Multiple Grammy winning artist Ziggy Marley, and Tuff Gong Worldwide present "Dancehall Originators Vol 1," the first in a new series of dancehall reggae albums designed to pay homage to the groundbreaking original artists that paved the way for dancehall artists today.  The album, which was  released on February 2, features tracks by Chaka Demus, Yellow Man and Buju Banton, among others (track list below).

In 1992, producer/songwriter Phillip Smart, founder of Long Island's HC&F Studios, created the scorching "Hot This Year" riddim, whose bouncy keyboard riffs and resounding bass were considered groundbreaking at the time.

From its initial release, "Hot This Year" inspired numerous other artists, including Shaggy, Yellow Man, Buju Banton, and Chaka Demus, to use it as a basis for their own songs.  It also inspired the durable and popular song "Hot This Year" by the late DJ Dirtsman, which crossed over into other radio formats.

"There weren't that many reggae records that crossed over to R&B radio at the time, and Dirtsman's song went from reggae radio shows to getting airplay in regular rotation on New York stations," recalls Phillip Smart. "So that put it in a different format and the song became a favorite in clubs that didn't play a lot of reggae."

Because it so deftly illustrates such an important era of dancehall reggae history, Dancehall Originators is a must-have for any knowledgeable dancehall devotee, as well as more recent reggae converts.

The Tuff Gong label was founded in 1965 by Bob Marley, with the vision of producing, distributing and promoting his music free from the constraints of corporate label politics. Decades before artist-owned record labels were commonplace, the legendary Bob Marley's vision was characteristically well ahead of its time. Now, nearly a half-century later, his dream is being realized.

Track list:

• Hot This Year - Dirtsman
• Big, Bad and Bold - Chaka Demus
• Take It Easy - Peter Metro f. Tanto Metro
• So Sweet - Pinchers
• Look Work - Josey Wales
• Rougher That Dem - Charlie Chaplin
• King Fe Dancehall - Yellowman
• Stop It - Coco Tea
• Dancehall Vibes - General Trees
• Mr. Bad Mind Buju Banton
• The Originator - U-Roy & George Nooks
• Taking You Back Mega Mix - Mixed By DJ Roy Of Road International

SOURCE: Tuff Gong Worldwide