Pretty Gold Riddim – True Loyal Records

True Loyal Records had already settled into the 2013 juggling circuit by the time Pretty Gold Riddim landed, and this one keeps the focus tight with eight cuts from seven artists plus the instrumental. The rhythm has that mid-tempo, sharp-edged dancehall feel that leaves room for the vocals to do the talking, with Macka Diamond’s “Better Wine Tell” and Gangoolie’s “Straight” giving it the kind of playful, streetwise energy that carries a small one-riddim set. Dee Queen’s “Alright” and Piralta’s “Wine You Body” sit neatly in the middle of the pack, keeping the vibe taut rather than crowded. True Loyal closes with the Pretty Gold Instrumental, which leaves the riddim’s lean groove exposed and ties the whole release together cleanly.