Why Worry Riddim – Sound Proof

Sound Proof’s Why Worry Riddim sits in that early-2000s roots-reggae pocket where the songs lean hopeful and conscious rather than flashy, and the line-up matches that mood nicely. Junior Kelly’s “Time” sounds like the kind of tune that would anchor the whole thing, while the DYCR, Kadian Silk and Stubsy Ranks cut gives the title track a fuller, more vocal-group feel. Mark Wonder and Taffari’s “Songs Of Freedom” keeps the message front and centre, and Otis C’s “Big Man” adds a little more grit to the set. Produced by Milton Moore under the Sound Proof name, it landed in 2003 as part of a small but very focused run from the label, with “Brighter Tomorrow” by Prince Theo closing it out on the right note.