Velocity Riddim (2013) – Mightyful Records

Mightyful Records’ Velocity Riddim sits a little more in roots-and-conscious reggae territory than the label’s harder-edged dancehall work, with a warm midtempo groove that leaves space for lyrics to breathe. Andrew Bees’ “Cool Operator” is the track that keeps coming up around this set, and it’s easy to hear why: his vocal sits right on top of the cut’s steady pulse, while Little Hero, King Mellowman and Tabeta Cshea each lean into the riddim from different angles, from social commentary to uplift. There’s a neat little dub version in the middle of the sequence too, “Velocity Dub” by Operator 2013, which gives the project a broader, more complete feel without breaking the flow. Released in 2013, the riddim runs eight tracks deep, with Zanadu closing things out on “Reaching Out For Your Love. ”