Oval Riddim – Various Artists

Oval Riddim lands in that 2008 stretch when reggae singles were still thriving on lean, singer-driven juggling rhythms, and this one keeps its focus tight with just six cuts and no wasted space. Antonio opens with “Friend Enemy, ” then returns with Supa Sass on the sequel “Friend Enemy Pt 2, ” giving the set a little extra narrative weight, while Jah Cornadem’s “Italiss” and Rass Neato’s “When Will We Learn” keep the mood rooted in conscious, forward-looking reggae. The title itself points to a Prison Oval connection in the wider Jamaican riddim tradition, which gives the release a subtle local echo even without a big-name production credit attached. Supa Sass gets one of the sharpest moments on “Just Because, ” but it’s Antonio’s pair of turns that leave the strongest imprint here, especially the way the two “Friend Enemy” sides frame the whole set.