Sign Riddim (2017) – Bull The Beat

Out of the Japanese reggae scene in 2017, Sign Riddim comes in as a compact four-track set from Bull The Beat, with Gabby, Kohki and Mad Koh all taking turns on a rootsy, message-first groove. The production keeps a warm, slightly digital pulse under the vocals, the kind of riddim that leaves room for each artist to lean into melody and phrasing rather than chase big studio tricks. Kohki’s “Super Star” and Mad Koh’s “Iroha-Uta” give the release its sharpest edges, while Gabby’s “Meguru” helps round out the set with a more reflective touch. With only four cuts, it feels tight and pointed, part of the wave of small-press reggae projects that were keeping local scene voices moving in the mid-2010s.