Mama Riddim (2001) – Hi Power Music

Al Campbell’s “Baby Don’t Cry” gives Mama Riddim its first real pull, and Hi Power Music lines up the rest with the kind of early-2000s roots set that sits comfortably between singers and more militant chanters. Chaka Demus and Pliers turn up with “Gone Too Soon, ” J. C. Lodge cools the pace on “Golden Touch, ” and Luciano’s “Living On The Right Side” brings the sort of upright, sermon-steady delivery that keeps the whole juggling session grounded. Mikey General’s “Give Jah The Glory” and Tony Curtis’ “Bonified” add more weight at the edges, while the version cut leaves the riddim itself open long enough to hear its plain, steady pulse. But it’s Al Campbell’s opener that really frames the record, setting a reflective tone that the rest of the lineup keeps circling back to.