Lion Inna Den Riddim (2018) – Iron City Music Group

Lion Inna Den Riddim landed in 2014 under Iron Gate Records, the label arm of Iron Gate Sound, the Australia-based crew led by Flip and Gilsun. By the time this set came out, they had already been steadily building a reputation for conscious reggae and dub work, and this release sits neatly in that lane: roots-driven, modern, and geared for serious voices rather than crossover polish.

The riddim itself moves with a clipped, militant pulse. It has that digital-era backbone with enough space for the bass to breathe, while the drum pattern keeps the tension up and the arrangement stays lean so the singers can cut through. The instrumental version closes the set and underlines how much of the weight is carried by the groove itself.

The lineup is strong and the writing is mostly conscious, with themes of survival, herb culture, praise, struggle, and resistance. Sizzla opens with “Jah Jah Solve Dem, ” a sharp roots chant that sets the tone immediately. Lutan Fyah’s “Hard To Stay Alive” brings the pressure of daily endurance into focus, while Exco Levi’s “Herb Man” gives the riddim one of its most memorable turns, especially for listeners who like their roots with a herbal message. Jahdan Blakkamoore, Teflon, Fyakin, Dexta Malawi, King Tappa, Voltage, and Jah Red Lion all add depth, but the cuts that really frame the project are the Sizzla, Lutan Fyah, and Exco Levi tunes, with Exile Di Brave’s “Solution Time” also adding a collaborative edge through Jahkime and Iron Gate Sound.