Old Time DJ: 1985 is the new 2010

words by Eddie STATS Houghton

As our UK dudes over at Heatwave reminded us, the landmark cyber-reggaematical creation called the Sleng Teng riddim turned 25 this week, having debuted at a Jammy’s vs Black Scorpio clash at Waltham Park road on February 23rd, 1985. Fittingly it’s been a banner week for old time DJs across the board. In the wake of all the Steely-tribute riddims running the nowadays dance, Steely & Clevie’s Silverhawk soundsystem held it’s Jamaican re-launch yesterday at Medusa’s on Hope road, Kingston and Clevie is already planning a “Tribute to Steely World Tour 2010.” Meanwhile Irish and Chin announced the line up of their next “Reewind” stage show, scheduled for March 27th at Amazura in Queens, New York. Backed by sound legends King Stur Gav are dancehall meastros Barrington Levy, Frankie Paul, and General Trees plus a back from the dead appearance by Tiger. But none of the bookings has made a splash like the headliner; the elusive and undisputed Shabba Ranks. So dust off your Bally boots and fur Kangol, enjoy the youtube riddims sandwiching this post…and get your mind right for a future that looks like Irie Myrie and sounds like Casio.