Think Twice Riddim – Warrior Musick Production

Warrior Musick Production lined up Think Twice Riddim in 2011 with a rootsy, conscience-driven sound that sits closer to message reggae than crossover polish. The foundation is patient and reflective, with the instrumental leaving enough room for the singers to stretch out their ideas rather than chase hooks. The title cut by Duane Stephenson sits at the center of the set, and the song’s cover-story feel gives the riddim its name and its direction.

The cast is strong from the jump. Luciano’s I Can You Can and Lutan Fyah’s Rastafari Leads The Way give the project some of its heaviest spiritual lift, while Fantan Mojah’s Rasta Got Soul adds a proud, history-minded edge. Anthony B comes harder on To Much Guns In Town, turning the rhythm into commentary on violence, and Turbulence brings his soulful urgency to Stay Away. Zamunda’s Forever Loving Jah adds a newer voice to the mix, and Lymie Murray’s Your Right (Situation Room) keeps the social message pointed. Devano’s In This Jungle and Sir Ford’s Ohh Lord fill out the set with the same conscious spirit.

This is the kind of juggling that works because the voices are distinct and the topic stays coherent. Warrior Musick Production gave the 2011 release a steady, meditative frame, and the riddim has since been revisited in acoustic form, which says plenty about how durable the original melodies were.