High Standard Riddim – 1st Klase Records

In 2014, when dancehall was leaning hard into slim, glossy digital riddims and quick-hit singles, 1st Klase Records lined up High Standard with just three cuts and a very tight cast. Popcaan’s “Wine So” is the obvious hook, all flirtation and command, while Bunji Garlin brings a sharper Trinidad-side energy on “Daddy Money” and Preedy’s “Pay No Mind” keeps the project in that brisk, radio-ready lane. The production is spare and modern, with a clipped drum pattern, a steady low-end push, and just enough melodic movement to keep the groove from feeling bare. It plays like a compact 10-minute set, moving cleanly at mid-tempo and leaving the vocal phrasing to do most of the work.