Ali Baba Riddim (2023) – Tad’s Records

Tad’s Record keeps its name attached to roots reggae with Ali Baba Riddim, a 2023 juggling set that runs on a steady, mid-tempo groove and gives veteran voices plenty of room to work. The rhythm sits at 82 BPM, with a clean bass line, crisp one-drop pulse, and a bright, classic finish that feels designed for sound system play as much as careful listening.

The cast is exactly the kind of lineup that gives a riddim weight: Sanchez, George Nooks, Lukie D, Nitty Kutchie, Delly Ranks, and Richie Stephens. Sanchez turns in Original Songs with the kind of smooth, polished tenor that made him one of the most dependable lovers rock and reggae singers of his generation. George Nooks brings the title cut, Ali Baba, and the song fits naturally with his long run as a roots-conscious singer with a warm, soulful delivery. Lukie D’s God Is Still Alive pushes the message side of the project, while Nitty Kutchie’s Sell Out and Delly Ranks’ Jah Jah Never Fail I Yet keep the energy grounded in faith and survival. Richie Stephens closes the vocal run with Badder Than Before, adding a sharper, more assertive edge before Tad’s Allstar finishes things with the instrumental version.

Tad’s Record is a Kingston label with a deep catalogue of reggae work, and Ali Baba Riddim sits comfortably in that tradition: durable, singer-friendly, and built for repeat spins rather than quick novelty.