Arena Riddim (2023) – Stingray Records

Arena Riddim arrived in 2023 from Stingray Records, the London-based reggae label founded by the McLeod brothers and long steered by Carlton McLeod, known in the scene for clean, radio-ready productions and a catalogue that has stayed loyal to roots, lovers rock and straight-ahead culture music. This one sits neatly inside that lane: a modern reggae riddim with a smooth, rolling groove and a polished finish rather than anything overly aggressive.

The set pulls in a mix of veterans and steady voices. John Junior opens with Beautiful Woman, Nathi Prince brings the conscious uplift of Call On Jah, and Nature Ellis gives Conquor a grounded, rootsy edge. Stevie Face’s Duppy Maker adds a sharper lyrical bite, while Delly Ranx on Good Looking Girl pushes the riddim a little closer to dancehall phrasing without breaking its reggae centre. Baby Boom’s Music Sweet and Publik Report’s Push On keep the energy moving, and Chardel Rhoden’s Queen Of The Arena gives the project one of its more direct hooks. Jay Bignel’s Sax Of The Arena adds the instrumental colour that helps the package feel complete, and Sone G closes with Wrong Way.

What makes Arena Riddim work is the balance between melody and message. The rhythm carries a laid-back bounce with enough bounce in the drums and bass to keep it lean, while the voices on top range from lovers rock sweetness to warning songs and faith talk. It’s a proper juggling set in the classic sense: different tones, same pulse, no wasted space.