Cos Im Black Riddim – Real Talk Productions

Real Talk Productions leaned into a thumping, rootsy take on the “Cos I’m Black” idea here, framing the riddim around Nereus Joseph’s title cut and a strong run of voices that includes Peter Hunnigale, Max Romeo, Vivian Jones and Jimmy Riley. The production has that UK reggae warmth with enough low-end pressure to keep the whole thing moving, and it’s the kind of set where the veterans do a lot of the heavy lifting without crowding out the younger names like Lenea Herew and Fuzzie Barz. Compared with some of Real Talk’s other work, this one feels more consciously old-school in spirit, sitting close to classic lovers and roots terrain while still sounding like a proper 2012 studio project.

The Vivian Jones cut, “Black Thing, ” and Max Romeo’s “Another Day” are the moments that linger longest, and the whole release fits neatly into the label’s catalogue of thoughtful, UK-made reggae riddims.