Love Salute Riddim – Head Concussion Records

Love Salute Riddim came out in 2011 on Head Concussion Records, the imprint run by Tarik Johnston, better known as Rvssian. By then he was already moving fast as one of the younger architects of the modern dancehall sound, and this set sits neatly in that early run of glossy, radio-friendly riddims that helped define his name.

The rhythm has a bright, uptempo feel, with a catchy bassline and skanking piano that keep it bouncing without getting too heavy. It is dancehall made for melodic singers as much as deejays, which is why the lineup works: Chan Dizzy opens with “21 Gun Salute” in both clean and explicit versions, giving the riddim its toughest edge, while Christopher Martin’s “You Hold Me” and Jameik King’s “Hold Me Close” push it into smooth lovers territory. Laza Morgan adds a polished crossover touch on “Never Been Done Before, ” and Kush Riley’s “What A Body” keeps the groove moving with a flirtatious, club-ready feel.

The cuts that linger longest are Rasco’s “Don’t Worry” and Tarrus Riley’s “Let Me In. ” Rasco brings a streetwise warmth to the rhythm, while Tarrus, already established as one of Jamaica’s strongest modern singers, gives the project a deeper emotional pull. Released on November 19, 2011 and distributed through 21st Hapilos, Love Salute Riddim captures that period when Rvssian was sharpening his balance between hard dancehall pulse and smooth, sing-along hooks.