Sakura Riddim – Zarek Productions

A crisp, Japanese-tinged dancehall cut drives Sakura Riddim, with a bright, skanking pulse under the usual heavyweight bass and enough room for the vocals to cut clean through. Zarek Productions keep the package tight at six songs, sequencing Da’ville’s “Need It, ” Lukie D’s “Come Over, ” Mad Cobra’s “Little Boy, ” Minimi’s “Are U Ready, ” Sizzla’s “Blessing, ” and Vybz Kartel’s “War” in straight riddim style rather than padding it out with dubs or instrumental fillers. Kartel and Sizzla give it the sharpest edge, while Da’ville and Lukie D lean into the sweeter side of the pattern. The release is dated 2004 and credits Zarek Productions on the boards.