Unda Wata Riddim produced by Tony Kelly for K-Licious Music in 1998 – re-released in 2025
Tracklist:
- Beenie Man, Tony “CD” Kelly – Kingston Hot
- Sean Paul, Tony “CD” Kelly – Excite Me
- Prento Kid, Tony “CD” Kelly – Girls Dem Honey
- Buju Banton, Tony “CD” Kelly – Di Woman Dem Phat
- Vegas, Tony “CD” Kelly – Sucky Ducky
- Machel Mantano, Tony “CD” Kelly – Big Phat Fish
- Degree, Tony “CD” Kelly – Wi Nuh Boring
- Buccaneer, Tony “CD” Kelly – Di More Gal
- Lady Saw, Tony “CD” Kelly – Stale Ride
- Mossy & Looga, Tony “CD” Kelly – Buck Di Cup
- Dancehall’s Magnificent 7, Tony “CD” Kelly – Unda Wata (Medley)
- Dancehall’s Magnificent 7, Tony “CD” Kelly – Unda Wata (Megamix)
Unda Wata Riddim: A Dancehall Classic Reborn
In 1998, Tony “CD” Kelly, under his K-Licious Music label, unleashed the Unda Wata Riddim, a pulsating dancehall masterpiece that became a cornerstone of Jamaica’s late ‘90s music scene. Known for his knack for crafting infectious rhythms, Kelly, alongside co-producer Cardiff Butt, delivered a riddim that blended aquatic sonar-like beeps with sharp drum patterns and catchy samples, evoking an underwater vibe that hooked listeners instantly. The riddim’s distinctive sound propelled it to prominence, making it a must-have for dancehall enthusiasts.
Featuring a star-studded lineup, Unda Wata showcased heavyweights like Buju Banton with “Di Woman Dem Fat,” Beenie Man’s “Kingston Hot,” Sean Paul’s “Excite Me,” and General Degree’s “Wi Nuh Boring.” Other notable tracks included Mr. Vegas’ “Sucky Ducky,” Buccaneer’s “Di More Gal,” and Lady Saw’s “Stale Ride,” alongside contributions from Machel Montano, Red Rat, and Goofy. The compilation, spanning 12 tracks plus mixes and the instrumental, captured the raw energy of dancehall’s golden era, cementing its place in reggae history.
Fast forward to 2025, K-Licious Music has re-released Unda Wata Riddim to celebrate its enduring legacy. The re-release introduces the classic to a new generation, remastered for modern platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, while retaining its original grit and charm. This revival taps into the nostalgia of ‘90s dancehall while highlighting Tony Kelly’s timeless production prowess, as seen in his other hits like Bookshelf and Kiki Riddim. Fans old and new can stream or download the riddim, ensuring its vibrant beats continue to ripple through the global dancehall scene.
