Cuba Libre Riddim – Jungle Josh Productions

A little mid-2010s roots juggling with a clean, chant-heavy feel, Cuba Libre Riddim keeps the energy steady without trying to crowd the listener. Keznamdi’s “Under Mi Culture” is one of the sharper cuts here, all conviction and uplift, while Jahmali’s “Lock The Window” featuring Andy Cooper adds a nice extra wrinkle with that guest spot sitting just outside the usual lane. Ginjah is another strong pull, his “Nah Waan Dat” carrying the sort of measured resistance that suits the riddim’s easy roll. Jungle Josh Productions keeps the set moving with nine tracks in all, including turns from Miss Princess, Italo Skarcha and Mikel Brown, and the whole thing lands as a compact 2016 release that feels very much of its moment.