Center Forward Riddim – DJ Frass Records

DJ Frass Records had this one sounding like peak 2013 dancehall: sharp drums, a heavy low end, and a breezy, commercial bounce that still leaves room for badness. Center Forward rides that line between radio-friendly and street-ready, with clean and raw versions of some cuts and a juggling feel that keeps the energy moving rather than settling into one mood.

Andre “DJ Frass” Gordon had already built a reputation as one of Kingston’s steadier dancehall producers, and this riddim fits squarely in that lane: a label-driven project designed to keep a sound circulating across multiple voices. The lineup mixes veterans and younger names, with Mavado, Agent Sasco, Christopher Martin, Cecile, Demarco, Mad Cobra, Katrina, Chase Cross, Flexxx, Flippa Mafia and G Star among the cuts that surfaced on the release.

Mavado’s “Carpet” is the obvious anchor, especially because the riddim gives it both raw and clean presentations, a sign of how much weight the song carried. Christopher Martin’s “Single Ladies” pulls the rhythm toward smoother, melodic dancehall, while Cecile’s “Regular” and Agent Sasco’s “Get Mad” keep the project rooted in performance and attitude. Mad Cobra’s “Dah Sumn Deh” adds veteran grit, and Demarco’s “Owna Don” brings the kind of tough-talking flair that can make a juggling click.

What gives Center Forward its staying power is the contrast: slick enough for playlists, rugged enough for dance. It feels made for the selector’s box, with each voice finding a different angle on the same forward-driving bounce.