Zodiac Riddim (2014) – Flava Mcgregor Records

Kemar “Flava” McGregor keeps pushing his polished, radio-minded reggae style through Flava McGregor Records, and Zodiac Riddim fits neatly into that lane. McGregor, a Jamaican-American producer better known for clean, melodic work that has crossed roots, lovers rock and pop-reggae, has long been associated with glossy arrangements and chart-friendly songwriting. This 2014 set sits among his early-to-mid-2010s riddim work, with a title that plays on the sign-and-symbol theme and a sound that stays warm, smooth and easy on the ears.

The riddim moves with a laid-back one-drop sway and a soft digital sheen, leaving room for the vocals to carry the emotion. Etana’s “Little Thing Called Love” brings the most memorable lift, with her rich, centered tone giving the cut a tender, soulful pull. She came up out of August Town, Kingston, and by this point was already known for roots-minded songs with a strong female perspective and a voice that can turn a simple hook into something bigger. Gappy Ranks’ “Star Sign” gives the project a more playful edge, with the UK singer’s husky delivery and dancehall phrasing bringing contrast to Etana’s smoother approach. Born in Harlesden, London, Gappy has always moved between roots sentiment and streetwise singjay style, and that balance works well here.

The instrumental cut by Kemar McGregor and Duble Barrel lets the melody breathe and shows how much of the appeal lies in the arrangement itself: restrained drums, bright keyboard lines and a mellow pulse that keeps the whole thing floating.