Rasta No Pickpocket Riddim – Upsetter

Rasta No Pickpocket Riddim was produced by Lee Scratch Perry for Upsetter in 1973 and keeps things stripped back to a compact two-cut set, with Junior Byles delivering the vocal version and The Upsetters handling the instrumental side. The title track is the clear anchor here, and Byles comes through in strong form on a heavy roots tune that calls out false dread and bad behavior with a blunt, memorable hook. Perry’s hand is all over the sound, giving it that early-’70s Upsetter feel with a slow, weighty rhythm and a raw studio edge. It’s a short release, but one that captures the label’s experimental mood while staying grounded in deep reggae style.