Greensleeves Records Presents: Iration Steppas – ‘Dubs From The Foundation’ to Be Released May 23
Greensleeves Records, the iconic U.K. label, has joined forces with the mighty Iration Steppas to embark on a journey deep into the echo chamber with their new collaboration, Dubs From The Foundation. This release follows the critically acclaimed Soundsystem compilations with Channel One Soundsystem and Jah Shaka.
This gatefold double album, carefully curated by the revered Soundman Mark Iration, features handpicked vocal cuts from the legendary Greensleeves vaults—songs he has championed for nearly forty years. The record includes Jamaican legends such as Michael Prophet, Johnny Osbourne, Hugh Mundell, Wailing Souls, and more.
Mark Iration has long been at the vanguard of dub, so it’s only fitting that the spotlight also shines on the genre itself. The second disc features heavyweight dub versions from the likes of Augustus Pablo, Roots Radics, and The Revolutionaries, completing a powerful listening experience.
Dubs From The Foundation also includes exclusive photographs from Mark’s personal archive, contributions from esteemed photographer Elliot Baxter, and printed inner sleeves designed by longtime Greensleeves collaborator Tony McDermott.
About Iration Steppas
Mark Iration has been musically driven since youth, deeply inspired by the latest sounds from Jamaica and the vibrant U.K. soundsystem scene. He began by taping radio shows by John Peel and David Rodigan to play at blues parties in the early ’80s. His first soundsystem crew was Conquering Lion, and in the late ’80s, he teamed up with the late Sam Mason to form Ital Rockers—a progressive crew that blended roots, dub, hip-hop, soul, and house.
Mark’s production journey began with the groundbreaking 12” Ital’s Anthem for Bassic in 1990. With the success of that release, he upgraded his sound and rebranded as Iration Steppas. Known for their futuristic ‘Year 3000’ style, Iration Steppas became a dominant force in the dub scene, famously sharing stages with icons like Jah Shaka. Around the same time, Mark also co-founded the group Kitachi, blending dub, hip-hop, and electronica with Dennis Rootical and Jack Rubles. This partnership led to genre-defining tracks like High Rise Vibration, Killamanjaro, and albums such as Original Dub D.A.T and Dubz From The Higher Regions.
In the early ’90s, Mark ran his soundsystem at a series of ‘Dub Me Crazy’ events with Bradford’s Rootsman. By 1998, Iration Steppas became the resident sound at Subdub, a groundbreaking U.K. event series. Subdub helped launch the dubstep movement, hosting early performances by Skream, Benga, Mala, and Loefah, and playing a key role in the genre’s rise.
Today, Iration Steppas are globally recognized pioneers, performing across the world—from Japan to Brazil, the U.S. to Australia. They’ve collaborated with major platforms like Boiler Room and Red Bull, and in 2024 completed a worldwide tour with European soundsystem O.B.F.