Engraph Riddim – Embrace The Lord Records

Embrace The Lord Records frames Engraph Riddim as a gospel-minded reggae set, and the cast backs that up. Released on April 26, 2024, the project gathers 12 cuts from veterans and roots voices, with Herbert Ellis credited on the instrumental and the label handling the production and release. The result is a devotional juggling anchored in steady one-drop phrasing, warm bass pressure, and a patient, unfussy arrangement that leaves room for the words to carry the weight.

The strongest names here are the ones that have long lived in conscious reggae: Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, Luciano, Etana, Lukie D, George Nooks, and Glen Washington. Mowatt’s “Jesus” and Griffiths’ “Looking Up” set the tone with elder grace, while Luciano’s “Give Praises” brings that familiar spiritual lift he has made his own. Etana’s “Thankful” adds a lighter, contemporary polish, and George Nooks’ “So Long” and Glen Washington’s “God Of Our Father” sit comfortably in the kind of rooted, testimony-driven lane both singers know well.

Bro Elliott’s title cut “Embrace The Lord” gives the project its mission statement, and Breda Francis, Bunny Anderson, and Verena Newell-Perry fill out the roster with more gospel reggae voices. Engraph Riddim is less about flash than about conviction, with a calm, prayerful mood that suits the line-up and keeps the message front and center.