The Handle Riddim – Free Willy

In 2005, Free Willy lined up a deep reggae session around The Handle Riddim, pulling together voices that bridge old-school roots and mid-2000s dancehall in a way that feels very Kingston and very of that moment. Beenie Man’s “Every Man Fi Have Wife” with U-Roy sets the tone nicely, while Buju Banton, Capleton, and Gregory Isaacs each cut their own angle into the rhythm, with Frankie Paul’s “Blinded” bringing a sharper, more veteran edge. The riddim itself sits in that sturdy one-drop lane, roomy enough for melody but with enough weight for the singers to lean into the groove. Chrisinti’s “Get Us Out” and Gyptian’s “You Never Know” help round out the set, and the extra version cuts tucked in at the end give it a proper dubplate-era feel, almost like a little bonus after the main run.

The Handle Riddim Tracklist:

1. Beenie Man And U – Roy – Every Man Fi Have Wife
2. Beetle Bailey – Lies
3. Buju Banton – Baby You Know
4. Capleton – Blaze Dem Out
5. Christini – Get Us Out
6. Frankie Paul – Blinded
7. Gregory Isaacs – Gone A Jail
8. Gyptian – You Never Know
9. Josie Wales – I Need Someone
10. Josie Wales – Knowing Each Other
11. Kananga – Like Your Style
12. Leroy Smart – Wanna Love You
13. Ninja Man – Last Night
14. Norris Man – Rastafar I Vibes
15. Sizzla – Knowing Each Other
16. Terro Fabulous – Piema Ballarina
17. The Handle Riddim – Version
18. Version – The Handle Riddim
19. Zahair – 4 Things
20. Zahair – Cycle Of Love