Arcus Riddim – Grab Dem Records / X-Kaliba / Eastsyde

In 2021, when dancehall was still leaning hard into militant, street-side riddims, Arcus came out of the Grab Dem Records, X-Kaliba and Eastsyde camp as a lean four-track set with a sharp, stripped-down feel. Daflodon’s “Brawlin, ” Rytikal and Street Gena’s title cut, Shaney Blaxx’s “Wagges” and Tayza’s “Money Up” keep the focus on the riddim itself rather than any big production flourishes, which suits the project’s tense, forward-driving mood. There’s a grim, percussive snap in the drums and a low-end pulse that leaves plenty of room for the deejays to bark their lines, with Rytikal’s appearance on “Arcus” giving the release its clearest lift. The tempo stays brisk and unhurried, letting the bass line hit in blunt, repeated strikes.