Record Label Research

the Caribbean is a very diverse place and that is reflected in the many different varietys of music coming from the Caribbean. Thus the Caribbean music industry is not your typical music industry.

For example the usage of a 'Riddim' is something that is not commonly found outside the Caribbean. The word 'Riddim' was derived from the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word "rhythm." it refers to a instrumental which is made by a producer. Many artists can then use this riddim as a instrumental for their songs.

Due to stringent copyright laws within the uk it is unlikely that this would happen, however the trend has spread throught the caribbean. With the usage of the riddim it allowed unknown artists to become more know. Often record labels would release compliation albums of a specific riddim.

For this type of system to work it is hevily reliant on producers to produce the actual riddims. It is common for producers to have a 'signature' within their work to make their riddims / instrumentals instantly recognisable. Often on album artwork the producer would be featured to highlight the producer. Some of the notable producers include 'Madmen Productions and Martian Music

with such a variety in the music types there are multiple record labels. A large number of record labels for the Caribbean are actually founded or operated outside the caribbean in either the UK or the US. Some of the record labels from outside the caribbean are The Island Def Jam Music Group, VP Records, and Madhouse Records. Some of the record labels from inside the caribbean include Ice Records, question mark entertainment, and dynamic entertainment. Dispite the abundance of record labels there are a few artists who operate independantly (such as machel montano,) although this is not done due to the level of competion. Only well established artists have been able to suceed using this method.