Jacob Miller- Natty Christmas

Jacob Miller recorded Natty Christmas in 1978 on the Sanctuary Records label.  Alongside Ray-I, the duo produced a rub-a-dub blend of Christmas songs, (also check out the re-issued version from VP Records (2007) featuring Turbulence and Red Rat).  Killer Miller "wishes an Irie Christmas and a Dancehall New Year," and expresses "All I Want For Ismas," is my collie herb.  Other re-makes include "Silver Bells," "Deck the Halls," and "On the 12 Days of Ismas."
-KT

 1.  Wish You A Merry Christmas

 2.  Ahameric Temple

 3.  Silver Bells

 4.  Natty No Santa Claus

 5.  All I Want For Ismas

 6.  On The Twelve Days Of Ismas

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Sweet River Riddim

Henfield Records released the Sweet River Riddim in 1998.  The riddim was headlined by Richie Spice on "Earth A Run Red," the first song that really made him a household name.  Jah Cure also produces a solid tune with "Jah Bless Me," as does Jah Mason with "Empty Barrell."  Don't miss Mikey General preaching "Jah Inna Me Head."
-KT

 1.  Sweet River Rock Riddim – Version
 2.  Richie Spice – Earth A Run Red
 3.  Jah Mason – Empty Barrell
 4.  4 Quarta – Everyday Thing

 5.  Admiral Tibet – Hard Time
 6.  Mikey General – Jah Inna Me Head
 7.  Jah Cure – Jah Bless Me

 8.  Mark Wonder – Jah Love
 9.  Anthony Red Rose- Never Stray From Jah

10.  Admiral Tibet- Poor People

11.  Shadow Man – Higher Realms
12.  Daweh Congo – Seek Jah First

13.  Zabiki – Zion Gate

 

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Hustlin' Riddim

Bost & Bim dropped The Hustlin' Riddim in 2010, that featured a rough beat with good horns.  It reminded me of a similar drop to the World Jam Riddim.  The album was headlined by Peetah Morgan preaching about "Di Government," Sizzla singing "What a Vibration,"  and J Boog in the "Coldest Zone."  Lutan Fyah always seems to put out decent tunes, this time with "Black Roses, and "The Way Life Goes" from Konshens is worth a listen.
-KT

 1.  J Boog- Coldest Zone

 2.  Konshens- The Way Life Goes

 3.  Jah Sun- Plastic City

 4.  Sizzla- What a Vibration

 5.  Valene- My Ghetto Cry

 6.  Peetah Morgan- Di Government

 7.  Maxxo- Bad News

 8.  Lutan Fyah- Black Rose

 9.  Koxx- Want You Back

10.  Tumi- The Cape Verdean Girl

11.  Bost & Bim- Hustlin' Riddim Version

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Prosper Riddim

The Prosper Riddim was released by Redbud Recordings in 2009.  Turbulence brings a solid tune with "Live Good and Prosper," as does Chezidek on "Trap," but Lutan Fyah delivers the best song of the riddim with "The Way We Live."  Also check out Donovan Steel's "Dem A Bad Man" and Spectacular's "Long Life."
-KT

 1.  Turbulence- Live Good and Prosper

 2.  Rob Symeonn- No More (feat. Willow Wilson)

 3.  Lutan Fyah- The Way We Live

 4.  Natty King- Friends

 5.  Chezidek- Trap

 6.  Prestige- Never Let It Go

 7.  Donovan Steele- Dem A Bad Man

 8.  Spectacular- Long Life

 9.  Keisha Pattersom- Rather Be Alone
10.  Al Pancho- Hold Di Faith
11. Jah Quake- Rugged and Done
12.  Nando Fresh- Guide Over Us
13.  Stream- Woman
14.  Rob Symeonn- Prosper Dub

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Think Twice Riddim

Warriors Muzick Production released the Think Twice Riddim in November 2011, based off the classic Phil Collins song "Another Day In Paradise."  Duane Stephenson covers the title track "Think Twice." Luciano, Anthony B and Lutan Fyah all put out good tunes, as does newcomer Zamunda.  Fanton Mojah's "Rasta Got Soul" is my favorite song, where he recognizes past and present reggae legends.
-KT 

