Og Kush Riddim – Northstar Productions

Northstar Productions’ Og Kush Riddim sits in that early-2010s reggae space where the music leans tough but still leaves room for melody, and the lineup gives it a nice spread of voices. Ishi Dube and Demarco come in hard on “Gangsta, ” then the dub mix pushes it further out, while Jah Sun and J Boog bring a smoother, more reflective edge on “No Time To Play. ” Jah Dan Blakkamore’s “Altitude” and Soulmedic’s “The Bizness” keep the energy moving with conscious lyrics over a taut, mobile groove, and the set closes on Northstar’s version to let the rhythm breathe on its own. Released in 2011, the riddim later surfaced in 2013 digital form with 11 tracks, which gives it that slightly delayed-afterlife feel a lot of sharp small-label projects end up having.