Roots Tonic Riddim – Hi-Score Music

Back in 2004, when roots reggae was still leaning hard on spiritual lyrics and sound-system weight, Hi-Score Music cut a lean 10-track run that gets right to the heart of the style. Anthony B’s “Can’t Stop Me” sets the tone with that stubborn, militant uplift he was known for, while Luciano’s “Ancient Memories” brings the deeper, more reflective side of the riddim into focus. Junior Kelly’s “Rasta Should Be Deeper” was one of those tunes that kept the chant moving long after the original release, and Queen Ifrica’s “Wipe The Tears” adds a softer, pleading note to the set. With Jah Mason, Tony Rebel and Utan Green in the mix too, Roots Tonic feels like one of those early-2000s reggae juggling jobs that knew exactly who it was speaking to, and it lands as a tidy snapshot of that era’s conscious side.

Roots Tonic Riddim Tracklist:

1. Anthony B – Can’t Stop Me
2. Jah Guide – Military Man
3. Jah Mason – Mi Chalwa
4. Junior Kelly – Rasta Should Be Deeper
5. Luciano – Ancient Memories
6. Queen Ifrica – Wipe The Tears
7. Tony Rebel – Take Care Of Yourself
8. Utan Green – Heading To The Top
9. Version – Roots Tonic Riddim
10. Zahair – From The Realms