Power Surge Riddim (2003) – Jammys Records

Power Surge Riddim lands a little rougher and busier than the cleaner roots or lovers rock sets Jammys has been known for, leaning hard into a dancehall-leaning reggae cut with that late-2003 Kingston edge. The line-up does plenty of the talking: Shabba Ranks turns up on “Government, ” while Anthony Cruz, Cecile, Lexxus, Galaxy P and Tanto Metro and Devonte keep the energy moving with tunes that feel made for a sound system first. Jammys was still leaning on that veteran studio swagger here, and the riddim’s mix of one-off chatters, rude-boy slices and the instrumental “Version” gives it a proper session feel. The sequencing matters too, with the heavier cuts stacked early and the closing Wayne Wonder and Texture tune easing things out after the main pull of the riddim.