The Rastafari Riddim – Various Artists

Anchored by a steady, nyahbinghi-leaning roots groove, The Rastafari Riddim gathers a cross-section of voices that keep the message front and center without losing the dancehall edge. The set runs from Arc Angel’s “Little Jack Wanner” and Emperial’s “Hail Rastafari” through Khari Kill’s crisp “Top Rankin” and Prince Levi’s cleaner take on “Love Mi Sensi, ” with the instrumental tucked in as a quick reset before the second half opens up. What gives the compilation its shape is that push and pull between devotional chanting and more streetwise phrasing, so tracks like Richie Lyon’s “Calling My Phone” and Skankie’s “Let Jah Be Praise” land with extra contrast. The closing impression comes from Prince Of Juda’s “Children Of The Soil, ” which ties the whole thing back to roots consciousness.