Stress Riddim (2003) – Cali Bud

By 2003, Cali Bud had already put a couple of reggae riddims into circulation, and Stress sits in that early catalogue as a 10-voiced one-riddim set with 11 cuts, including the version. The selection leans into the conscious side of the era: Abijah’s “Nah Give Up Today, ” Warrior King’s “Keep The Faith, ” and Richie Spice’s “Black Like Tar” sit alongside Capleton’s double appearance, with “Never Let Them Get You Down” and “A Good Woman Never Stray” giving the project a tougher edge. Sheldon Stewart’s Cali Bud label, based in Jamaica, is the name tied to the production, and the riddim itself carries that sturdy early-2000s roots-dancehall feel, all clipped drums, warm bass, and enough space for the singers to ride the pocket cleanly. The tracklist closes with “Version – Stress Riddim, ” keeping the full set to 11 tracks.