KING ADDIES
Feels there is still life in sound systems
Following another fiery showdown at the Sound Fi Dead sound clash, King Addies from the USA reigned over Jamaica’s Bass Odyssey in another of their historical ‘tunefi-tune’ sound-offs last Friday.
“Clashing requires months of solid music preparation across the team, so coming out victorious is exciting for us and our die[hard] fans who just celebrated our 40th year in the music business in 2023,” DJ King Pin of King Addies told
His teammate Sojie Vybes chimed in, “Going into this clash we had a 10-3 lead in our one-versus-one series with Bass Odyssey; however, our last matchup was about 11 years ago. So, this win also reassured fans that the king sound still reigns — which is definitely gratifying for the whole team, as we just celebrated 40 years in the business last year.” Friday’s competition was held in Queens, New York. Despite notching another victory
THE STAR.
in the rivalry, the King Addies selectors gave their opponents their ‘flowers’.
“King Addies and Bass Odyssey are both international giants in the business with an extensive catalogue of dubplates and clash history. So when we clash, it’s both controversial and legendary because the world gets to see who is the more dominant sound,” said King Pin, while acknowledging Bass Odyssey as Jamaica’s number one international ‘clashing’ sound currently.
“I feel this is a bigger win for Jamaican sound system culture overall, as this is a 30-year, multigeneration rivalry and it’s important that the new generation of sounds, artistes, producers, reggae/dancehall fans, and fans of competitive DJ culture get to experience this level of sound clash in 2024,” he added.
“Bass Odyssey is a great sound that I rate since their [former member] ‘Squingy’ era, and I’ve played alongside them so many times all over the world. So, I respect them highly — from Father Keith [Walford] to the selectors, and even their fans,” King Pin said. “Controversy, showmanship and sportsmanship is what creates and keeps a rivalry interesting. So when you’re on the battlefield, be a fierce competitor. However, when it’s all said and done, don’t take it so personal that you can’t show respect to your opponent.”
Sound clashes form the foundation of Jamaican music, but due to its evolution, it’s said to be represented to a lesser extent today. However, King Pin believes there’s still life and rhythm left in the sound system culture.
“I wouldn’t say it’s dying out in Jamaica, but I do feel the legendary sounds in Jamaica can and should breathe new life into the sport, in this current era. Most of them have an international fan base, but they are not clashing any more. In order to authentically grow the industry, every big sound should mentor new youth, come back on the battlefield, start taking one-versus-one clashes again with other icons in Jamaica, and also give some of the younger sounds who are putting in the work a chance to compete with them,” he suggested.
“This will reignite old rivalries and develop new ones, which is what King Addies has been intentionally doing since I joined the sound in 2011. This brought back an exciting vibe of opportunities for the arena and a whole ecosystem of people.”