General
dubplate
What does dubplate mean?
A one-off recording (often an artist re-voicing a hit with a sound system's name) cut exclusively for a sound system to play in clashes.
"Dem sound have a box a dubplate fi di clash."
Origin
Jamaican sound-system culture; from 'dub' + acetate 'plate'.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dubplate?
An exclusive one-off recording cut for a specific sound system — often an artist re-voicing their hit to name-check that sound, used as ammunition in clashes.
Why are dubplates important in sound clashes?
A rare or expensive dubplate from a big artist gives a sound system a unique weapon no rival can play, which can win the clash.
Where does the term 'dubplate' come from?
From 'dub' plus the acetate 'plate' (disc) these exclusive recordings were originally cut onto in Jamaican sound-system culture.
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