Puff ‘N Pass Riddim – Maffie

Maffie’s Puff ‘N Pass Riddim lands in the middle of his run of St. Vincent soca productions, and it keeps the focus tight with just five cuts: Jamesy P’s “Chronic Disorder, ” Maffie’s own “Yoga Instructor, ” Problem Child’s “Ah Say, ” and Tony Bailey’s “Party Nice” leading the way. The project sits squarely in that Carnival-ready 2016 pocket where the arrangement does most of the talking, with a brisk, percussive groove and a spare melody line that leaves plenty of room for the vocals to punch through. Jamesy P and Problem Child give it the sharpest character, while Maffie’s own contribution keeps the riddim connected to its source. It’s the kind of soca framework that relies on snap, space, and a bass line that stays taut underneath the chatter.