Jasmine Rice Riddim (2017) – Mv Music

MV Music’s 2017 Jasmine Rice Riddim sits in that mid-tempo dancehall pocket that favors clean drum programming, a steady bounce, and enough space for each voice to cut through. The set moves with an easy, radio-friendly swing rather than a hard bashment push, which gives the songs room to land on melody, attitude, and relationship talk.

Christopher Martin brings the sweetest touch on For You Only, and that smooth, polished delivery suits his reputation as one of Jamaica’s most melodic modern dancehall singers. Delly Ranx goes sharper and more stripped-down on Nuh Tek Styling, while Khago’s Wake Me Up adds a rougher, more direct edge. Mr Vegas is the most prolific name here, turning in both Self Respect and Up Top, two cuts that play well to his knack for hooks and pointed everyday commentary.

Natel’s Good Up keeps the energy lively, and Nyana’s Buss A Dance adds a female voice to a lineup that otherwise tilts heavily male. MV Music closes the circle with the instrumental version, which is important on a riddim like this because the groove is strong enough to carry the juggling on its own.

There was also enough interest around the release to warrant a part two, which usually says more than any hype line can. Jasmine Rice Riddim feels like a disciplined, melodic dancehall package from an outfit already active under the MV Music banner, with Mr Vegas’ presence giving it extra weight.