Heartless Riddim (2012) – Heavy Roots

Heavy Roots gives the Heartless Riddim a sturdy, roots-forward frame and lets the voices do the talking, with Onton and Konshens’ “Guilty” kicking the juggling into motion right away. Around that opening shot, the set moves through a neatly varied cast: Opepe’s “Nomasmedia, ” Maikal X and Kalibwoy’s sleek “Vogue Magazine, ” Jah Sun and Kubla’s reflective “Man Of Creation, ” and Charly B’s “Jah Bless, ” before the energy dips into Spanish-language turns from Juho and Ras Boti, Rigo Fuego, and Lasai. The riddim itself leans more earthy than glossy, with enough pulse in the bass to keep the whole sequence moving without crowding the singers. If there’s a tune that leaves the sharpest mark, it’s the Konshens pairing, which gives the compilation its hook and its bite.