Wire Fence Riddim - Brick House Records
Who’s voicing on it? - Vybz Kartel, Munga, Agent Sasco and Erup
A slick 80's G-Funk synth rocks this styled out slow wine banger with a host of some of the biggest artists in dancehall voicing on it. The one that stood out for me was the Vybz Kartel version on this riddim called 'Slow Wine Pon It'. Despite being locked up in jail on numerous drugs and murder charges, Vybz Kartel (See Gaza Records), still continues to release a steady number of versions on new bashment riddims. The man is actually unstoppable! He affirms that he is the “teacher” in this particular tune as he runs the vocal track in his multi rhythmic double time style. "Free the world, boss!"
Chachi Riddim - South Rakkas Crew
Who’s voicing on it? - Serocee and Stylo G, Ward 21 and Deewunn, Ryo Vibes, Mercci, Shabu, RDX and more...
A high energy dancehall stormer produced by self acclaimed "Germaicans", the South Rakkas Crew. South Rakkas have been on the scene for a while now, having worked with Killa Queenz, Lady Chann and Tricky, to name just a few, but this is the first dedicated ‘bashment’ riddim that has come out of their camp. The Serocee and Stylo G version is definitely one to check out: Stylo G is one of the most exciting English bashment artists on the scene right now and Serocee never fails to disappoint. However, the Ward 21 and Deewunn remix is definitely not to be overlooked! Ward 21 are one of the most acclaimed dancehall crews of the time, responsible for such tunes as President, Haters and the Monkey Barrell Riddim. They come hard with the lyrics and display why the crew have been pioneers in the dancehall movement for the past 20 years.
Azbo picks - Ward 21 and Deewunn/Pepper Pot Ting (Chachi Riddim)
Stylo G and Serocee/Me Nuh Waan Hear Nuttin (Chachi Riddim)
Substance X riddim - Appy Feet productions
Who’s voicing on it? - Beenie Man, Ninja Kid, Rik Rok ft Future Fambo, Miki Ras, Ghost and more..
The Appy Feet label has taken a new outlook on the dancehall/bashment genre, blending influences of the Trinidadian carnival genre Soca. Appy feet Productions’ (formally Richie Loop Productions) mission is to release nothing but light and fun singles and dedicate the label strictly to 'happy' music. Expect to hear a more party-anthem orientated riddim with this one, appealing to the more mainstream style of dancehall that is coming out of the scene right now. Beenie Man, of course, goes in hard on the riddim, displaying his melodic skills as well as keeping the 'badman' vocal licks which he is so well known for. I’m excited for future releases on this label as I’m all about innovation and evolution within the genre, especially when it blends two of my favourite styles of music coming from the islands.
Azbo Picks - Beenie Man/Bend Down Low
Black Lion/Party Time
The Sledgehammer riddim - Kisko Hype Production
Who’s voicing on it? - Assailant, G Starr, Kisko Hype, Fatts, Noah Powa, Mr. Easy and MG
This riddim was particulary refreshing for me to hear as it has quite a early 90's dancehall vibe to it with the minimal drums, running hi hats and stabbing bass line, reminiscent of classics like the 'Bookshelf riddim' and the 'Punanny Riddim'. The standout version on this has to be the Mr. Easy and MG version, 'Cant Mek We Nervous'. Mr. Easy and MG have strong melody running through the whole song, including some nice vocal edits, but still maintaining a strong war theme which will murder any soundbwoy in the clash! Mr. Easy and MG are definitely ones to watch in the future.
Azbo Picks - Mr. Easy and MG/Cant Mek We Nervous
Kisko Hype/Get Mad
Kayak Vybz Riddim - Xpert Studios Production
Who’s voicing on it? - Mr. Killer, Luta, Skinny Fabulous
One of my favourite soca riddims to come out over the past couple of months: I don’t care what anyone says, you can’t deny the vibes from soca music, instant smiles in the dance! This is a playful funky number from the Xpert Studios camp from Trinidad. My personal favourite version has to be Mr. Killa. Contrary to the name, the lyrics are tropical with good vibes all about partying and daggering. Soca is definitely emerging in the more mainstream scene of Jamaican/Caribbean music, quickly gaining popularity from its tropical carnival vibes and is drawing in bashment and dancehall artists to voice on the riddims and vice versa.
Azbo Picks - Mr. Killer/Me Never Lapse
Luta/Gyal Bawling
