Tuff Riddim (2003)

“Tuft” isn’t the point here; this 2003 set is all about the weight of the lineup and the clean pull of the rhythm underneath it, with Anthony B, Capleton, Frisco Kid, George Nooks and Junior Kelly all taking their turn over a hard, clipped dancehall groove. The cuts lean militant and socially charged more than flashy, and Capleton’s “Wha Dat Dem A Plan Out” and Anthony B’s “Wake Up Shake Up” give the riddim its sharpest edge, while George Nooks brings a calmer, more pleading note on “Have Some Mercy. ” The set also jumps unexpectedly into crossover territory with Jarvis Church and Esthero’s “Run For Your Life” and even Nelly Furtado’s “Turn Off the Light, ” which tells you this was aimed beyond the usual yard audience. It closes out with Yogie’s “Love Gonna Lead The Way, ” a softer finish after the tougher vocal turns.