The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Reggae’s most-versioned riddim — a confirmed producer of record (Coxsone Dodd) and nearly six decades of continuous legitimate reuse, no dispute found.
Sampled 300+ versions (reported) times
Used by independents?
Yes — used across independent reggae/dancehall — Willi Williams, Johnny Osbourne, Michigan & Smiley — reggae’s most-versioned riddim.
Quick Facts
Released1968
GenreReggae, Rocksteady
LabelStudio One
ProducerClement "Coxsone" Dodd
Recorded atJamaica Recording Studio, Kingston (1967)
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriter/producer — Clement "Coxsone" Dodd
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — Studio One's catalog has a complex ownership history; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Reggae Roast → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
Yes — widely described as the most-versioned riddim in reggae history (one estimate: 300+ recordings built on it), reused continuously for nearly six decades
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found, but an extraordinarily deep and continuous record of legitimate versioning
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
See every song that samples “Real Rock” →
Built on the Real Rock riddim; later covered by The Clash
The catalog's other foundational reggae entry
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Clement "Coxsone" Dodd
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
Reggae's foundational riddim
Comparable to Amen Brother or Funky Drummer for hip-hop — the Studio One house band worked five days a week in 1965-68, reportedly churning out up to 12 rhythms a day, and this became reggae's most-versioned.
Reggae Roast · read it →
Its reach extends well beyond reggae
Notable versions include Willi Williams' "Armagideon Time" (later covered by The Clash), Michigan & Smiley's "Nice Up the Dance," Johnny Osbourne and Dillinger; further reused by The Clash, KRS-One and 311.
Reggae Vibes · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
300+ versions (reported)
Times sampled
—
Covers
—
First flip
Big names who used itWilli Williams · Michigan & Smiley · The Clash · Johnny Osbourne · KRS-One · 311
Who to Contact
CD
Clement "Coxsone" Dodd (Studio One)
The songwriter/producer of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
Don't Want the Hassle?
Sample something pre-cleared insteadCheck Tracklib →
Find a similar sound that's 100% freeBrowse the catalog →
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Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Deep Batch 2)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending a separate manual keyfinder pass