Pretty Butterfly Riddim (2016) – Real Squad Records

Real Squad Records kept Pretty Butterfly Riddim in a clean roots lane in early 2016, with a smooth one-drop feel that sits more on melody and uplift than hard-hitting dancehall pressure. The rhythm carries a warm, easy sway, and the arrangements leave enough space for the voices to breathe, which suits the conscious writing running through the project.

Wayne Wonder opens the set with “Giving Thanks and Praise, ” a natural fit for an artist whose name is tied to melody-heavy reggae and crossover success. Pressure follows with “Put Jah First, ” bringing the kind of polished, uplifting delivery he’s known for from St. Thomas, while Exco Levi’s “Mi Journey” adds a more reflective, roots-minded tone from one of Canada’s most respected contemporary reggae voices. Delly Ranx’s “Coalskill” gives the riddim a tougher edge without breaking its smooth frame.

The rest of the juggling keeps the theme steady. Malica Martin and Xean Don team up on “My Pretty Butterfly, ” while X-Ale’s “I Care About You, ” Jaqara’s “Mirror On The Wall, ” Jeffrey Mykals’ “Our Sweet Reggae Music, ” Fire Lion’s “Watch Over Me, ” and Roy G’s “Not Gonna Change” all stay close to messages of faith, self-checking, love, and resilience. That consistency is part of the charm here: no filler, no stray detours, just a roots compilation that feels intentional from voice to voice.

For 2016, Pretty Butterfly Riddim landed as one of those understated label sets that work because the production is tidy, the singers are well chosen, and the mood never slips.