Mixing Linval Thompson In Dub

Linval Thompson, born Leval Alphonso Thompson on 12 October 1954 in Kingston, Jamaica, is a revered figure in reggae—known both as a soulful roots vocalist and a pioneering producer in dub and dancehall. He grew up between Kingston and Queens, New York, and began recording in his early 20s—his first single, “No Other Woman,” was self-released in Brooklyn. Returning to Jamaica in the mid-1970s, he worked with producers Phil Pratt and Lee “Scratch” Perry (at Black Ark), recording tracks such as “Kung Fu Man”. His debut album, Don’t Cut Off Your Dreadlocks (1976), produced by Bunny Lee, earned wide acclaim, featuring roots reggae classics like “Jah Jah the Conqueror” By the late '70s, he started producing himself under labels Strong Like Sampson and Thompson Sound, and self-produced his album I Love Marijuana (1978) and its dub version Negrea Love Dub. A central player in the early '80s dancehall shift, he collaborated extensively with engineers like Scientist and the Roots Radics band. He produced landmark riddims and albums for top artists including Dennis Brown, Barrington Levy, The Wailing Souls, Eek-A-Mouse, Freddie McGregor (including the hit “Big Ship”), Cornell Campbell, The Viceroys, and Trinity His productions became foundational to Scientist’s illustrious dub albums. In 2000, Blood & Fire reissued his rare Bunny Lee–produced tracks on Ride On Dreadlocks 1975–77, renewing interest in his roots output. He’s remained active across decades—performing live, releasing dub compilations like Dub Landing (2018), and participating in reggae revivals such as the Inna de Yard series. Linval Thompson is a true reggae chameleon: beginning as a roots vocalist in the ’70s, evolving into a key dancehall producer in the ’80s, and later staying relevant through reissues and revival projects. His work remains influential—especially his dub and riddim foundation, which helped shape modern reggae and dancehall.