Pop Stye Riddim – Wizard Records

Wizard Records’ Pop Stye Riddim sits in that sweet spot of rare ragga dancehall where the groove does most of the talking: stripped-back, skanking, and built for voices that know how to ride a pocket. Anthony B gets two cuts here, and “Can’t Hold Me Again” is the sharper of the pair, all defiance and forward motion, while Mega Banton’s “Gal Ah Pop Style” leans into the rude-boy swagger the rhythm seems made for. Merciless’ “River Of Daughters” adds a rougher edge, and Skeletor’s “Dis Mi Askel” keeps the energy bouncing. The whole set totals nine tracks, with every cut coming from a different artist except Anthony B’s double dip, which gives the release a little extra weight. Issued on March 1, 2023, it feels like a neat reminder that Wizard’s catalogue still knows how to dig up a clean, lively dancehall pattern and let the veterans do their thing.