In 1981 Casio released the MT-40 keyboard, unknowingly marking a new era in music history, especially in Jamaica. King Jammy and Wayne Smith used it to create the first ever fully computerized riddim, by altering one of the pre-programmed rock rhythms. The year was 1984 when they released the track "Under Mi Sleng Teng". They named the riddim Sleng Teng.
Have a listen.
Sleng Teng on the Casio MT-40
Wayne Smith - Under Me Sleng Teng (1984)
Many artists from the Jamaican music scene used the riddim to create their own versions, creating a legacy of great many tracks. There were over 200 various versions of the riddim by every producer in Jamaica. It basically eliminated the need for expensive audio equipment. Any MC could make his own version with the MT-40. It's considered arguably one of the most influential tunes ever to be sampled. The catchy riddim is still alive today and is being reused over and over by musicians from around the world.
Image source
I've compiled some of my favorite tracks that used Sleng Teng riddim.
Sleng Teng Riddim Mix (1985- 1995)
Super Cat - Sleng Teng Riddim
Dreadsquad & Perfect Giddimani - Champions anthem
Terry Ganzie - Mi Gun Talk
Ninjaman - Write Your Will
Johhny Osbourne - Buddy Bye
Elephant Man - Bumboclaat
Cypress Hill - Under Mi Sleng Teng
And the list goes on...
This is a great bit of history and a nice collection of tunes.
It's crazy to think how much an instrument can shape a genre or era of music. Or anything really... we live in this world of stuff that is what it is but somewhere at some point it was new or something led to it being what it is that got lost in the bylines of history.