Conquer Dem Riddim – Various Artists

So when this 2007 Conquer Dem Riddim rolls in, it’s the conscious side of reggae doing what it does best: Nitty Kutchie opening with “Trying To Conquer Me, ” Little Hero’s “Come Home Girl, ” and Lutan Fyah’s “Mark My Word” setting the tone before the cut really leans into the tougher edge of the set. The string of names keeps the energy moving, but it’s the way the compilation moves from rootsy uplift to warning shots — especially Chezidek’s “Praise Jah, ” Perfect’s blunt “Babylon Dem Dog Shit, ” and Anthony B’s “Bad Come Run Up Inna Me” — that gives it shape. Frankie Paul and Gyptian add a smoother, more melodic turn near the end, which keeps the riddim from feeling one-note. It runs 19 tracks deep, with 20 artists across the set.