Mad Professor - Cuts & Dubs – Volume One

Mad Professor – Cuts & Dubs – Volume One | Dub, Lovers Rock, Dancehall, Electronica, Breaks & Leftfield 2x12 Inch Vinyl

Cat No: TPRLP001
Label: Test Pressing Recordings
Genre: Dub, Lovers Rock, Dancehall, Electronica, Breaks, Leftfield
Disc Colour: Black
Format: 2x12 Inch Vinyl (Double LP)
Spec: Picture Sleeve

Description:

Mad Professor – Cuts & Dubs – Volume One celebrates the expansive catalogue of Ariwa Sounds, the influential South London reggae and dub label founded by Neil Fraser, better known as Mad Professor, in 1980. Beginning in a front room in Thornton Heath with homemade equipment and a pioneering approach to production, Ariwa grew into one of the UK's most important independent reggae imprints, building a legacy that stretches across dub, lovers rock, roots reggae, digital dancehall and experimental electronic music.

This twelve-track compilation brings together highlights from across the Ariwa catalogue, showcasing the unmistakable studio sound that Mad Professor developed over four decades. From spacious, heavyweight dub to playful disco influences and leftfield rhythms, the collection demonstrates the breadth of his production style and the label's willingness to explore beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Mad Professor takes centre stage on cuts including 'Ariwa The Dub Sampler', 'H2SO4', 'Disco Dude' and 'Kathmandu Dub', while his landmark collaboration with Jah Shaka, 'Only One God', delivers a dark, powerful roots statement from two towering figures in British dub. Elsewhere, Starky Banton's 'Dub De Heart' and Ragga Doll's 'Hippamuffin' bring dancehall and hip-hop-inflected energy, while Professor Doppler's 'Cook Up Rice' explores more adventurous electronic territory.

The compilation also features The Robotics! and Robotiks, Ariwa's house band, with 'Hong Kong Flew!' and 'Miss Mood' highlighting their contribution to the label's distinctive sound. Closing the collection, Aisha delivers 'Can You Feel It', a soulful blend of reggae, soul and boogie-funk that rounds out this diverse journey through the Ariwa archives. Earl Lawrence's 'Dancing On A Bassline Dancing On The Bass Line' adds another groove-led moment to the mix.

Presented in a striking sleeve designed by acclaimed British graphic designer Trevor Jackson, Cuts & Dubs – Volume One is a carefully curated celebration of a hugely influential catalogue. Essential listening for fans of reggae and dub, as well as DJs exploring the connections between roots music, electronic experimentation and underground dance culture.

Tracklist:

A1. Mad Professor – Ariwa The Dub Sampler
A2. Earl Lawrence – Dancing On A Bassline Dancing On The Bass Line
A3. Mad Professor & Jah Shaka – Only One God
B1. Mad Professor – H2SO4
B2. Starky Banton – Dub De Heart
B3. Ragga Doll – Hippamuffin
C1. Professor Doppler – Cook Up Rice
C2. Mad Professor – Disco Dude
C3. Mad Professor – Kathmandu Dub
D1. The Robotics! – Hong Kong Flew!
D2. Robotiks – Miss Mood
D3. Aisha – Can You Feel It

Why Buy This Vinyl?

• Ariwa Sounds history: Twelve tracks celebrating more than four decades of Mad Professor's influential South London label.
• Legendary dub collaboration: Features 'Only One God', the heavyweight roots meeting between Mad Professor and Jah Shaka.
• Wide-ranging sounds: Moves between Dub, Lovers Rock, Dancehall, roots reggae, boogie-funk and experimental Electronica.
• Essential artists and productions: Includes Mad Professor, Aisha, The Robotics!, Starky Banton, Ragga Doll and Professor Doppler.
• Striking sleeve design: Artwork by renowned British graphic designer Trevor Jackson.
• Double LP collection: A twelve-track selection for reggae and dub collectors, adventurous DJs and fans of leftfield music.