Foundation Riddim (2006) – Don Corleon Records

By 2006, Don Corleon Records was already deep into the run of sleek, radio-friendly dancehall that put Donovan Bennett’s name on the map, and Foundation Riddim sits right in that catalogue sweet spot. The cut has that clean, rolling pulse Don Corleon was known for, with enough space in the groove for voices like Beenie Man on “Nah Beg No Friend, ” Buju Banton on “Gal Fi Get, ” and Capleton on “Wha Dis” and “Hit Maker” to land hard without crowding the track. Alaine’s “Come For Me” adds a smoother edge, while Assassin’s “Mouth Mek Fi Chat” keeps the energy sharp and chatty, and the whole set moves with the kind of polished, mid-2000s dancehall feel that made these multi-artist riddims travel well. The release runs 18 tracks from 13 artists, with Hollowpoint and Bling Dawg each doubling up on the tracklist.