Blaze It Riddim – J And G Records

Out of Jamaica in 2011, Blaze It Riddim finds J and G Records working a lean roots-reggae juggling with a warm, steady pulse and a title that nods straight to the ganja-conscious side of the culture. The voices keep it varied: Ras Penco’s “Jah Give I Strength” and Turbulence’s “My Love You” lean into uplift and melody, while Craiggis, Inspecta and Otis Irie bring a rougher edge with cuts like “It Hard A Little, ” “Time It Hard” and “It’s A Party. ” Marie Moore’s “Any Day” and Diamond’s “No Matter Dem” add a softer, more reflective counterweight, so the riddim never settles into one mood for too long. It’s the kind of compact 10-track set that fit neatly into the 2011 reggae juggling wave, with enough swing and message to keep sound systems and mixtapes in play.