Run Babylon Riddim – Cut Thyme Studio

Out of the 2010 roots-dancehall wave, Run Babylon Riddim comes across as a sharp, militant cut from Cut Thyme Studio, with that old-school “chant down Babylon” energy running through the whole set. The rhythm has a tough, driving swing rather than anything glossy, and the voices on top keep it firmly in a conscious lane: Junior King’s “Don’t Believe The Hype” and Malekie’s “Let It Be Known” lean into the warning tone, while Deciple, Jah Vello, and Zebulon push the spiritual side with cuts like “It Is He, ” “Nah Go So, ” and “Give Thanks. ” Revelation and Royal Dainties add more praise and resistance to the lineup, which gives the riddim a nice spread without losing its message. It’s the kind of one-riddim project that fits neatly into that period when reggae producers were still keeping dubwise, message-heavy music front and centre.