Soon Forward Riddim – Fire Ball Productions

Fire Ball Productions taps into a name with history here, using the Soon Forward pattern as the backbone for a 2004 roots set that feels more like a songwriters’ session than a throwaway juggling. The line-up leans heavy on conscious voices and veteran weight: Anthony B comes in with “Every Woman, ” Cocoa Tea keeps things elegant on “No Love, ” and Luciano’s “Walk The Straight Line” sits right where you’d want it, all earnest pressure and straight-ahead delivery. Gregory Isaacs linking with Sugar Roy on “Forwad” gives the riddim a nice old-school edge, while Louie Culture and Sizzla push the tougher side of the cut with “Gun Gun” and “Girl Your Mine. ” There’s a little extra shape too, with Sanchez sounding sharp on “Feel Like A Winner” and Natural Black joining M Softley on “Water Pumpie, ” but Luciano’s chant about staying straight leaves the deepest mark.