Be Careful Riddim – Message IN Da Music

A little over eleven cuts deep, Be Careful Riddim comes out of Message IN Da Music’s 2021 session with a fairly sober, roots-leaning feel: clean drum programming, a steady bassline, and enough space around the vocal to let the singers do the talking. Ron Clarke’s “I Rise” and Peter Runks’ “Righteous Revolution” lean into uplift, while Mighty Mouth’s title track and Monty Sweat and Mr. Lynx’s “Disrespectful” keep the project grounded in everyday warning and social commentary. The lineup also stretches into sweeter territory with Sweet Emily’s “Love Her” and the Marva Scott/M. C Martin combination, which gives the set a little more lift without changing its patient pace. It was released in May 2021 as an 11-song set, and the whole thing sits on a dry, mid-tempo groove with a firm bottom end and a restrained skank.