 1.  Duane Stephenson- Think Twice

 2.  Devano- In This Jungle

 3.  Luciano- I Can You Can

 4.  Fantan Mojah- Rasta Got Soul

 5.  Lymie Murray- Your Right (Situation Room)

 6.  Lutan Fyah- Rastafari Leads The Way

 7.  Sir Ford- Oh Lord

 8.  Anthony B- To Much Guns In Town

 9.  Turbulence- Stay Away

10.  Zamunda- Forever Loving Jah

11.  Warrior Musick- Think Twice Riddim Version

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Coming In From The Cold Riddim

John John Records released the Coming In From The Cold Riddim in April, 2011.  It was a remix of the original Bob Marley song, (it's not the first time and won't be the last either).  The best song isn't even featured on this release, but is a must hear from Tarrus Riley titled "Love's Contagious."  Buju Banton's "Time & Place" is also a good tune.  Check out Anthony Cruz, Delly Ranx and Mitch & The New Kidz.
-KT

 1.  Angel Doolas- Trickster

 2.  Anthony Cruz- Only The Father

 3.  Buju Banton- Time & Place

 4.  Delly Ranx- Charge

 5.  Mitch- Gimme A Call

 6.  Mitch & New Kidz- Payroll

 7.  Sanchez- That Place

 8.  Tarrus Riley- Love's Contagious

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Massive Pick: J Boog- EP

Washhouse Hawaii released the self-titled J Boog- EP, a highlight of J Boog's career up to the release date of June, 2011.  Born in Long Beach, raised in Compton, of Samoan decent, and now based in Hawaii, J Boog broke into the international reggae scene in 2010 with his huge hit "Let's Do It Again," (Major Riddim).  The EP features eight tracks and all of them are good.  Besides "Let's Do It Again," "Every Little Thing" is my favorite song.  Also check out "Waiting On The Rain," "Coldest Zone," (Hustlin Riddim), "So Far Gone," (Longtime Riddim), and "Police and Thieves," J Boog's version of the classic Junior Murvin song. 

-KT

  1.  Waiting On The Rain

 2.  Coldest Zone

 3.  Police and Thieves

 4.  It's So Hard (feat. Sanga & Fiji)

 5.  Got To Be Strong (feat. Richie Spice)

 6.  Let's Do It Again

 7.  So Far Gone

 8.  Every Little Thing (feat. Fiji)

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Rain Wata Riddim

The Rain Wata Riddim was released by Cut Stone Records in 2008.  Kali Blaxx headlines the riddim with his breakthrough hit song "One Smoke."  Zamunda produces one of his big hits with "Jah Love," and Chezidek sounds equally good on "Sun Or Rain."

-KT

1.  Kali Blaxx- One Smoke

 2.  Zamunda- Jah Love

 3.  Chezidek- Sun Or Rain

 4.  Mr. Perfect- Police Boy

 5.  Jabalance- Rain A Fall

 6.  Loaded- In The Rain

 7.  Kharuso- Inna Di Garrison

 8.  Edy Blacks- X Boyfriend

 9.  Mr. Groove- Beautiful Morning

10.  Robbie Rule- Never See Us Fall

11.  Cut Stone Records- Rain Wata Riddim Version

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Issachar Riddim

Imperial Records released the Issachar Riddim in November 2008.  Issachar, Israeli for 'there is a reward,' was a conscious set of tunes with positive messages.  The rhythm was cool & calm and featured a simple bingy drum and flute.  My favorite song is Chrisinti & Gentleman on "Struggle & Faith," because 'harder is the battle, sweeter is the victory.'  Tony Rebel knows you can "Break The Cycle," and Queen Ifrica sounds great on "Need You."  Lutan Fyah "Becon Of Hope" is worth a listen as well.

