Sledge Riddim – Various Artists

A small 2008 roots set, really, with just five cuts and that familiar late-2000s one-riddim feel: Tammy And Klyve open with “Plant Di Seed, ” Lutan Fyah linking with Morgan Heritage on “Set Di Trend, ” and Ras Penco’s “Sledge Hammer” bringing the hardest edge in the bunch. Kello’s “Hungry Belly” keeps the social commentary front and center, while the version tacked on at the end lets the rhythm breathe on its own. The tracklist is short, but it hangs together as a tidy showcase for a mid-tempo reggae groove, with a steady bass line, clipped drum pattern, and enough space in the arrangement for the vocals to sit cleanly on top.