Rat Race Riddim – Xterminator, Tuff Gong

1975’s Rat Race Riddim links Xterminator and Tuff Gong through Phillip Burrell, with Bob Marley and The Wailers’ original Rat Race at its core and Sizzla’s Kings Of The Earth bringing a later roots update to the same foundation. Burrell, who built Xterminator into one of reggae’s most respected production houses, gives the riddim a direct lineage from classic Marley-era songwriting into the modern conscious dancehall era. The release is a short two-track set, which makes the contrast between Marley’s seminal cut and Sizzla’s interpretation the main draw.