Tempo Riddim (2007) – Mca Records

Here’s one of those curious little 2007 dancehall packages that feels more like a compact mood than a sprawling juggling set. Tempo Riddim comes from MCA Records, and it only carries two cuts: 50 Cent’s “Many Man” and Mary J. Blige and Ja Rule’s “Rainy Days. ” That narrow lineup gives the whole thing a clipped, almost mixtape-like feel, with the emphasis on sequencing rather than volume. The title is a bit of a tease too, because the set doesn’t chase a big, open-ended riddim parade; it goes straight for two heavyweight, street-level tunes and leaves it there. You can hear the intent in that order, too: one harder edge up front, then a more reflective finish, like the producer wanted the side to play in two distinct moods.