Opium Riddim (2015) – Payday Music

Opium Riddim landed in 2015 from Payday Music, and it feels like a mid-2010s dancehall juggling that knows exactly which voices to place on a heavy, antagonistic groove. The release was issued as an official Payday Music project in April 2015, with the digital version carrying 21 tracks and the label credit set to PayDay Music. The core lineup includes Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Charly Black and Dexta Daps, Iyara, Masicka, Jahazeil, and Chuxstar, with an instrumental version folded in as part of the package.

The riddim itself rides on a dark, clipped pulse that leaves room for the deejays to work their attacks. It has that street-facing dancehall feel where the drums do most of the talking and the bass line stays lean rather than glossy. Beenie Man’s “Badmind” taps straight into envy and status tension, which suits the riddim’s hard edge. Bounty Killer’s “Dah Sumn Deh” brings the same combative energy in a more veteran, commanding style. The Charly Black and Dexta Daps combination on “Squeeze It” adds a smoother, more melodic balance without softening the cut. Iyara’s “I Can Swear” and Masicka’s “Star Wi Tun Star” keep the focus on assertion and self-belief, while Jahazeil and Chuxstar round out the juggling with younger voices that help the rhythm feel current for its time.

Payday Music had already been moving in the riddim lane before this release, and Opium sits comfortably in that catalogue as one of its more recognizable dancehall sets.