Showtime Riddim, one of the best ever 90s dancehall was created by Dave Kelly for Madhouse and Xtra Large Records in 1997.
Showtime Overview
In 1997, a new sound took over dancehall music. The Showtime riddim became the heartbeat of the year, shaping the dancehall style with its bold bashment rhythm. This riddim blended classic Jamaican sounds with hints of hip hop and R&B, creating a fresh energy that reached beyond the island. Artists like Assassin, Baby Cham, Beenie Man, Boom Dynamite, and Bounty Killer gave the riddim its voice. Each one brought a unique style to their tracks. Assassin’s “Facilitate War” showed sharp lyrics and strong delivery. Baby Cham was a major force, with songs like “Bun Batty Bowy,” “Galong Ya Gal,” “Hottie Hottie Crew,” “Suck Yu Mumma,” and “We No Sorry.” His flow matched the riddim’s smooth yet powerful beat, making each song stand out. Beenie Man added his signature touch with “Hypocrite,” bringing witty lyrics and a catchy chorus. Boom Dynamite’s “Boy A Fail” offered a different flavor, adding to the riddim’s variety. Bounty Killer’s “Bible” and “Deadly Zone” brought a rougher edge, giving the riddim more depth and attitude. The studio hand played a key role, keeping the sound clean and the groove tight. The producer, Dave Kelly, was already known for his skill in creating dancehall hits. He made sure each track kept the energy high while blending different influences. The Showtime riddim’s bashment style remains a key part of dancehall history. Its blend of genres, strong performances, and expert production made it a classic that still inspires artists and fans today.
- Assassin – Facilitate War
- Baby Cham – Bun Batty Bowy
- Baby Cham – Galong Ya Gal
- Baby Cham – Hottie Hottie Crew
- Baby Cham – Suck Yu Mumma
- Baby Cham – We No Sorry (Raw Version)
- Beenie Man – Hypocrite
- Boom Dynamite – Boy A Fail
- Bounty Killer – Bible
- Bounty Killer – Deadly Zone
- Bounty Killer – I Am Who I Am
- Bounty Killer – Eagle And Hawk
- Bounty Killer – Restaurant Dem A Create
- Bounty Killer – So Mek Mi Ask Dem
- Capleton – Bawl Forward
- Capleton – Judgement Tek Dem
- Captain Barkey – Mr. Woody
- Chippy Ranks – Bunner
- Cobra – Gal Splurt
- Cobra – Who Get De Money
- Danny English – Look Gyal
- Delly Ranks – Cyaan Buy We Out
- Devonte – Fat & Full A Glue
- Elephant Man – Nah Fight Over Man
- Frank Sly – Fassie
- Frankie Sly- Slurp
- Frisco Kid – Gal Pon De Side
- Frisco Kid – Sgt. Wallace
- General Degree – Stand By
- Goofy – Lef We Turf
- Harry Toddler – We Di Girls Dem Need
- Harvel Face – Move Yu A Move
- Jigsaw – Good Body Gyal
- Lady Saw – Eh Em
- Little Hero – Confusing World
- Mad Cobra – Gal Splurt
- Mad Cobra – Start It Pussy
- Mr Easy – Rain Again
- Powerful – Nah Tek Nuh Checks
- Powerman – Hbo
- Professor Nuts – Jamaican Girls
- Professor Nuts – Mama Have Her Own
- Rayvon & Redd Foxx – Bashment Party
- Saba Tooth – Gal Set So
- Shaggy – Have A Hot Gal
- Showtime Riddim – Version
- Simpleton – Cyaan Tell Di Girls Never
- Sizzla – Bullet Nuh Tun Back
- Spragga Benz – My Sound
- Spragga Benz – We Nuh Like
- Various Artists – The Juggling
- Ward 21 – Esalar Shot
- Wayne Marshall – Gimmie A Light
- Wayne Wonder – Searching Dem Searching
Releases Similar to Showtime Riddim – Xtra Large Records
Research and editorial by Riddimz Kalacta & Goltem, sourcing from physical vinyl labels, Discogs, ReggaeFever, Riddim-ID, DancehallMag, and other trusted archives.