Msquared Riddim – Zj Liquid

ZJ Liquid’s Msquared Riddim landed in 2016 as one of those dancehall projects that tried to stretch the idea of a riddim without losing the street-level energy that makes the format work. Michael Brissett, better known as ZJ Liquid, came up through Jamaican radio and sound system culture before moving into production, and that background shows in the way he shapes a club-ready record. The H2O label sits behind the release, and Msquared was framed as a deliberate step beyond straight juggling, with a mix of Afrobeat movement, EDM pressure, trap edge, soca bounce, and hard dancehall roots.

The lineup is broad but the names that matter most tell the story. Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Konshens, Demarco, Gyptian, Mr Vegas, Stylo G, Kabaka Pyramid, I-Octane, and Delly Ranx give the riddim veteran weight, while Samantha J, Safaree, and Vershon widen the lane. “Wine You Want” with Samantha J and Agent Sasco, “Action” from Konshens, “High” from Sean Paul, and “Forever” from Vybz Kartel each hit the beat from a different angle. “Fresh 2 Death” with Beenie Man and Vershon brings a more playful, party-minded chemistry, while “Without You” and “Straight Vibes” help underline the project’s smoother edges.

The sound is glossy but muscular: skittering electronics, heavy low end, and a pace that sits between bashment and crossover club music. It feels built for speakers that can handle both carnival flash and dancehall bite, and that balance is what keeps Msquared from sounding like a novelty.