Jamrock Riddim – 12 To 12 Muzik

Jamrock Riddim came through in 2013 from 12 To 12 Muzik as a seven-cut reggae juggling that sits in that warm, mid-tempo lane where the groove does the heavy lifting. The rhythm has a slippery, old-school feel, with a light bounce and enough space for the singers to work the pocket rather than rush it. It was released as a Jamrock Riddim EP and turned up in the same period as the label’s push at New Kingston’s Escape, which gave the project a proper launch rather than a quiet digital drop.

The line-up is solidly voiced: Chevaughn on “Tonight, ” Trilla U on “Anything, ” Richie Spice on “Just Can’T Be With Me, ” Ibo Fire on “Hungry Days, ” Lutan Fyah on “Nuh Cross Mi Line, ” Voicemail on “Dem Nuh Real, ” and Delly Ranx on “Puppy Love. ” Lutan Fyah’s cut hits with the strongest roots pressure, riding the riddim with that stern, forward-driving delivery he’s known for. Ibo Fire’s “Hungry Days” keeps the same rebel spirit, while Richie Spice brings his familiar clean tenor and heartfelt phrasing to “Just Can’T Be With Me. ” Voicemail’s “Dem Nuh Real” sharpens the project with a more direct, conversational edge, and Delly Ranx adds his easy deejay swing on “Puppy Love. ”

The release has that good modern-reggae balance: conscious lyrics, lovers’ themes, and enough melodic lift to keep it from feeling heavy. 12 To 12 Muzik used the riddim to pull together voices from different corners of the Jamaican reggae spectrum without losing cohesion.