Melishya Riddim – Arkangel Records

Arkangel Records had a sharp little run of Kenyan dancehall in 2012, and Melishya Riddim sits right in that pocket: seven cuts, all by different voices, moving from the steely chant of King Selassie I Rule to the tougher edge of Goldenchyl’s Rifle Shot and the smoother pull of Dexta Daps on Dream. The juggling feels designed for the dancefloor but still leaves room for personality, with Fireson’s Run Tha World and Benso’s Gentleman giving the set a bit of contrast against the more militant titles. Arkangel was already busy around that period with other homegrown riddims, so this one feels like part of a productive stretch rather than a one-off, and the whole thing closes out with a neat little mix of roots leanings and straight dancehall pressure.