-KT

 1.  Lutan Fyah- Becon Of Hope

 2.  Tony Rebel- Break The Cycle

 3.  Alley Cat- Mr. Reality

 4.  Gentleman & Chrisinti- Struggle & Faith

 5.  Dermine- Jah I Love You

 6.  Menny More- Secure The Children

 7.  Queen Ifrica- Need You

 8.  Tenor Blue- Be Strong

 9.  Lenn Hammond- No More War

10.  Mitch- Show Me Love

11.  Althea Hewitt- Call Him

12.  Blue Fox- Train Come Around

13.  Imperial Records- Issachar Riddim Version

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Kush Morning Riddim

Dynasty Productions and Twelve 9 Records dropped the Kush Morning Riddim in January 2012.  It was a feel good riddim featuring Collie Buddz doing just that on "I Feel So Good."  Capleton blazes "Fire Fire,"'cause dem nah go cool me down,' and Peetah Morgan has a "Heart Like Lion," alongside Jah Sun.  Check out Jah Vinci's "Real Woman," as well.
-KT

 1.  Capleton- Fire Fire

 2.  Collie Buddz- I Feel So Good

 3.  Dway- Can We

 4.  I-Octane- Run Mi Out

 5.  Ikaya- Brand New

 6.  Jah Sun featuring Peetah Morgan- Heart Like Lion

 7.  Jah Vinci- Real Woman

 8.  Kranium- Gotta Believe (We All Try)

 9.  Serani- Dear Lord
10.  Dynasty & Twelve 9 Records- Kush Morning Riddim Version

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Sent For Me Riddim

The Sent For Me Riddim was released in February 2012, on the Dynamq/River Nile Ent.  It has a Carribean feel, from what sounds like a keyboard and steel drums.  Kali Blaxx rides the rhythm so well, remembering the "Good Times," (mark this as one of his best songs).  Delly Ranks' "Best Of Me," is the only other song that I enjoyed.  The riddim only featured four songs, but I hope other artists will record to it in the future.  It's not on iTunes or Amazon yet.
-KT

 1.  Delly Ranks- Best Of Me

 2.  Dynamq- Sent For Me

 3.  Eddie Fitzroy- Sunshine

 4.  Kali Blaxx- Good Times

 5.  Dynamq & River Nile Ent- Sent For Me Riddim Version

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Good Love Riddim

The Good Love Riddim was released in February, 2011 on Yard Vybz.  The actual release only featured four songs, nothing too special.  Wayne Marshall's title track and Tanya Stephens' "Reminising" are okay tracks.  A few others did record to it, (not sure why they weren't on the album), including Gyptian with "Butterfly" and Jah Cure with my favorite and really only worthy track on this riddim, "Call On Me." 

-KT

 1.  Christopher Martin- Melody To My Love Song

 2.  Tami Chynn-Forever UR Girl

 3.  Tanya Stephens- Reminising

 4.  Wayne Marshall- Good Love

 5.  Jah Cure- Call On Me
6.  Gyptian- Butterfly

 7.  Yard Vybz- Good Love Riddim Version

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Massive Pick: Romain Virgo- Romain Virgo

Romain Virgo gained recognition in 2007 when he became the youngest person to win Jamaica's annual Digicel Rising Stars competition at the age of 17.  In June 2010, he released his self-titled debut album on VP Records featuring 15 tracks, nearly half of them big hits on major riddims.  My top three songs are "Mi Caan Sleep," off the I Feel Good Riddim, "Who Feels It Knows It," off the Serve & Protect Riddim, and "Live Mi Life," off the Boops Riddim.  Check out "Love Doctor," (Automatic Riddim), "Taking You Home," (Big Stage Riddim), "Wanna Go Home," (Love Is The Answer Riddim), "Be Careful," (Time Will Tell Riddim), and even the dancehall flavoured "Customer Care," (Duck Riddim).  Make sure you don't miss "Murderer," one of my other favorites.
-KT

 1.  Mi Caan Sleep

 2.  Who Feels It Knows It (ft. Etana)

 3.  Love Doctor

 4.  Taking You Home

 5.  As The Money Done

 6.  Should I Call Her

 7.  Wanna Go Home (Rain Is Falling)

 8.  Walking Out On You

 9.  Dark Skin Girl

10.  Live Mi Life

11.  Customer Care

12.  No Money

13.  Murderer

14.  Be Careful

15.  I'm Doing Good (ft. Cameal Davis)

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Big Stage Riddim

Donovan Germain and Penthouse Records have been producing some of the best one-drops over the years, (Stop The Fighting, I Feel Good, Automatic, Serve & Protect...), and in 2010 they dropped the Big Stage Riddim.  It's a lover's riddim that features a saxophone that really sets the pace, (sounds like Dean Fraser).  My favorite track is Queen Ifrica expressing "The Will To Survive."  Tony Rebel shows his experience on "Pretenders Paradise," and Romain Virgo tells a love story on "Taking You Home."  Busy Signal's voice is soothing on "Comfort Zone," as is Gyptian's voice on "Seek Jah."

