Jealous Eyes Riddim – Explorer

Jealous Eyes Riddim lands in that early-2000s rootsy reggae pocket where the groove stays patient and the singers have room to work, with George Nooks’ title cut setting the tone and Mikey General’s “Juvenile” adding a sharper lyrical edge. Explorer keeps the lineup tight rather than crowded, and that helps the whole set feel focused: I Cock’s “Too Lone, ” John Mouse’s “One God, ” and Steve Knight’s “Gone” all sit nicely against the same rhythm while the version closes things out in classic style. It’s a six-track release from 2002, with six different artists on the same foundation, and the tracklist keeps the emphasis on the song rather than the excess.