Pq Riddim – Various Artists

By 2011, dancehall riddims were still leaning hard into sharp digital drums and singer-to-deejay combinations, and PQ lands in that moment with a compact three-track set that keeps the focus on the songs rather than the cast list. Chase Cross’ “Mama Proud Of Me” sets the tone with a determined, uplift-minded pull, while T’Nez brings a more emotional family angle on “Mi Madda Nah Cry, ” and the clear centerpiece is Tarrus Riley and Assassin’s “Why You Do Me So, ” a pairing that gives the riddim its biggest melodic and lyrical contrast. The production credit is listed simply as Various Artists, which leaves the music to do the talking, and the tracklist is tight enough that every cut feels intentional. The release runs three songs deep, with four unique artists across those collaborations.