Various – Black Cab Riddim

The reggae riddim that later became known as the Taxi Riddim reworks Tommy McCook And Frank Anderson’s 1964 instrumental Peanut Vendor. The riddim, played by the Soul Syndicate band from Greenwich Farm. reemerged in 1973 as the basis for Little Roy’s timeless classic Prophecy. Produced by Maurice Jackson, the song and its riddim were recorded at Joe Gibbs studio in Kingston. What made the riddim stand out was its slow, bouncing bassline, skillfully played by “Fully” Fullwood. As time went on, the riddim was reinterpreted over 100 times, with Sly & Robbie’s 1982 version called Unmetered Taxi being incredibly popular. In fact, it is often viewed as the signature riddim of the renowned riddim twins.

Over fifty years have passed since the iconic Soul Syndicate band created the riddim, and now the UK’s Friendly Fire Band is proud to present their fresh remake of the riddim in a rub a dub style. The new rendition, named the Black Cab Riddim, retains the timeless essence of the original Taxi Riddim while incorporating a heavy back beat and unique, old school spaced out mixes on each track. The EP consists of seven tracks, including six vocal cuts and a straight instrumental version by the Friendly Fire Band.

The EP kicks off with Earl 16, a respected Jamaican artist, revisiting his classic Studio One tune As We Come In, which highlights the police targeting Sound System dances. Cheshire Cat, a veteran MC from the UK, responds to this theme with his own track titled Nuh Badda Mash Up. Myki Tuff of the Friendly Fire Band contributes the cautionary tale of herb confiscation in his previously released single Ten Weh. Owancemus, the guitarist and vocalist for Friendly Fire Band, changes the mood with his track Woman Dressed In Black, which explores the idea of mystical love. next comes the youngest veteran Jah Mooly, who recorded this song at the age of 11, showcasing his original rub a dub deejay style. To add the finishing touch, rising new UK artist Richie Culture, from Young Culture Band, delivers a real nice ode to his empress in the track Queen Of Mine. Finally, Friendly Fire Band presents their Black Cab Version, tying together the diverse range of tracks on this entertaining EP.