It would be understandable if dub wasn’t as easily digestible by all as reggae. The traditional elements inherent in reggae just make it on odd pop form. The verse-chorus-verse thing usually applies and the concerns discussed in the genre – poverty, education, the general well being of humanity and religiosity – aren’t unique to the form. And the fact that it’s all pretty easy to dance to doesn’t hurt either.

But being introduced to dubs after familiarizing oneself with reggae might be startling. Taking away the aspect of a music that allows for folks to easily recognize a performer won’t necessarily endear it to new listeners. Additionally, the bare bones approach to production might be too much to handle for some newer fans of the genre. After all, the drum and bass rolling along for three minutes can, understandably, get tiresome. Dub, though, is even more of a uniquely JA form than its predecessor. It eschews the soul and RnB influence from the States and instead focuses solely upon the rhythmic aspects of reggae. But considering that there’s a time and place for all musics – even polka – this primer to dub serves to mention a few notable producers of the genre.

Lee Perry
Any reggae related post is gonna have Perry’s name in it somewhere. If not directly included, the producer, in some way will be made a touchstone. Regardless, the sounds that Perry inserted into the rhythms his groups produced served as a boundary of where you could not go. Everything from creaky sounding doors to cows crop up. It’s magical in some weird voodoo kinda way.

Joe Gibbs

As early a proponent of the style as Perry, Gibbs may have put in work on as many productions as the aforementioned stalwart. Not as well know, but as influential, his African Dub All-Mighty series of discs still proves to be a high water mark for the genre and at some points is even capable of drowning out Perry’s sometimes nonsensical work.

King Tubby
Utilizing some dingy echo chamber, perhaps more than any other on this list, King Tubby was as much an electrical engineer as producer extraordinaire. He had a hand in everyone’s work – including Bob Marley. And while he’s just as unique as Perry, it’s a bit more difficult to blindly pick out his work.

Bullwackie
The only producer working outta the States on this list, Bullwackie amassed a studio band in NYC that rivaled any and everyone in JA. Horace Andy might be the biggest name that he worked with, but all of his productions have a unique sound.

Dennis Bovell/4th Street Orchestra
Based in the UK, Bovell worked under a variety of names. But as a part of the 4^th Street Orchestra, he brought out a lushness not found frequently in other dubs.

The Scientist
Perhaps as unique as Perry, but not as insane, the Scientist worked out the most minimal dubs set to tape. He, more so than anyone on this list, can be said to have influenced deejay Kool Herc and hip-hop in general. Dub begins here.