2005 marked a very controversial year in the history of American politics. The White House officially announced to the world that its search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq was futile. This followed its invasion (for that reason) in 2002. Later on in the year Saddam Hussein’s trial began.
2005 was also the year of Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane devastated the United States. It illustrated just how powerhouse America was unprepared and incapable of dealing with the disaster. Katrina devastated New Orleans (the home of jazz music). Leaving the state in a real mess the region has failed to recover properly to date.
In Europe, Pope John II died marking the end of an era in the Roman Catholic Church and modern history.
Riddim-wise, 2005 marked the year of Drop Leaf Riddim. For reggae lovers this is one of the deepest riddims which tackles relationship and life issues. The catchy rhythm from Don Corleon dominated the airwaves getting much support from realists and romantics.
With a star studded cast the riddim is rated by many as one of the top riddims of the 21 century. The riddim features TOK, Jah Cure, Gentleman, Bounty Killer, Maxi Priest, Sizzla, Luciano, Tanya Stephens, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Morgan Heritage, Lya, Anthony B, Dynamiq and Jeffery Star.
The riddim boasts romantic ballads such as ‘Intoxication‘ from Gentleman, Anthony B’s ‘One Day‘, Jah Cure‘s ‘Longing For‘ and Bounty Killers ‘It’s Ok’. The rhythm also had uplifting tracks where each artist gave a powerful performance including Morgan Heritage with ‘Your Best Friend‘, Sizzla with ‘Be Strong‘, TOK with ‘Footprints’ and Sean Paul‘s ‘Never Gone Be The Same‘.
Already with 4 and a half stars (of 5) on my ranking it was a tough riddim to have a top pick. Just to conclude and having to pick one, Jah Cure stands out with Longing For. As I am a hopeless romantic I am very biased to Jah Cure at the beginning of his career. The reggae crooner delivered what is arguably his best ever track. It is a must listen for the ladies and romantics all over.
