Feminine Riddim – Don Corleon Records

Don Corleon lined up Feminine Riddim in 2009 as a slim two-cut reggae set, with Stacious on “Fight Back” and Cherine Anderson on “Real Love. ” The project comes from Donovan “Don Corleon” Bennett, the Kingston producer whose name sits behind some of the most familiar modern Jamaican riddims, from “Drop Leaf” to “Seasons” and “High Altitude. ” Feminine fits naturally into that catalogue: sharp, melodic, and built for radio as much as for sound system play.

The backing has a smooth, mid-tempo pulse rather than a heavy bashment drag, leaving plenty of room for both singers to stretch out their ideas. Stacious brings a tougher edge on “Fight Back, ” sounding clipped and determined against the warm glide of the rhythm. Cherine Anderson takes “Real Love” in a more soulful direction, leaning into her crossover-friendly style and giving the riddim a softer emotional center.

What makes Feminine Riddim work is the contrast between those two voices. Stacious gives it attitude and defiance, while Cherine Anderson gives it polish and feeling. It is a small release, but one that lands cleanly because Don Corleon keeps the production light on its feet and lets the songs breathe.