Star Time Riddim – Various Artists

By 2007, reggae juggling was still leaning on sharp, singjay-led cuts and quick-turnaround sounds, and Star Time Riddim fits neatly into that moment with seven straight vocal tunes from familiar dancehall names. Alozade’s “Flex Lover, ” Delly Ranx’s “Kitty Cat, ” and General Degree’s “Run Weh” keep the energy moving, while Frisco Kid, Hawkeye, Red Rat, and T. O. K each take a pass at the same riddim without anyone overstaying their welcome. The production is credited to Various Artists, which fits the kind of indie-style, no-frills approach these mid-2000s reggae projects often used, letting the songs do the talking over a lean, propulsive backdrop. The full set runs seven tracks: Alozade, Delly Ranx, Frisco Kid, General Degree, Hawkeye, Red Rat, and T. O. K.