Valleys Riddim (2008) – Drop Di Bass Records

Valleys Riddim from Drop Di Bass Records sits in that mid-2000s dancehall-reggae pocket where the drums do the talking and the bassline carries the weight, with a lean cast that includes Determine, Demarco, Anthony B, Hell Raiser and Viper. The strongest cuts keep the energy gritty and forward-driving, especially Determine’s “Walkout” and Demarco’s “Put A Foot Inna Mi Bed, ” which give the riddim a cheeky street-level edge without cluttering it up. Anthony B’s “Show Off” brings a more seasoned voice to the cut, but the real shape of the project comes through in the spacing between the vocals and the pressure of the rhythm itself. It closes with the “Version” track, which leaves the Valleys groove exposed and plain, just bass, drums and echo hanging in the air.