Stardom Riddim (2013) – Cyanide Records

Cyanide Records’ Stardom Riddim sits in that busy 2013 wave of one-riddim reggae projects, and it keeps the focus on the groove rather than any big-name headline. The cut has a lean, mid-tempo swing with a steady drum pattern and a bassline that leaves plenty of room for the vocals to land cleanly, so tunes like Edmundo’s “Stardom, ” Texas Family’s “Tell Mi Why, ” and Kari Jess’ “Mek Wi Link Up” all come through with their own angle. Ime I’s “He’s My Guide” pushes the conscious side a little harder, while Isiah’s “Can’t Defeat Mi” leans into the tougher edge of the rhythm. Michael “Sticka” Swaby closes the set with the instrumental version, and that final pass lets the production breathe and shows how neatly the whole thing is put together.