Forward Riddim (2018) – Special Delievery Music

Special Delivery Music keeps Forward Riddim short and purposeful, and the 2018 digital release sits neatly in the French label’s long run of artist-driven reggae juggling. Bost and Bim are the production name most closely tied to the imprint, and their catalogue has long leaned on roots-conscious vocals, polished digital drums, and hooks that travel well beyond France. Here, the riddim is voiced by Gappy Ranks, Etana, Fari DiFuture, and Righteous Child, with a version and dub cut completing the package.

The production has a clean, modern reggae pulse: firm bass, clipped percussion, and a bright, forward-driving skank that leaves space for melody rather than crowding it. Etana’s “Africa” brings the weightiest performance, with her warm, commanding tone and continent-conscious message giving the riddim a clear centre. Gappy Ranks follows with “How Long, ” a singer-deejay cut that plays to his UK roots-reggae strength and his habit of turning everyday struggle into direct, singable lines. Fari DiFuture’s “Jungle Out There” and Righteous Child’s “Hold On” keep the message mode alive, with both voices steering the riddim toward perseverance and social commentary.

That balance is what makes Forward Riddim work: one strong foundation, four distinct takes, and a sound that feels tailored for radio, sound systems, and fans who still want reggae with a conscious spine. The release date is April 6, 2018, and the track count confirms this as a tight, focused seven-minute-plus juggle rather than a sprawling compilation.