Ojos Rojos Riddim – Bernsobemal

Right in the middle of 2004 reggae’s Spanish-language corner, Bernsobemal’s Ojos Rojos Riddim circles a seven-song set that leans into smoky, roots-leaning groove rather than glossy dancehall flash, with Malijah’s “One More Spliff” and Frisco Kid aka Ancient Monarchy’s “Mi Nuh Luv Wa A Gwaan” giving it some of the sharper turns. Kafu Banton, Benjamin, and Roberto Sánchez keep the mood moving across straight-ahead lovers-to-conscious territory, while “Red Eye” from Mr. Lezar and El Hermano L pushes the title’s hazy, late-night theme even further. The producer credit has since been tied to Chulito Camacho and Rachid Baggasse with Kinky Music on the label side, and the set closes with Yuri’s “Ojos Rorjos, ” a neat final nod to the riddim’s red-eyed concept.