-KT

 1.  Richie Stephens- Color Of Love

 2.  Gyptian- Seek Jah

 3.  Queen Ifrica- The Will To Survive

 4.  Busy Signal- Comfort Zone

 5.  Chuck Fender- Good Man In Your Life

 6.  Sanchez- Who Am I Without You

 7.  Romain Virgo- Taking You Home

 8.  Sherieta- Reggae Is Life

 9.  Daville- Resistance

10.  Alaine- Still Smiling

11.  Marcia Griffiths- A Beer And A Girl

12.  Tony Rebel- Pretenders Paradise

13.  Stevie Face- Thank You For Loving Me

14.  Torch- Ultimate Lover

15.  Cameal Davis- My Heart Says Go

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World Jam Riddim

In 2005, the Firehouse Crew released the World Jam Riddim as #73 of the Greensleeves 'Rhythm Album' series.  The riddim is best known as Damian Marley's "Welcome To Jamrock," but was originally Taxi Records 1984 Ini Kamoze song, "World-A-Music," and also backed by Jammy on the 1985 Junior Reid song, "Boom-Shack-A-Lack."  Anthony B takes on the original with, "World A Reggae Music," Richie Spice sounds good on "All For A Cause" and Luciano produces a wicked tune in "A No Like We No Like Them."  Bounty Killer's "Poor People" and Beenie Man's "From Jamaica" are both good songs, and even Lukie D's "Stand Up Firm," or Daville's ganja tune "My Grade," are decent.  Also check out Zuga Zar's "Welcome To England," an interesting version of the song.

-KT

 1.  Bounty Killer- Poor People

 2.  Luciano- A No Like We No Like Them

 3.  Vybz Kartel- How We Ride

 4.  Daville- My Grade

 5.  Beenie Man- From Jamaica

 6.  Richie Spice- All For A Cause

 7.  Anthony B- World A Reggae Music

 8.  Lukie D- Stand Up Firm

 9.  Ward 21- Worldwide Connection

10.  Tony Curtis- Bless Me

11.  Chukki Starr- Hard Fi Smile

12.  Prilly Hamilton- Murderer

13.  Future Troubles- Too Much Blood A Run

14.  Chuck Fender- Jah Nah Sleep

15.  General Degree- Must Run Away

16.  Red Rat- Ghetto Youths Fi Rich

17.  Baby G- In The Street

18.  Firehouse Crew- World Jam Riddim Version

Additional Tracks

Damian Marley- Welcome To Jamrock
Ini Kamoze- World-A-Music
Junior Reid- Boom-Shack-A-Lack

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City Streetz Riddim

Dynasty Records showed their 'feel good' side with the City Streetz riddim, released in May, 2011.  It featured three of my favorite artists, (Lutan Fyah, Sizzla, and Warrior King), showing off their voices on "Hush," "Nah Go Work," and "All My Days."  Delly Ranx' "Work Hard" and Gappy Ranks' "Life Goes On," are both good tunes as well.
-KT

 1.  Bobby Hustle- Good Love

 2.  Delly Ranx- Work Hard

 3.  Dway- Can't Get Enough

 4.  Fyakin- She's Real

 5.  Lutan Fyah- Hush

 6.  Da Professor- Speechless

 7.  Sizzla- Nah Go Work

 8.  Sophia Squire- Find A Way

 9.  Teflon- On My Way

10.  Warrior King- All My Days

11.  ZJ Liquid- One Away

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World View Riddim

AJ Productions released the World View Riddim in January, 2012.  It's a simple roots & culture riddim that features some catchy tunes from Sizzla, Tony Rebel, Luciano, Junior Kelly & Queen Ifrica.  My favorite song is Queen Ifrica's "Peace," but Sizzla's "Jah Jah Blessings" is just as good.  Tony Rebel delivers a "Verbal Attack" and Luciano takes it "All The Way."  Don't miss Junior Kelly's "What Is Happening," Natty King's "In This World," and "Murder" from Gal A Day.
-KT

