Nine Eleven Riddim – Lion Paw Production

The Nine Eleven riddim rides on a lean, militant roots groove, the kind that leaves plenty of space for the chant-style vocals and easy skanking bassline to do the talking. Michael Johnson, working under Lion Paw Production, cut it in 2004 and also had the riddim listed as Lion Paw, which fits the way this one moves through the set with a stripped-back, serious edge. The lineup leans heavily toward conscious singers and steppers: Bushman, Luciano, Junior Kelly, Richie Spice, Morgan Heritage, Natural Black, and Turbulence all circle the same warning-and-revival themes, while Anthony B’s “Jah Jah World” and Chezidek’s “Dont Wait Too Long” keep the spiritual pressure on. Luciano’s “Equal Rights” and Richie Spice’s “Its Gonna Be Terrible” feel like the sharpest turns here, but Junior Kelly’s “Do Good” lands with the kind of urgency that gives the whole project its center.