St Andrew Riddim – Chimney Records

Chimney Records framed St Andrew Riddim as a conscious reggae set with a clean, modern touch. The imprint, led by Jordan McClure and David Hayle, had already built a reputation for polished production and sharp riddim work, and this release followed that lane while aiming squarely at roots-minded radio and sound system play. The project dropped in 2019 and arrived as part of a Kingston and St Andrew tribute concept, with the St Andrew side presented as the more vocal, major-key reggae counterpart.

The riddim runs at a steady 89 BPM and keeps a warm, mid-tempo pulse that gives the singers room to stretch out. The instrumental has a bright, easy sway rather than a heavy bashment push, with the sort of clean bassline and guitar movement that lets the melodies breathe. That space suits Alaine’s “You Give Me Hope, ” which brings a smooth, uplifting tone, and Morgan Heritage’s “We Don’t Want Dem, ” where the group’s harmonies give the track real weight. Pressure Busspipe’s “Work” adds a tougher edge, while Romain Virgo’s “Melanin” and Tarrus Riley’s “Jamaican Proverbs” sit naturally in the riddim’s reflective pocket.

Queen Ifrica’s “To See” and Tony Rebel’s “Man A Big Man” deepen the set’s roots authority. Ifrica brings her direct, commanding voice, while Tony Rebel’s veteran singjay style gives the project a classic reggae finish. It is a well-judged juggling riddim that feels built for singers who know how to work a melody without crowding the groove.