The opening line of “System Ruff” — ‘burnin’, burnin’, burnin’ every…’ — is a clear call to action against the Babylonian system, sounding as fresh and relevant via a 2025 reissue as it did when it first dropped in 2013. Pairing a pounding electro dub production from O.B.F. with Warrior Queen’s fast-paced, pointed lyrics, this sonic detonation is arguably even more relevant today, in the wake of the current state of global politics.

In addition to the original “Dub Ruff”, which peels back the vocal to expose the dubwise spirit of the track, this re-release also includes an instrumental “Ruffer Dubplate Mix”. Clearly crafted for late-night sound system sessions, this is a wicked addition to an already potent release.

To move beyond my perspective, Warrior Queen kindly took the time to answer a few questions about “System Ruff”, her writing process, and some of her favorite releases, providing some nice context about this track and her wider artistic mindset:

Much respect! How did this collaboration originally come together twelve (or so) years ago?

As vividly as I can remember, Rico of O.B.F. invited me to perform in Geneva, which I did, and the show was a blast! After returning to Jamaica, Rico sent me a beat and said he wanted to release a track. The beat led me to a conscious lyrics vibe.

I remember waking up at approximately 3’clock listening to the beat and writing. By the dawning “System Ruff” was systematically tuff!

On this track and some of your other sound system tracks, like with Mungo’s Hi Fi, The Bug, and Chad Dubz, I’ve noticed that your song titles are more thematic (or mentioned briefly), rather than a word or phrase that is repeated as the chorus. How intentional is this, and is there a typical Warrior Queen approach to writing lyrics?

It’s not intentional, but one word can define the track. Any word of the lyrics can be used as each word is a character, defining the song itself.

I tend to write a story line, intended to gravitate a listener or the listeners (producer, fans, audience, passersby).

You’ve worked with a lot of heavyweight producers during your career! Is there one project that stands out as particularly special to you?

Honestly, each project stands out in its own way, as the beats are challenging at times (due to the fact I’m an old school reggae dancehall artist), and I’ve adapted genres unknown to my knowledge of ever materializing, bringing out the inborn concept talent within me.

Though there was this project from Marina Rosenfeld (NYC-based) who sent me sounds of nature — no beat, just sounds of darkness, sadness, gloom — and I came up with a track titled “Honeymoon Night”.

“Almighty Father” [with Sunship] and “Poison Dart” [with The Bug] are really special to me.

What’s ahead for you in 2025? I heard you’re in Jamaica right now.

I live in Jamaica, and I’ve been collaborating with jungle and house beat producers lately (loving the vibe). Between May and December, it’s UK and European travels for performances.

Big ups to Rico O.B.F. and team, to good dubstep only, to Mungo’s and all the promoters and producers and fans for the love of my music!

More info:
System Ruff on Dubquake Records Bandcamp

The Groove Thief
.the future of dub is the present.
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