Straight Forward Riddim (2011) – Code Red Records

Straight Forward Riddim landed in 2011 under Code Red Records, and it moves like a no-nonsense dancehall juggling with a tough, clipped backbone that leaves plenty of room for personality. The riddim’s title fits the mood: direct, street-facing, and built for artists who can cut through without dressing it up.

The line-up is loaded with voices that know how to work a clash-ready rhythm. Beenie Man brings sharp-tongued swagger on “Cyaan Style Me, ” while Bounty Killer goes hard on “No Cream To Mi Face, ” issued in both clean and raw versions. Elephant Man is right in that same aggressive pocket with “Still A Bun Unu, ” also doubled in clean and raw form. That pair alone tells you this was aimed at selectors and sound systems that wanted options for different settings.

Junior Reid’s “A We Start This” gives the set a veteran’s authority, and Spice’s “No Gyal To Mi Ting” adds a sly, dancehall-feminine counterweight to all the tough talk. Charly Black’s “No Depend Pon People” and Kari Jess’s “Bwoy Say Dem Bad” keep the energy moving, while Patexx’s “Mouth A Move” and Bomboclaat’s “Andrew and Wada Blood” add more local color to the juggling.

Code Red Records, rooted in Linden, Guyana, has built a reputation for pushing Caribbean sounds with a regional eye, and this release sits neatly in that lane: hard-edged, party-ready, and full of personalities that know how to ride a riddim without wasting a bar.