Earthquake Riddim – Various Artists

Earthquake pressure. The 2011 Earthquake Riddim comes in lean and punchy, with just four cuts and an instrumental tucked in the middle, so you hear the pattern fast: Badda Dan’s “Hot Hott” and Lawless with Makamillion’s “My Gyal” both ride the same soca snap with a nagging little swagger, while Chanz and Mr Royal push “Roll Up” a bit harder into party mode. It’s one of those small riddims that doesn’t waste a note, and the production leaves enough space for the vocals to jab through cleanly; the instrumental version is there too, almost like a reminder that the groove can carry the whole thing on its own.