Musik Riddim – Rootdown Productions

Coming in a little rougher and more European than your average mid-2000s reggae one-riddim set, Musik Riddim gathers a mixed lineup of roots voices and German-language cuts around Rootdown Productions’ 2005 session. Elijah Prophet’s “Small World” and Turbulence’s “No Matter What They Say” give it that conscious edge, while Lloyd Brown’s “Under Estimation” and Skarra Mucci’s “Stop The War” keep the energy moving with sharper, more direct delivery. Nosliw’s title tune is the one that ties the whole thing together, which makes sense since Rootdown was deep in the German reggae scene at the time and had a real ear for crossover artists. Nine tracks, one version, and a lineup that moves from Jamaica to Europe without losing the riddim’s loose, upbeat pulse.