Free Spirit Riddim (2013) – Notnice Records

Notnice Records was already deep into its dancehall-to-reggae crossover lane by 2013, and Free Spirit finds the label working in a cleaner, more roots-minded direction than the harder-edged juggling it is often tied to. The production comes from Ainsley “NotNice” Morris, the Jamaican hitmaker behind some of modern dancehall’s sharpest projects, and this one keeps his usual polish while softening the attack into a bright, uplifting one-drop with live-sounding drums, warm bass, guitar skanks, keyboards and horns.

The release first surfaced in April 2013 and sits comfortably in that year’s reggae-riddim conversation. The final lineup is a broad one: Million Stylez, Nesbeth, Zamunda, Kratos, Turbulence, Jahmiel, Royal Bambou, Jah Vinci, Exco Levi, Da Professor, Khago, Charly Black, Da’Ville and Mega Banton all take a turn on the riddim, with the instrumental version in the sequence as well.

The strongest cuts are the ones that match the riddim’s airy lift with clear songwriting. Million Stylez’s “Free” sets the tone with a conscious, singjay delivery; Nesbeth’s “Someone New” and Da’Ville’s “This Love” push the lover’s side; Exco Levi and Turbulence bring more roots weight; and Jah Vinci’s “Always On Time” gives the project a sweet, melodic pull. Charly Black’s “This Is My Day” adds a more assertive, crossover-ready finish, while Mega Banton and Khago keep the juggling lively. It is the kind of release that shows Notnice knew how to make a reggae rhythm feel current without sanding off its backbone.