Love Me For Me Riddim – Village Roots

Village Roots goes the rootsier route here, cutting a 2002 rhythm off the old “Plastic Smile” line and lining it up with a neat little cast rather than trying to overload the thing. The touchstone cut is probably Anthony B and Isha Mentor’s “Love Me For Me, ” which leans into the hooky side of the riddim without losing its message, while George Nooks’ “You Better Know” gives the whole set a firmer, more contemplative pull. Isha Mentor turns up again on “Do Good, ” and Sugar Minott’s “Jah Teach Dem” brings that veteran authority you’d want on a project like this. With Lukie D, Natural Black and Pinchers also in the mix, it’s the kind of early-2000s reggae compilation that feels focused, conscious, and very much of its time.