 1.  Queen Ifrica- Peace

 2.  Natty King- In This World

 3.  Brian Oneil- For Every Woman

 4.  Etana- Telephone Love

 5.  Goosie- Give Me Your Love

 6.  Gal A Day- Murder

 7.  Conrad Crystal & Sugar Roy- Greedy Dog

 8.  Sizzla- Jah Jah Blessing

 9.  Tony Rebel- Verbal Attack

10.  Junior Kelly- What Is Happening

11.  Luciano- All The Way

12.  Singer Gold- No Love

13.  AJ Productions- World View Riddim Version

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Massive Pick: Damian Marley - Halfway Tree

Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley released his second album, Halfway Tree, on Motown in 2001.  The album was a roots reggae style blended with dancehall, African, hip-hop, and R&B.  Co-produced by Damian & brother Stephen Marley, it won the 2002 Grammy for 'Best Reggae Album'.  This is the album that made Damian Marley an internationally known artist along the likes of Beenie Man, Sean Paul and more recently, Collie Buddz.  Helping him on the album were Capleton, Bounty Killer, Yami Bolo, rappers Treach (of Naughty By Nature), Mr. Cheeks, Drag-On & Eve.  My favorite songs are, "More Justice," a solo track from 'Jr. Gong,' "It Was Written," featuring the blazing Capleton, and "Educated Fools," a hip-hop vibe featuring Bounty Killer and Treach.  Don't miss "Still Searchin'" and "She Needs My Love," with contributions from Yami Bolo.  'Jr. Gong' also remakes his father's songs, "Catch A Fire," his version of "Slave Driver", and the 'hidden' track "And You Be Loved," based on Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved." 
-KT

 1.  Educated Fools

 2.  More Justice

 3.  It Was Written

 4.  Catch A Fire

 5.  Still Searchin'

 6.  She Needs My Love

 7.  Mi Blenda

 8.  Where Is The Love

 9.  Harder (Interlude)

10.  Born To Be Wild

11.  Give Dem Some Way

12.  Half Way Tree (Interlude)

13.  Paradise Child

14.  Stuck In Between

15.  Halfway Tree

16.  Stand A Chance/And You Be Loved

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Broken Hearts Riddim

Don Corleon Records released another hit with the Broken Hearts Riddim in August, 2011.  Tarrus Riley leads the way with his tune "Bless Me," while Richie Spice continues to produce solid vibes with "Survivor."  Pressure's "Stand Firm," and Da Professor's "Listen," are both good tunes as well.  Dancehall artists Vybz Kartel and Wayne Marshall produce decent tracks with "Good Father," and "Serpent."

-KT

 1.  Da Professor- Listen

 2.  Ikaya- Protection

 3.  I-Octane- Mi Sorry

 4.  Pressure- Stand Firm

 5.  Richie Spice- Survivor

 6.  Rockcity- Only Yours

 7.  Tarrus Riley- Bless Me

 8.  Vybz Kartel- Good Father

 9.  Wayne Marshall- Serpent

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Heart And Soul Riddim

Notice Production released the Heart and Soul Riddim in November, 2011.  The riddim is an up-beat one-drop, (sort of reminds me of the Major Riddim), that features an amazing keyboard & violin back-drop.  Only a few good tunes on this one but my favorite track comes from Chuck Fender, sending out a "Warning."  Busy Signal has grown on me a lot recently, producing another good one with "Missing You," and as we've come to expect, Jah Cure sounds good on, "From My Heart." The only other decent tune is Future Fambo's ganja anthem, "Puff Puff Pass." Not featured on this album is Vybz Kartel's remix, "Not A Love Song."

-KT

 1.  Hezron- Can't Come Between

 2.  Jah Cure- From My Heart

 3.  Chris Martin- Girlfriends

 4.  Further Notice- In This World

 5.  Busy Signal- Missing You

 6.  Future Fambo- Puff Puff Pass

 7.  D Major- That's What Loves About

 8.  Chuck Fender- Warning

 9.  Chevaughn- When You're Here

10.  Million Styles- Where's My Wife

11.  Richie Loop- Your Love I Miss

12.  Notice Productions- Heart & Soul Riddim Version

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