Giggles Riddim (2003) – Don Corleon Records

Down in Jamaica’s early-2000s dancehall run, the Giggles Riddim comes off as one of those sly, bouncy Don Corleon cuts that keeps the energy sharp without getting too glossy. The lineup has that proper sound-clash feel, with Elephant Man’s “Nah Bow” rubbing shoulders with Bungi Garlin’s “Woah” and Lil’ Rick’s cheeky “A Fassy Like Dat, ” while Brimstone’s “Rastafari” and Shaky Ranks’ “Who Dat” keep the set moving in different directions. Don Corleon was already building a reputation for clean, hook-ready riddims in that period, and this one sits right in that pocket: tight drums, nimble bass, and enough space for the deejays to work. Easy B’s “It’s Not Easy” is the sort of cut that gives the riddim its name, almost as an afterthought.