Rasta Soul Riddim – Upsetta Records | Loud City

Upsetta Records and Loud City Music opened their 2019 run with Rasta Soul Riddim, a roots-minded project cut on a soulful guitar progression and a funde-style drum pattern that gives the whole set a steady, uplifted pulse. It sits comfortably in the label’s lane: the pair had already worked together on earlier reggae projects, and this one pushed a deeper, more conscious sound rather than chasing crossover polish.

The voice lineup mixes veterans and younger names in a way that keeps the riddim moving without losing its message. Bushman brings the kind of seasoned, rootsy authority that has defined his career for decades, and Brighter Day feels tailor-made for his rich tone. Raging Fyah, then fronted by Journey, use Thank You Jah as a grateful, harmony-heavy anthem. Samory I’s Survive hits with the same emotive edge that made him one of the standout new-generation conscious singers of the last few years, while Tanya Stephens adds her usual sharpness and warmth on Live Good. Naomi Cowan’s Gold and Fyakin’s Leave It to Jah Jah help widen the mood, and cuts from D’Franco, Orion Tukal, Blvk H3ro and Izrehl keep the project from settling into one lane.

What makes the riddim work is the balance between roots discipline and melodic sheen. The guitar work is smooth rather than busy, the percussion stays organic, and the vocalists are given enough space to let the message breathe. It is the kind of release that favors feeling over flash, with a few strong leads carrying the whole frame.