True Life Riddim – J-Master Records

Mid-2000s roots energy runs through True Life Riddim, a 2008 J-Master Records cut that keeps the mood warm, reflective and unapologetically conscious. Anthony B’s “Mamas Love, ” Jah Mason’s “When My Life Was Lonely, ” and Luciano’s “Love Means” sit right in that soulful lane, while Lutan Fyah’s “King Emanuel” and I Octane’s “Unfortunate” push the message a little harder without breaking the spell. The cast is deep enough to keep the groove moving, with Natural Black, Sizzla, Tony Rebel and others giving the riddim plenty of different voices, but the real thread is the steady, uplifting pulse underneath it all. By the time it reaches the final version cut, the project has settled into that patient, chant-heavy feel that made late-2000s roots sessions like this one linger.

True Life Riddim Tracklist:

1. Anthony B. – Mamas Love
2. Better Tomorrow – Morning Dew
3. Dennis Ledthoure – I Stop
4. I Octane – Unfortunate
5. Jah Mason – When My Life Was Lonely
6. Luciano – Love Means
7. Lutan Fyah – King Emanuel
8. Mark Wonder – I And I
9. Martin X – Mi Lox
10. Ice Berg – Live A Life Of Love
11. Natural Black – Africa
12. Nature Sing – Good Music
13. Richie Stevens – You Save Me
14. Sawada Band – Zion
15. Sizzla – Rise Up
16. Tammi T – You Are Mine
17. Teacha Dee – Blaming Game
18. Tony Rebel Feat. Andy Vernon – Searching
19. True Life Riddim – Version