Samba Riddim (2014) – Ancient Records

Samba Riddim comes in fast and rough, with Ancient Records lining up a compact 10-track cut that puts Aidonia’s “Coco Powda” right at the front and keeps the energy moving through Deablo’s “Suh Mi Do Mi Ting” and Jayds’ swaggering “Gyalis From Birth. ” It’s the kind of 2014 dancehall riddim that leans on sharp, stripped-down rhythm and quick-fire slack talk, with enough room for voices like Laden, Nicko Blast, Patience, and Shokryme to each take a swing at the same pulse. The presence of both radio and raw versions on a few selections gives it that proper street-to-airplay feel, while the instrumental version keeps the riddim itself in view. Released in August 2014 and credited to Ancient Records / 21st Hapilos Digital, it sits neatly in that period when clean, direct dancehall compilation work was still getting plenty of run.