A Dubplate, sometimes referred to as a "Dub", is an exclusive version of a piece of music, usually (re-)recorded by a Reggae/Dancehall artist for a Sound System or fan. These recordings are often used for competing in a sound clash, in which rival reggae sound systems compete with each other to produce the most imaginative or unusual dubplates. The exclusivity of the recording is made evident by changes to the usual lyrics to include the name of the sound system that has commissioned the recording, often remarking on the prowess of the sound system in question, and sometimes the weaknesses of the opposing sound system(s) in a given competition.

Dubplate are an essential tool in a sound clash - the more exclusive the better - but they also form an intrinsic part of the Reggae industry. A notable example is the dub of "No, No, No (You Don't Love Me)" recorded by Dawn Penn for a number of sound systems in the early nineties. The dub recorded for Saxon Studio International sound system replaced the lyrics "No, no, no, you don't love me..." with "No, no, no, can't test Saxon", referring to the invincibility of the sound system. The song became an international hit, and Dawn Penn endorsed several other sound systems with the same lyrics and continued to do so for many years.

Sound System - In the context of Jamaican popular culture, a sound system is a group of disc jockeys, engineers and MCs playing reggae/dancehall music. The sound system scene is generally regarded as an important part of Jamaican cultural history and as being responsible for the rise of several modern Jamaican musical genres.

Sound Clash - A Sound clash is a musical competition where crew members from opposing reggae sound systems pit theirs skills against each other. Sound clashes take place in a variety of venues, both indoors and outdoors. Primarily featuring reggae (or dancehall) music, the object is to beat or "kill" their competitors. By choosing carefully the tracks played or "selecting" and featuring exclusive, personalized tracks or dubplates, a sound system can stimulate a more positive reaction from their audience and so win the clash.