Last Days Riddim – Clique Muzique

Capleton kicks off Clique Muzique’s Last Days Riddim with “Rise Up, ” and that opener sets the tone for a 2005 roots-minded set that keeps the pressure on without rushing the message. The lineup runs through Junior Reid, Luciano, Sizzla and Yami Bolo, with Morgan Heritage and Khari Kill also appearing on other versions of the project, so the riddim has that mid-2000s conscious-reggae weight rather than any crossover gloss. Luciano’s title cut and Sizzla’s “Don’t Judge” sit right in the pocket, while Junior Reid’s “Want The World To Know” and Yami Bolo’s “Hatred Of My Love” keep the spiritual and social side of the release in sharp focus. It’s Capleton, though, who lands the first real spark and leaves the strongest imprint on a riddim that’s all message, no excess.