Im Not Getting Crazy Riddim – Emmanuel Music

By 1982, the “I’m Not Getting Crazy” cut had already drifted from the strict roots feel of earlier reggae into something leaner and more sound-system ready, all crisp drum patterns, rolling bass and that nagging little guitar figure that keeps the whole thing moving. Emmanuel Music lines it up with a strong cast, but the real pull is how naturally Dennis Brown’s “Coming Home Tonight, ” Don Carlos’ “I’m Not Crazy” and Frankie Paul’s “Worries in the Dance” sit inside that groove, with the latter still the tune most people remember when this riddim comes up.

Nicodemus and Ranking Joe keep the energy in the deejay lane, while Sister Nancy and Yellowman add more chatter and attitude. The Yellowman and Fathead closer, “I’m Getting Divorce, ” leaves the set on a cheekier note, and by then the riddim has done exactly what these late-era Jamaica productions were supposed to do: lock the dance and keep it there.