Warrior Change Riddim – Cousins Records

Michael Rose is the name that jumps out first on Warrior Change Riddim, and his “Trample The Dragon” cut feels like the kind of stern, militant roots chant that gives the whole 2010 Cousins Records set its backbone. Around him, Everton Blender’s “Babylon Get A Blow” and Luciano’s “God Is Greater Than Man” keep the message sharp, while Frankie Paul’s “Concrete Jungle” and Leroy Mafia’s “You Fool” add a tougher streetwise edge. Cousins keeps the riddim moving with a clean, heavy pulse rather than anything flashy, letting the voices do the talking, and the little surprise is Rod Taylor sneaking back in on “Come To Me” to close the circle. Nine tracks in all, and it still feels focused.