Blueprint Riddim (2014) – Blackol Productions

Blackol Productions’ Blueprint Riddim comes out of the 2014 dancehall jugglin’ era with a lean, determined pulse and a tracklist that keeps the focus on singers and deejays who know how to ride a tough frame. The cut runs 13 tracks deep, with the producer’s own instrumental sitting among voices like Brando, Carter B, Father B, Jah Defender, Jah Link, Kippo, and Master Nic, so the project moves like a proper local showcase rather than a star-heavy compilation. There’s a stern, no-frills edge to it, but the names on it keep pulling in different directions, from Brando’s “Overcome” to Carter B’s sharp-tongued “Burn Batty Bwouy” and Jah Link’s “Like A Hiroshima. ” If there’s a center of gravity here, it’s Master Nic’s “Handina Kuzvigaira, ” which leaves the strongest aftertaste.