Dub music is a genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and is commonly considered a sub-genre of reggae music, though it has developed to extend beyond the scope of reggae. Dub music is characterized by a ‘version’ or ‘double’ of an existing song, often instrumental, using B-sides of 45 RPM records and typically emphasizing the drums and bass for a sound popular in local sound systems. Dub music also uses instrumental tracks that producers can blend with vocal tracks to create a unique sound. Dub music is in conversation with the cultural aesthetic of Afrofuturism. Dub music became popular in the 1970s, offering a new way to experience reggae. The stripped-down versions of songs allowed listeners to focus on the intricate rhythms and basslines, while audio effects created a psychedelic and otherworldly atmosphere. Dub music also had a political dimension. Jamaican people would use the music to voice their struggles and promote Rastafarianism.

Some characteristics of dub music include:

• Heavy use of reverb, echo, and other effects
• Up-front bass and drums, often with a mix that emphasizes its rhythmic qualities
• The prominent use of bass guitar
• The instrumental tracks are typically drenched in sound effects such as echo, reverberation, with instruments and vocals dropping in and out of the mix

Dub music owes its existence to innovations in recording technology. Without the advent of multitrack recording, there could be no stripping down of musical elements. Even a two-track recording set-up enabled an engineer to record an instrumental “rhythm” on one track – leaving another free for a vocalist or solo instrumentalist. The rhythm track could then be kept for further recycling, resulting in the familiar reggae tradition of having the same backing track for dub versions and DJ toasting versions. Dub music and toasting introduced a new era of creativity in reggae music. From their beginning, toasting and dub music developed together and influenced each other. Dub music has also been influential in developing electronic music, particularly techno, house, and dubstep.

Dub music is a part of Jamaican music’s foundation but needs to be pushed further by the music industry. Dub music continues to influence and inspire musicians worldwide, with new sub-genres and variations constantly emerging.