Dub is the force . . . Lil Rick takes viewers on a musical ride

Even though the quarantine restrictions have been relaxed, Rickey Lil Rick Reid continues to blaze the tunes that the people want in his weekly online sessions hosted on Instagram live. Dubbed the Hypa Dawg Party, the latest edition was all about old dub selections and the throwback session was packed with big songs.

Whether it was with selections of mellowed favourites like Shabba Ranks’ Mr Lover Man, or his grittier material like Bedroom Bully, the seasoned entertainer had the 2,000 plus viewers eating out of the palm of his hands. Among the featured artistes with the old, dusty tunes were Lady Saw, Spragga Benz and Buju Banton.

Now in its third week, the jam session has maintained popularity, receiving rave reviews and attracting a global audience. This instalment saw the emergence of a fun, interactive Zoom room which allowed participants a more intimate experience as they got an opportunity to see each other enjoying themselves as they partied online.

In the course of his career, Lil Rick has built up the reputation of being a stellar ambassador and Banks Beer has come onboard to sponsor the Friday night program. Donning his Banks Beer gear, he got the audience hyped in the more than two-hour-long session. Partygoers enjoyed a series of hits on favourite riddims from that retro period including massive tracks on the Sleng Teng, Street Sweeper, Joy Ride and the Peppa Seed riddims.

The master on the “wheels of steel” reminded those locked on why he is still one of the most sought-after deejays in the island. The musical maestro dropped some hot dub plates showcasing his versatility with a remake of his own classic Can’t Walk on the Road. This was followed up by a similarly artistic twist on Ragga Ragga chanted by Cultural Ambassador Dr Stedson RPB Wiltshire. Bag’s reboot of his mega tune was a definite must hear.

Earlier in the night, Rene Unda Dawg Reid was tasked with amping up the viewers for the hyped session that followed with his father. (STT)