Tell I Who Riddim – High Fence Records

Six voices ride High Fence’s 2004 take on the old Ba Ba Boom groove, and the pairing of Luciano and Mikey General gives the set its strongest roots-reggae anchor. The rhythm has that familiar mid-tempo swing and warm, skanking pull, but High Fence keeps it lively enough for the lighter touches from Africano and Renegade, John Mouse, and Sophia Squire to sit comfortably in the mix. Luciano’s “Tell I Who” is the clear centerpiece, while Mikey General’s “For The Childrens Sake” adds the kind of conscious writing that suits the riddim’s steady, uplifting feel. Euton’s “It’s Not Alright” pushes the message into firmer territory, and the closing Sophia Squire cut leaves the project on a softer, more melodic note.