Tonic Riddim (2019) – Scuare Wan Records

R Embassida sets the tone on Tonic Riddim with “Dem See Me Style, ” and that’s the cut that gives the whole 2019 Scuare Wan Records project its attitude. The set stays lean at five tracks, with Big Wayne’s “Dem Always A Pree” keeping the energy on the grittier side, Kello Cole coming through on “Rescue Me, ” and Tymelyne closing with the more reflective “Poor People Life. ” It’s a compact dancehall package rather than a sprawling showcase, which lets the personalities come through fast and without much filler. The duplicate listing of “Dem See Me Style” on the tracklist suggests this was pushed as the anchor tune, and R Embassida makes that easy to understand, landing the release’s sharpest impression right where it needs to be.