Rudeboy Riddim (2015) – Reggae Livication

Luciano is the name that hangs over Rudeboy Riddim, and for good reason: his dubplate of “Are You Ready” gives Reggae Livication’s 2015 roots set its sharpest hook. The six-cut package moves through voices from Carmel Zoum, Clay, Cless Shine and Da Fuchaman, with “Dem Should Know” and “Are You Ready” both marked as dubplates, which gives the project a slightly more exclusive feel than a standard one-riddim run. Reggae Livication, based out of Besançon in France, have a habit of working remixes and homegrown riddims into their catalogue, and here they keep the groove warm, earthy and uncluttered, letting the singers carry the message. Clay’s “Apple Of My Eyes” and Da Fuchaman’s “Reap What You Sow” sit nicely in that conscious lane, but Luciano’s cut is the one that gives the riddim its final lift.