Cant Control Riddim – VP Records

In the 2003 reggae run, VP Records kept things compact with the Cant Control Riddim, a three-track set that leans on roots weight rather than big ensemble variety. The arrangement is stripped back to a version cut, Luciano’s “Serious Times, ” and Prince Malachi’s title tune, so the riddim gets to breathe and the vocals carry the mood. Luciano is the anchor here, and “Serious Times” fits his reflective style neatly, while Prince Malachi takes the same foundation in a more direct, chant-like direction. VP’s credit on the release places it in that early-2000s period when the label was still threading together conscious reggae singles with a clean, radio-ready finish. Cant Control Riddim was released in 2003.