Village Rock Riddim – Stringray Records

A taut, rootsy pulse runs through Village Rock Riddim, with the kind of clean one-drop weight and easy forward motion that lets the songs breathe without losing their groove. Stingray Records kept the 2002 set lean at six cuts, and the cast tells you plenty: Bushman’s “Weed Fi Burn” brings the herb-conscious edge, Dennis Brown’s “Live It Up” adds that unmistakable elder authority, and Edi Fitzroy slips in with “Black Star Liner” before Mikey General turns “Be Wise” into the sort of conscience tune that sits right at home on this riddim. Easy B’s “One Draw” keeps the ganja theme moving, while the Stingray All Stars version closes the circle with a neat instrumental stamp. What lingers is Mikey General’s cut, sharp and steady, right in the pocket.