Yaadcore

Jamaican selector and DJ Yaadcore played a central role in reviving roots reggae through his regular Dubwise sessions, which cultivated an emerging style that fused roots elements with dancehall, dub, and hip-hop. This naturally led him toward his own performances, and he issued his first full-length project, Reggaeland, at the start of 2022.

Raised in Jamaica, Yaadcore (real name Rory Cha) absorbed music from an early age because his father operated a sound system locally. Continuing that family tradition, he began organizing his own parties that eventually grew into Dubwise Jamaica. While also serving as a radio host, he promoted a blend of classic roots reggae alongside dancehall and dub. As Dubwise expanded beyond the Caribbean into the U.S., Europe, and Africa, the events attracted many overseas performers and became a key incubator for the hybrid sound of roots, hip-hop, dub, and dancehall. Yaadcore additionally joined the road as the live DJ for fellow reggae musician Protoje. Before long he moved into recording and production, putting out his first single, "No Fenke Fenke," during 2018. Several further tracks appeared that deepened his focus on conscious roots and dub. He then released his debut album, Reggaeland, in early 2022, working alongside Richie Spice, Jah9, and the late Lee "Scratch" Perry.