80 Minutes Riddim – Rebel Liberation Records

Rebel Liberation Records takes a slightly rougher, more street-minded turn on 80 Minutes Riddim, and the title fits the mood: this is a lean 2015 dancehall set with a raw edge rather than a glossy crossover feel. The rhythm rides with a clipped, forward-driving pulse that leaves plenty of room for the vocals to jab and swagger, especially on Blass’ “Easy For Me, ” White Diamond’s “She Hungry, ” and Mega B’s “Coulda Try Get We Down. ” There’s also a nice bit of shape in the lineup, with tougher cuts like Juggemaut’s “Gal Yuh Bad” and Fire Flex’s “Dont Wanna Break Up” sitting alongside the more chant-heavy efforts from Proficience and Ginja Nana. The closing “80 Minutes Riddim (Instrumental)” by Rebel Liberation Sounds ties the whole thing back to the bare framework and leaves the rhythm carrying the last word.