Riddim
Also spelled: riddem, rhythm
Meaning
The instrumental backing track of a reggae or dancehall song — the bass, drums and melody over which deejays and singers perform. A single popular riddim is often voiced by many different artists, a defining feature of Jamaican music.
Examples
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“Nuff artist voice pon di same riddim.”
Many artists recorded over the same instrumental.
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“Dat riddim mek di whole place move.”
That beat made the whole place dance.
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“Di producer build a new riddim.”
The producer created a new instrumental track.
Origin
The Jamaican pronunciation of English 'rhythm', which became a technical term for the reusable instrumental in reggae and dancehall production.
How it's used
A core music-industry word in Jamaica. Riddims often have their own names and become the basis of dozens of tracks.