Want to jump to the answer? Our choice for the best Dancehall Sample is Classic Riddim’s: 80’s Dancehall from Diaspora!
Jamaica has become the home of multiple genres that have been popularized even in the modern world. Dancehall has influenced and inspired artists not only to create new Dancehall tracks but even inspires artists in other genres such as Drake with “One Dance” and Rihanna with “Work.” There’s a certain bounce that you cannot deny makes everyone want to move and you can find those sounds in these Dancehall Samples.
What To Look For When Choosing a Dancehall Sample
In Dancehall you look for similar sounds and samples as you would in Reggae and R&B. There is a lot of bass and a beat that moves you. It is almost as if Reggae and R&B had a child. There are the faster and consistent beats of Reggae but with instrumentals closer to R&B.
Pricing
Sample packs are perfect for not breaking the bank while supplying you with a large amount of creative fuel. If you are looking to acquire samples regularly, a subscription with Splice or Loopcloud will be the best choice. It is also a better choice if you are only wanting to get single samples from a pack rather than the whole pack.
Frequency of Use
Dancehall is a great genre to reuse samples in. So many songs imitate and sample others in this genre that you can use your sounds over and over again with no issues.
Skill Level
Dancehall is an interesting genre to write in, you just want to make sure you are pairing up packs together that you match keys and bpms. Once you have put in some practice with the methods you’ll need you’ll be set.
7 Best Dancehall Samples
Let’s take a look at our choices for the best Dancehall Samples, we don’t have them in any particular order, they are just numbered to help with organization.
1. Classic Riddim’s: 80’s Dancehall – Diaspora
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above
This pack goes to the origins of Dancehall with more sounds that align with Reggae and tropical sounds. There’s plenty of punch in these drums for any beat you’re making, and many organs to give your track the body it needs.
- Price: Available with Splice subscription
- What is included? 184 Loops and 172 One Shots including
- Drums
- Guitar
- Stabs
- Grooves
- Melodies
2. Future Dancehall – RV Samplepacks
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above: Modernized
Finding a mix of modern and classic sounds can be difficult but not for Dancehall. There are many packs that combine the vibes and instruments of the old sounds with the new making a beautiful hybrid.
- Price: Available with Loopcloud subscription
- What is included? 258 Loops and 244 One Shots including
- Bass and Synth Bass
- Marimba
- 808’s
- Bass
- Claps
3. Lush Dancehall ft. Patexx – Splice
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above: Modern Sounds
Splice worked directly with the Dancehall artist Partexx to create these awesome sounds. While it stays true to the original sound of Dancehall, it has reinvented them for a more electronic sound that references the original instruments.
- Price: Available with Splice subscription
- What is included? 243 Loops and 139 One Shots including
- MIDI files
- Male and Female Vocals
- Grooves
- Hooks
- Mallets
4. Vadim – Urban Dub & Modern Dancehall – Loopmasters
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above: Urban
With the creative mind of DJ Vadim, Loopmasters created these Dancehall samples with an urban feel. They have more 808’s and sirens creating a heavier feeling than most modern Dancehall will.
- Price: Available with Loopcloud Subscription
- Also available on Loopmasters
- What is included? 402 Loops and 665 One Shots including
- Vocal Shouts and Phrases
- Guitar
- Synth Bass
- Wind and Brass
- Synth
5. krs.: Build a Vybz Drum Kit – Splice
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above: Hiphop/Trap
This pack is like HipHop and Trap were mixed with Dancehall. It is a fresh take on the classic sounds while keeping the old vibes alive. There’s lots of 808’s and short snare snaps to grab your attention in the Build a Vybz Drum Kit.
- Price: Available with Splice subscription
- What is included? 75 Loops and 132 One Shots including
- Kicks
- Hats
- Snares
- Claps
- Shakers
6. Dancehall X Pop – Samplestar
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above: Lofi
Lofi found its way into the world of Dancehall with this amazing pack. You have a great list of Dancehall samples to choose from with not just one-shots of the crumbs but also many loops of all of the instruments.
- Available on Loopmasters – $20.20
- What is included? 129 Loops, One-Shots, and MIDI files including
- Keys
- Guitar
- Synth
- Snare
- Full Kits
7. Dubbel Dutch: Rare Earth Elements Vol 1 – Splice
Who’s it for? Intermediate and above: Electronic
Marc Glasser, otherwise known as Dubbel Dutch, has made a name for himself in the club music scene with his creative sounds and tracks. Now you get the chance to create with his sounds that dive into Dancehall and club music sounds like you’ve never heard before.
- Price: Available with Splice subscription
- What is included? 67 Loops and 153 One Shots including
- Synth
- Drums
- Risers
- Vocals
- Brass and Woodwinds
Feel the Riddims
Sometimes the best way to listen to a track I’m writing or mixing is to get up and walk around while it plays. You have to be able to move to feel the flow and spirit of the song. If you sit in one place for too long while mixing it all begins to sound the same and it can give you ear fatigue. Nothing cuts down on creativity like fatigue. Take the time to step back and actually enjoy some music without critically searching the mix.
If you enjoy working with samples and want to learn more about the other sample lists we have put together click here.
Jarrett is a hardcore Lover-Jazz Lover-Rock Lover-Blues Lover-just a music lover. He has the hair to match — Jarrett and provides in-depth insight into all things guitar and music engineering.