Meaning
The signature reggae drum rhythm in which the emphasis falls on the third beat of the bar — the kick drum and the snare 'drop' together on the three, while the first beat is left empty. Pioneered in roots reggae, the one drop gives the music its deep, rocking, laid-back feel, the great open space where the downbeat would be lending reggae its unmistakable float and pulse. Named and made famous in song, it is one of the defining rhythms of the whole genre, the heartbeat of classic roots reggae.
Examples
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Di drummer lock inna di one drop an di whole riddim sweet.
The drummer locked into the one drop and the whole rhythm was sweet.
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Roots reggae live pon di one drop.
Roots reggae lives on the one-drop rhythm.
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Yuh feel di one drop inna yuh chest.
You feel the one drop in your chest.
Origin
Named because the beat 'drops' on the third count with the downbeat dropped out; famously developed by drummers like Carlton Barrett of the Wailers.
How it’s used
A defining feature of roots reggae rhythm. Also the title of a well-known Bob Marley song.