Unlocked Riddim – Joel Engineer

Joel Engineer’s Unlocked Riddim lands as a sharp new dancehall juggling from a young producer who has quickly moved from family-linked debutant to a name with real pull. Released in 2026 under Joel Engineer / Unrul Ent, it pairs heavyweight voices with newer street-facing talent and keeps the energy rooted in modern dancehall’s harder, bass-led sound.

The title track, “Unlocked, ” with Popcaan, sets the tone with a lean, airy bounce and a dark, percussive edge that leaves room for melody without softening the attack. Vybz Kartel’s “The Night Just Begin” pushes that same rhythm into late-night party territory, with his trademark talk-sing delivery giving the riddim a more commanding, sly tone. Popcaan returns with Likkle Vybz on “Clean, ” a notable link-up that folds generational crossover into the project without forcing it; it feels like a natural studio collision rather than a gimmick.

Rajahwild’s “Beholder” and Natebadz’s “Draco” keep the juggling anchored in the current dancehall wave, where sharp phrasing, street detail, and quick-fire cadence matter as much as melody. Najeeriii’s “21 Bynes” adds another youthful voice to the set, widening the riddim’s range and giving it the kind of roll-out that suits a project meant for juggling, not just passive listening.

What makes Unlocked Riddim work is the balance: marquee names give it reach, but the newer cuts keep it grounded in the present tense of dancehall.