Greatest In The World Riddim – Various Artists

Three cuts and three names is all this 2005 set needs to make its point: Avaran, Aydee and Sizzla each ride the Greatest In The World Riddim from a slightly different angle, with Sizzla’s “Give Me A Try (Remix)” giving the project its most recognisable pull. The riddim sits in that mid-2000s reggae pocket where the drum pattern stays clipped and steady, the bassline carries the weight, and the arrangement leaves enough air for the vocal phrasing to do the talking. Avaran’s title track and Aydee’s “Trouble In Paradise” keep the tone rooted and direct, while Sizzla pushes the rhythm a little harder with his sharper delivery. It’s a compact release, but the pacing and low-end carry the whole thing, ending up as a lean, four-on-the-floor-style groove with a classic singjay feel.