Jah Rise Riddim – Machete Records

Jah Rise Riddim landed on April 28, 2023 from Machete Records, the Manchester, UK reggae and dancehall imprint run by James Jones. The label has spent years working across roots and modern sounds, and this set sits comfortably in that lane, pairing a veteran cast with a live, spiritual groove that feels aimed at soundsystem play as much as headphones.

The riddim itself has a steady, unhurried pulse, with enough space in the drums and bass for each singer to settle in. It carries a firmly rootsy atmosphere: militant but not frantic, warm rather than glossy, and shaped for call-and-response hooks about faith, survival, and discernment. Richie Spice’s “Africans Sail On” opens with his familiar raw-edged delivery and a topical, conscious weight that suits the riddim well. Lutan Fyah’s “Pick and Choose” keeps the message sharp and uncompromising, while Ginjah’s “Can’t Trust Dem” tightens the mood with a wary, street-level read on the world. Sizzla’s “Nothing Is Possible Without Jah” is the most direct spiritual statement here, leaning into uplift with his urgent phrasing.

Warrior King brings a steadier devotional tone on “I-Niversal Light, ” and Yaadcore’s “Concrete Jungle” pushes the project into a grittier, more urban corner without breaking the roots foundation. The Machete Records dub and Bopee instrumental version round out the package in proper juggling style, giving selectors and dub-minded listeners a clean view of the production.