming and Robbie's melodic, often deeply resonant basslines, redefined the role of rhythm in popular music. Rising from Jamaica's vibrant music scene in the 1970s, they quickly became the go-to rhythm section, anchoring countless hits for artists like Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, and Gregory Isaacs. Their own productions, under the Sly & Robbie banner, further solidified their legacy. From their pioneering work with Taxi Productions to their collaborations with Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, and Mick Jagger, their influence spans genres and generations. Their impact on dub, electronic music, and hip-hop is undeniable, cementing their status as visionary sonic innovators. Though Robbie Shakespeare passed in 2021, Sly Dunbar continues to champion their shared legacy, ensuring the Riddim Twins' revolutionary sound continues to resonate.