Quick Riddim (2002) – M.U.S.S.E.L.

By 2002, M. U. S. S. E. L. ’s Quick Riddim sat right in that era of sturdy dancehall juggling, drawing a deep bench that includes Alozade, Anthony B, Frisco Kid, Lexxus, Mr. Vegas and a pair of Sizzla cuts. The set has that clipped, forward-driving feel the early-2000s circuit leaned on: skittering drum programming, a nagging bassline, and just enough empty space for each singer to punch through the groove. Anthony B’s “Walk And Turn” and Mr. Vegas’ “Come In Ya” fit especially neatly into the arrangement, while Sizzla’s “Everywhere” and the Keri-assisted “Oops” push the energy a little harder. It’s a compact riddim with a quickstep pulse and a dry, percussive finish, the sort of production that keeps the vocal interplay front and centre while the bass does the heavy lifting underneath.