Crown Head Riddim – Ijahstars Records

Back in 2018, when conscious one-drop compilations were still carrying plenty of weight in roots reggae, Ijahstars Records lined up Crown Head Riddim with a cast that leans hard into uplift and social commentary. The cut itself has that steady, chest-deep pulse, with bright horn lines and a faintly mystical keyboard shimmer under the vocals, so the singers have room to ride the groove rather than fight it. Lutan Fyah’s “Give Thanks” and Oriel’s “Pretty Bird” are the obvious anchors, while Perfect Giddimani and Young Shanty, plus Xtrait with Uniquee and Young Wildapache, keep the energy moving through militant and reflective turns. Reggaeville lists the release date as November 2, 2018, and the set closes with “Suffer Too Long, ” before the instrumental title track, which leaves the riddim itself hanging in the air.