Herb Family Riddim – More Life Productions and Vis Records

Herb Family Riddim came out in 2014 on More Life Productions with VIS Records, and it sits firmly in the wave of California-rooted reggae productions that kept conscious, herb-themed music moving between Jamaica and the West Coast. The rhythm has a patient one-drop pulse, heavy bass and enough air in the drum pattern to leave room for the voices to do the talking. It feels rootsy rather than militant, with a mellow skank and a smoky, backyard-session mood that matches the title.

Megan “Natty Megs” Waxman is the name most closely tied to More Life Productions, and the label has continued to work from Ukiah, California across roots, dub and conscious reggae. On this set, the featured names that matter most are the veterans and strong roots singers: Sizzla, Fantan Mojah, Delly Ranx, Teflon, Kali Blaxx, Stranjah Miller, Kunte Kinte, Po All Over, Don Franco, Ras Daniel, Jabalance, Hytanyah and The Lambsbread. The release also includes “Light It Up” with Grass Man, giving the project a little extra lift in the ganja-conscious lane.

The sharpest cuts are the ones that lock straight into the theme without forcing it. Sizzla’s “Rasta Nah Gwan So” carries that familiar fire-and-certainty delivery, while Fantan Mojah’s “Roots and Culture” sounds like a natural fit for the riddim’s meditative swing. Delly Ranx brings a lighter, more melodic touch on “Sweet Reggae, ” and Teflon’s “Food Fi Mi Belly” grounds the project in everyday survival talk. “Cannabis Life, ” “Herbsman” and “Keep It Blazing” keep the concept consistent, so the riddim plays like a proper herb anthem collection rather than a loose compilation.