Wackies

Wackies is a pioneering reggae and dub label founded in the 1970s by producer Lloyd "Bullwackie" Barnes in the Bronx, New York. Originally from Jamaica, Barnes brought the roots reggae sound to the U.S., establishing one of the first significant Jamaican-owned reggae studios in the country. Wackies became known for its warm, analog sound and a unique blend of roots, dub, and lovers rock styles, with a deeply DIY approach that helped define the underground reggae scene outside of Jamaica.

The studio and label became an outlet for a host of talented artists including Jah Batta, Sugar Minott, Love Joys, and the legendary African Roots series—an ongoing collaboration between Barnes and various session musicians. Releases like Creation Dub and the African Roots albums are now cult classics among dub fans, appreciated for their rich textures and haunting rhythms. Thanks to reissues by labels like Basic Channel in the 2000s, Wackies' legacy continues to resonate with new generations of dub and reggae lovers.