Kingston Riddim (2019) – Chimney Records

Chimney Records framed Kingston Riddim as the harder, more dancehall-minded side of its 2019 twin-release concept, cutting the set in a minor key and packing it with voices that move easily between melody and edge. The Kingston-based production house, run by Jordan McClure and David Hayle, has long been known for polished, radio-friendly Jamaican productions that still hit with sound-system weight, and this one sits neatly in that lane. It landed on February 22, 2019.

The riddim’s pull comes from that dark, taut bed under the vocals: sleek enough for the radio, but heavy enough for juggling. Alaine’s “Man Crush Everyday” brings a bright, romantic lift to the groove, while Busy Signal’s “What Is A Friend” and Bounty Killer’s “Inseparable” give the project more street-level pressure and contrast. Shenseea’s “Heartless” adds a sharper, current dancehall edge, and Romain Virgo’s “Progress” brings one of the cleanest melodies on the set, showing how well his lovers-rock touch can travel over a modern one-drop-to-digital hybrid. Christopher Martin’s “Search All You Want” fits the same melodic pocket, while Prohgres’ “Only God Can Tell” adds a more reflective tone.

What makes Kingston Riddim work is the balance between established names and newer energy, with each cut riding the same frame but taking a different emotional route. The instrumental closes the package by laying bare the arrangement’s clean synth lines, clipped drums, and steady forward motion. It is a concise snapshot of Chimney’s ability to make contemporary reggae and dancehall feel slick without losing local bite.