Swagga Dem Riddim – Various Artists

By 2011, dancehall was deep into that slick, digital era where sharp hooks and blunt rhythm patterns carried the weight, and Swagga Dem Riddim fits right in with its compact, club-minded cut. The set leans on a spare, punchy instrumental feel rather than heavy ornament, leaving plenty of room for the vocal personalities to do the work. Gappy Ranks and Russian get an easy lift on “Tun Up, ” especially on the remix with Collie Buddz, while Stylo G’s “Boasy” and “Swagga Dem Pt. 2” push the rhythm harder with that brash, talkative delivery he was leaning into around then. Lisa Mercedez and Redd Man Uk keep the tone taut and street-level, and the whole thing moves on a brisk, bouncing bassline with a clipped, forward-tilting drum pattern that keeps the riddim dry and direct.