Gideon Riddim (2004) – Young Blood

Gideon Riddim gathers nine cuts from 2004, and the lineup tells you straight away this one was aimed at the roots-conscious corner of the dancehall market: Anthony Cruz, Bascom X, Chuck Fender, Jah Cure, Richie Spice and Turbulence all step onto the same Young Blood rhythm with weighty, reasoning-style lyrics and a dark, marching pulse. The production leans more rugged than flashy, with enough low-end pressure to give songs like “Murder, ” “Calling Out My Name” and “Angle In Zion” real bite, while the singer selections keep it from getting too hard-edged. Mr G’s “Red In A Gideon” adds a sharper, chant-heavy touch before the set closes with the instrumental “Version – Gideon Riddim, ” which lays out the rhythm’s raw frame on its own.