Ramp Ruff Riddim – Various Artists

A taut, gritty dancehall step with a rough-edged pulse and a bit of street swagger runs through Ramp Ruff Riddim, and even in this slim two-track form it has a nice head-nod momentum. Helmoh’s “Money Wi Waa” leans into the tougher side of the cut, while Ricky Shepherd’s “Can I” rides it with a lighter, more pleading tone, so the contrast between the two voices gives the juggling a little extra life. The production feels like the kind of 2011 bashment work that was made for sound systems first, with the bass doing most of the talking and the space left open enough for each vocalist to punch through cleanly. There’s no wasted motion here, just a sharp little slice of dancehall energy, and a brief, catchy run that’s gone before it can overstay itself.