Hold Me Tight Irie Mood Riddim – Flava Mcgregor

Kemar “Flava” McGregor has long been one of the more polished names in modern roots reggae, with a catalogue that stretches from radio-friendly lovers rock to heavyweight one-riddim projects. The Hold Me Tight Irie Mood Riddim sits right in that lane: a 2016 production under Flava McGregor Records that pulls together veteran voices and smoother contemporary singers around a warm, romantic one-drop framework.

The riddim has a soft, unhurried sway, with clean guitar chops, rounded bass, and a glossy keyboard bed that keeps the groove light without losing its roots feel. It is the kind of rhythm designed for lovers themes, and the titles tell the story: “Meaning Of Love, ” “Lipstick Stain, ” “Arms Of A Woman, ” “Treat Her, ” “Baby I, ” “I Love You, ” “My Sweet Baby, ” and “Bonefide” all sit comfortably inside that mood.

The lineup is strong from top to bottom. Buju Banton brings authority and edge to “Lipstick Stain, ” while Cocoa Tea’s “Treat Her” and Gentleman’s “I Love You” push the sweeter side of the set. Anthony B, Bushman, Chezidek, Duane Stephenson, Gappy Ranks, Ginjah, Gyptian, Junior Kelly, Maxi Priest, Natural Black, Ras Shiloh, and Richie Spice each add a different shade of gravity, tenderness, or uplift. Duane Stephenson and Maxi Priest are especially well suited to this kind of slick, melodic production, and Richie Spice’s “Knock Knock” gives the riddim a firmer roots-steppers pulse. It is a tidy example of Flava McGregor’s ear for sing-along reggae with enough polish for wide crossover play.