Black Rain Riddim (2005) – Kinky Music

Kinky Music had already carved out a reputation for Spanish-language reggae compilations, and Black Rain pushes that formula into a tougher 2005 dancehall space, with a dark, digital swing that suits Capleton’s “Nuh Stop We” and the more road-ready turns from Sizzla, T. O. K. and Mr Lexx. The project pulls in voices from across the reggae map — from Chuck Fenda’s militant “Wicked Man” to Morodo’s “Tu Gal” and Chulito Camacho’s “Los Chicos Del Barrio” — which gives the riddim a wide geographic feel without losing its sharp edge. A lot of the pull comes from the way the production keeps the drums clipped and the bass heavy while leaving enough room for the artists to ride the groove cleanly, and the set runs 12 tracks in all, including Capleton’s accapella intro.