Amina Riddim – Various Artists

Loose, rootsy energy runs through Amina Riddim, the 2011 one-drop set that circles through a mostly Italian vocal lineup without losing its reggae spine. Filograna, Lu Ciosa and Spruscia’s “Nu Mbe` Facile” and Raphael’s “Cyaan Sell My Soul” give the project some of its strongest moments, while Dark Angel’s “Let’S Get Spiritual” pushes the conscious side a little further. The selector-style variety here feels closer to those early-2010s European reggae compilations than a big commercial dancehall swing, with enough chant and meditation to keep it grounded. Tracks like “Anno 2100, ” “Nuh Toys, ” and “Ho Visto” keep the pace moving, but the riddim never gets too slick. It sits comfortably in that corner of the 2011 reggae catalogue where local voices, spiritual lyrics, and lean production carry the whole thing.