Black Velvet Riddim – Various Artists

BLACK VELVET RIDDIM produced by VARIOUS ARTISTS 2007

Black Velvet Overview

In the mid-2000s, reggae was shaped by the one drop drum style, a steady rhythm that powered many roots and dancehall tracks. The Black Velvet Riddim, released in 2007, fits right into this era. The producer, VARIOUS ARTISTS, is known for curating collections that bring together different voices in reggae and dancehall. Over the years, this approach has helped introduce new talents and keep the scene fresh. On this riddim, Damian Marley delivers “Real Friends.” Damian, also known as Jr. Gong, is famous for his Grammy-winning album “Welcome to Jamrock,” and is respected for blending roots reggae with modern sounds. “Real Friends” shows his thoughtful lyrics and strong delivery. Evil (Leftside) appears with “Flying By.” Leftside is recognized for his work as both a producer and artist in dancehall, often bringing a playful style to his music. His song on this project adds a unique energy to the riddim. Paul Wall, a rapper from Houston, Texas, joins with “Expensive Taste.” Paul Wall is well known in hip hop circles, especially for his album “The Peoples Champ,” which reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. His appearance on a reggae riddim highlights the genre’s wide influence. The Black Velvet Riddim roots anthology echoed the conscious vibes of 2007 and brought together artists from different backgrounds, making it a memorable release.

Black Velvet Tracklist:

1. Damian Marley – Real Friends
2. Evil (Leftside) – Flying By
3. Paul Wall – Expensive Taste (Remix)