Big Slap Riddim – Baco Records

From the French reggae circuit that Baco Records has been helping to shape, Big Slap Riddim lands with a warm, rootsy pulse and enough modern edge to keep it moving. Jahdan Blakkamoore’s “Play The Role” gives the set its sharpest early hook, while Marcus Gad’s “Nature Calling” and City Kay’s title cut lean into the riddim’s melodic sway without softening the bass. The lineup travels nicely between voices and tongues too, with Balik’s “Où est passé l’amour, ” Natty Jean’s “Messasse, ” and Derajah’s contribution adding different shades to the same framework. Baco put the project out in 2019, and the closing dub version from Manjul and Burning Bob leaves it with a little extra smoke at the end.