Kingship Riddim – Upsetta Records

Kingship Riddim moves with that tough, rub-a-dub-to-modern-dancehall pulse Upsetta was chasing in 2013, all skanking drums, lean bass and enough room for the singers to ride the groove without crowding it. The line-up is a nice mix of up-and-comers and names with a little more pull, so Boom Dekka’s “Bring Di Ting, ” Erup’s “Lah Lah” and Ras Oney’s “Why” keep the thing grounded, while Laza Morgan and Zamunda give it a broader reach. Upsetta had already been building momentum out of Switzerland with its Team Upsetta/Flow Productions setup, and this project shows that method clearly: a clean riddim, a dozen voices, and a set that closes on Zamunda’s “Keep On Going, ” which feels like a neat summary of the whole push.