Toasting

Toasting is rhythmic spoken commentary over an instrumental — the precursor to modern deejaying — where the performer praises the crowd, comments on the tune, or boasts over a version in live and recorded settings.

Why it matters: Toasting links sound-system performance to hip-hop's MC tradition and dancehall's deejay stars. Understanding it clarifies why vocals on a riddim are often conversational rather than melodic.