Hit Riddim – Various Artists

Hit Riddim sits in that warm, live one-drop pocket where the groove does the talking, with enough bounce to keep the songs moving without crowding the vocals. Brown Lion’s “Work Tonight” leans into the everyday hustle in a straight, rootsy way, while Fred Locks turns “She Is A Hit” into the kind of sly title tune veteran singers know how to carry. George Nooks brings a smooth, reflective touch to “Now You Know, ” and Luciano’s “Memories” feels like the emotional anchor here, which fits his voice perfectly. The production was handled by Rupert Blackwood’s Super 100 camp, and in 2010 the set was already getting radio play across Jamaica and beyond, giving the riddim a tidy little run for a four-track release.