Tri State Riddim (2012) – Track Starr

Track Starr’s Tri State Riddim lands with that New York-to-Jamaica energy the title hints at, and the 2012 set keeps its focus on straight dancehall with a tight mix of party talk, swagger tunes, and streetwise one-liners. Noah Powa’s “Stress Free, ” Xyclone’s “Tun Up Inna Di Club, ” and Shan I’s “Tek Set” all sit comfortably in the pocket, while Alandon returns twice with “Chlorine Clean” in radio and raw versions, giving the project a little extra bite. The lineup is broad without feeling scattershot, moving from D Mentted’s style-heavy “I’m So Fresh” to Channa D’s “Informer” and Rally Bop’s “Cut Dem Off, ” but the track that lingers is Omeil (Firstlady)’s “Stay Far, ” which brings a sharper edge to the riddim’s club-ready swing.