Island Breeze Riddim (2013) – Don Corleon Records

Don Corleon’s Island Breeze Riddim landed in 2013 with the kind of polished, melodic reggae sound that has long defined Donovan Bennett’s catalogue. Bennett, better known as Don Corleon, built his name on sleek modern roots and crossover-friendly production, and this set sits neatly alongside the work that made him one of Jamaica’s most in-demand beatmakers. The one-drop foundation is clean and airy, with warm bass, restrained drum programming, and enough space for the vocals to breathe.

The centerpiece is “The Right One” with Jah Cure and Collie Buddz, a pairing that gives the riddim its biggest emotional pull. Jah Cure’s smooth, wounded tenor rides the groove naturally, while Collie Buddz adds a lighter, melodic edge that broadens the song’s reach beyond straight roots listeners. Ce’Cile’s “Dollar Sign” pushes a more assertive dancehall-female perspective, with her crisp phrasing cutting through the laid-back production. Bugle’s “Promises” brings the strongest conscious weight, and Turbulence’s “Standing Tall” matches the riddim’s uplift with an earnest, devotional tone. Ikaya’s “Broken Wings” adds a softer, more reflective finish that suits the instrumental’s breezy feel.

As a project, Island Breeze works because it does not overload the listener. The rhythm is relaxed but not sleepy, glossy without losing its reggae backbone, and the vocal line-up gives it range without breaking the mood. Don Corleon keeps the arrangement disciplined, letting each artist imprint the same riddim with a different emotional angle.