Bam Bam Riddim (2017) – Nu Birth Records

Nu Birth Records’ 2017 Bam Bam Riddim drops out of the roots-and-culture pocket rather than chasing any glossy crossover angle, and that’s part of its appeal. The set runs 11 cuts in just under half an hour, with voices like Big Brown, Color T, Dan I, Eccleton Jarrett, Jnile, Ras Charmer and Tad Hunter circling the same groove from different angles. It’s a compact lineup, but there’s enough variety in tone to keep the rhythm moving between conscious talk, praise, and straight social commentary. Little Roy and Empress Ayeola’s “1%” adds a veteran-meets-fresh-energy moment, while Dan I’s “Everybody Want to Know” and Eccleton Jarrett’s “No More” feel like the cuts that give the riddim its backbone. The title track from Nu Birth Records LTD closes the circle neatly, leaving the rhythm itself as the final word.