Artist of the Week – Mad Professor

Since 1979, Mad Professor has overseen groundbreaking recordings in dub, roots and lovers rock, both as a dub musician and as the proprietor of the Ariwa Sounds label and studio. Ariwa and Mad Professor have released over 300 records with his characteristic blend of digital and retro sounds which have won worldwide acclaim.

Dub music evolved from reggae in the 1960s as a re-imagined version of a popular track. Typically, the vocals were removed and sound effects added, including echo, reverberation, amplified percussion and extra bass.  Dub tracks were initially released as b-sides to popular hits, functioning as a creative outlet for DJs and producers. In the early 80s, Mad Professor was a major force in popularizing the dub genre.

Through the 80s and 90s, Ariwa fostered the careers of Aquizim, Jah Shaka, John McLean, the Robotics, Peter Culture and Johnny Clarke. The Mad Professor produced major singles for Pato Banton and Sandra Cross, and Macka B’s 1986 album ‘Sign of the Times’ was a breakthrough success. The Professor also released collaborations with Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and a five-album series, ‘Black Liberation Dub.’ As his reputation grew, he was solicited to remix albums for popular rock and alternative acts, including 1995’s critically acclaimed ‘No Protection,’—a remixed version of UK trip-hop group Massive Attack’s ‘Protection.’ He has since collaborated with The Orb, Sade, Jamiroquai, Rancid, Depeche Mode, Perry Farrell, and the Beastie Boys, amongst others.  Mad Professor’s music has also been featured in “The Wire”.

Mad Professor and the Ariwa artists have built an extensive following frequently touring the world over. Mad Professor continues to record and perform throughout the world as well as foster and collaborate with new talents, including his son “Joe Ariwa”!

To see the Mad Professor in action, watch the video below, enjoy!