Scorpion King Riddim – Vertex Productions

Warm and rootsy rather than hard-edged, Scorpion King Riddim carries that early-2000s Jamaican one-drop feel, with enough bass weight to let the voices sit deep in the groove. Vertex Productions lined up a tidy nine-track set in 2004, and the cast leans strong on conscious singers and seasoned names: Capleton’s “Spread Your Love, ” George Nooks’ “Stay At Home, ” Mikey General’s “In Jah We Trust, ” Natural Black’s “Who Is Going To Help, ” and Sizzla’s “Clean And Pure” all keep the message front and centre. There’s a nice contrast when Turbulence gets a little more streetwise on “Hype And The Glamour, ” while Morgan Heritage and Pam Hall bring a smoother, more melodic finish. The strongest pull here is Capleton, whose opening cut sets the tone with authority and leaves the riddim humming long after the last vocal fades.