Shanty Town Riddim (2004) – Pow Pow Production

Pow Pow’s 2004 Shanty Town cut has that sturdy, rootsy swing that lets the vocals sit right up front, with Anthony B, Luciano, Sizzla and Tanya Stephens all working the groove from different angles. It’s a broad but focused singer’s riddim: conscious lines from Elijah Prophet and Jah Mason rub against the smoother push of Jack Radics and Gentleman, while the dubby pulse underneath keeps everything moving without getting flashy. The set also reaches past Jamaica with D-Flame and Tippa Irie in the mix, which gives it a slightly wider European-reggae feel without losing the centre. “Love and Devotion, ” “Dance With My Baby” and “Power Of A Girl” each bring a different shade to the same rhythm, and the closing version track, “Shanty Town, ” leaves the whole project on its bare instrumental shape.