5th Gear Riddim – Markus Records

Markus Records’ 5th Gear Riddim landed in early 2012 as one of the label’s first major juggling projects, with Markus Myrie, Buju Banton’s son, steering the production through his own imprint. By then, Markus was already being talked about as a young producer trying to carve out space with a polished, contemporary dancehall sound rather than chasing nostalgia. The rhythm itself has a forward-driving feel that matches the title: sharp drums, a clean but heavy low end, and a brisk, street-ready pulse that gives the singers and DJs room to ride it hard.

The lineup is a strong cross-section of that era’s dancehall. Buju Banton’s “How We Flex” brings veteran authority, while Sizzla’s “Right Now” adds a more urgent, militant edge. Blak Ryno comes with “Diss Mi An Dead, ” Delly Ranks on “Things Friend, ” Kiprich on “Fi Clean, ” Ghost on “Oh Oh, ” and Ninja Kid on “Nuttn Fi We, ” each cutting into the rhythm with distinct personalities and different shades of confrontation, style, and slang. Mr. G’s “Tek Him Weh” and Suhverto’s two cuts push the project further into straight dancehall mode, while tracks from Cubanis, Flex, Kaliba and Mitch keep the energy moving across the full sequence.

What gives 5th Gear its character is the way it balances polished production with rough-edged voices. It feels made for juggling, with each tune snapping into place without losing its own identity. For a debut-era Markus Records release, it announced a producer with an ear for modern dancehall structure and a clear instinct for veteran weight and new-generation bite.