Better Things Riddim – Rootsie Muzic

By 2006, Rootsie Muzic had lined up Better Things Riddim with the kind of roots-heavy cast that speaks to the Jamaica reggae circuit of the moment: Luciano, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Jah Mason, Norris Man, and Junior Kelly all circle the same one-drop frame. The set leans conscious rather than flashy, with songs about pressure, clean living, and spiritual grounding, while tracks like Lutan Fyah’s “Strapped For Cash” and Luciano’s “Earth Creator” set the tone early. Junior Kelly turns up in combination with Boy Ken on “Children, ” but the sharpest edge comes from the more urgent cuts, especially Turbulence’s “Blood Stain” and Norris Man’s “Get Up, ” which keep the riddim moving with that stern, militant pull.