Way Back Riddim – Akom Records

Akom Records’ Way Back Riddim arrived in 2014 with Dub Akom steering the production, and it sits comfortably in the label’s run of roots-conscious reggae projects from France. The set goes for an 80s rub-a-dub feel, with warm bass pressure, crisp drums, and a live-band swing that recalls the era without sounding stuck in it.

Konshens opens with “Let Me Go, ” and his sharper dancehall phrasing gives the riddim an immediate edge. Pressure Busspipe follows with “Crazy Love, ” bringing a smoother, more soulful touch, while Turbulence and Jah Mason push the conscious side with “Step Without Fear” and “Dem A Fight. ” Johnny Osbourne is the heavyweight presence here: “Why” adds veteran authority and reminds you how naturally this kind of groove suits a voice that helped define earlier reggae and dancehall eras.

The combination cut “Revelation Time” from Million Stylez and Lutan Fyah is one of the clearest high points, pairing Swedish-Jamaican clarity with Fyah’s rugged roots delivery. Lukie D’s “Calling, ” Jah Torius’ “The System Evil, ” Jah Marnyah’s “Reach Out, ” Di Ras’ “Heathen, ” Lorenzo’s “Warrior, ” and Jahnett Tafari’s “Heathen Rage” fill out the juggling with enough variety to keep the riddim moving from militant commentary to straight uplift.

Way Back Riddim feels like a producer-led roots session with real replay value, and its strength is the way newer voices and legacy names meet on the same vintage frame.