Mudslide Riddim (2003) – Universal Dancehall / Golden Cartell

Universal Dancehall and Golden Cartell had a pretty sharp ear for the dancehall room here, lining up Mudslide Riddim in 2003 with a cast that moves from hard-charging to playful without losing the street edge. Assassin’s “Want To Be Free” and Bounty Killer’s “No Beg Friend” keep the tension taut, while Elephant Man and Cindy’s “Mani Mani Gal” adds a lighter, more animated bounce. Sizzla turns up twice on “Oh Yes Baby, ” and the raw cut has the extra bite you’d expect from that era’s soundclash-friendly approach. T. O. K. ’s “Seems As If” and Tanya Stephens’ “Hunt Fah” keep the vocals varied, but the version cut underneath everything gives the whole juggling its dusty, rolling weight. Vybz Cartel’s “Gi Mi Some” is the one that leaves the sharpest mark.