Uptempo Riddim – Malakhii Records

Uptempo Riddim moves like its name suggests: quick-footed, bright, and geared for the dance. Malakhii Records kept the package tight in 2021, lining up eight cuts across six artists, with Rozarro and DJ Stunna’s “Pon Di Grung” opening things in both clean and raw versions and Winna Maxx’s “Touch Screen” giving the riddim one of its sharper hooks. RIPPAMATIC’s “Go On” rides the same momentum well, while Leno Banton’s “Sophisticated Chop” and Peter Man’s “High Grade” add a little more personality to the set. The whole thing runs short and punchy, closer to a dancehall selector’s tool than a long-form compilation, and that compact feel suits the release date too — early July 2021, right in the middle of a run of hard-working summer riddims.