Rebirth Riddim – Renaissance Records

Renaissance Records came out swinging with Rebirth, the 2003 dancehall set that marked the label’s first big step after building its own studio and cutting the riddim in-house. The cut carries that early-2000s Kingston snap: lean, hard-edged, and made for voices that can ride a taut groove without crowding it. Assassin’s “Dem Bad Mind, ” Bounty Killer’s “Gal Fi Get Score, ” and Sean Paul’s “Close To Me” give the rhythm plenty of range, while Elephant Man and Kiprich turn “The Pain” into one of the sharper combinations on the juggling. Delano Thomas is the name behind the production, and the guest list shows the kind of pull Renaissance had right from the start, linking streetwise chat with a few smoother turns from Brian and Tony Gold and Lukie D. It’s an early calling card that set the tone for the label’s catalogue before later moves like Thunderclap.

Rebirth Riddim Tracklist:

1. Assassin – Dem Bad Mind
2. Bling Dawg – Have We Own
3. Bounty Killer – Gal Fi Get Score
4. Brian & Tony Gold – Have Fun Today
5. Cecile – Cant Test
6. Elephant Man & Kiprich – The Pain
7. Gregg Hinds & Briggy Benz – Shake Up
8. Kid Kurrupt – Shani
9. Looga Man – Mi Get
10. Lukie D – Mighty Fine
11. Rebirth – Version
12. Sean Paul – Close To Me
13. Sizzla – Dont Fight
14. Spragga Benz – Look Good
15. Tanya Stephens – Just Work It
16. Tok – Nuff Ruff Like We
17. Vybz Kartel – Buss It Off
18. Ward 21 – Run Di Business
19. Wayne Marshal – Hot In Da Club
20. Wayne Wonder – Baby I Need You