Rockin Time Riddim – Stingray Records

Stingray Records has long been one of those Jamaican outfits that keeps its foot in both reggae and dancehall, with Carl McLeod and Ray McLeod’s name tied to a deep catalogue of rhythm releases over the years. Rockin Time Riddim sits neatly in that lane, arriving in 2022 as a rootsy one-drop set with a clean, skanking pulse and a warm, brass-tinged feel that leaves plenty of room for melody and message.

George Nooks opens the strongest spiritual lane on Fret Not Thyself, turning in the kind of steady, devotional performance that has made him a dependable voice in conscious reggae. Delly Ranx’s Legalize The Herb brings a more dancehall-leaning edge, with his relaxed delivery and herb-centered lyrics giving the riddim a lighter, cheekier swing. Busy Signal’s The Mood is the most immediate crossover cut, riding the groove with his familiar mix of melody and streetwise timing. Chukki Starr’s Survive Everyday stays in roots territory, carrying a lived-in, tougher tone that suits his UK-to-Jamaica reggae path. Makeda Moore’s Siren adds a softer, more soulful finish, giving the set a female voice and a different emotional color.

What makes the release work is the balance: veteran roots singers, a dancehall veteran, and a newer-sounding voice all cut from the same cloth. The result is a compact but varied juggling set that feels aimed at selectors as much as casual listeners.