Toppa Top 10: Top Caribbean Culture Documentaries

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April 19, 2011


3. Roots Rock Reggae (1977)

This film has, hands down, some of the most crucial footage of reggae and dub in the 70s you’ll ever see, from early Toots and Jimmy Cliff clips to obscure artists auditioning for producer Jack Ruby. And the scenes of Lee “Scratch” Perry at his Black Ark Studio with the Heptones and members of the Congos are as good as good as it gets. Other highlights include live sessions with the Abyssinians, Ras Michael, and the Gladiators voicing tunes with spliffs that would put Cheech and Chong to shame. Watch part one above and find the rest of this oft-overlooked film here.