Zombie Riddim (2017) – Uim Records

Zombie Riddim came out in 2017 on UIM Records, with Anju Blaxx steering the production under the label’s long-running dancehall banner. The riddim sits in that harder Kingston lane UIM has leaned into for years, with a catalogue that already includes street-ready projects for artists like Tommy Lee Sparta, Jah Vinci, Govana and Blak Diamon. This one keeps the energy dark and menacing, with a skeletal, pulse-heavy groove that feels built for late-night sound system juggling rather than radio polish.

The cuts on it are all about attitude and survival language. Ding Dong turns “Man A Zombie” into a dancehall chant with his usual entertainer’s bounce, while Govana’s “Blak Rain” brings a sharper, more lyrical edge from one of Kingston’s most respected wordsmiths. Jah Vinci’s “Amazing Grace” adds melody and a more spiritual tone, which gives the riddim a little contrast against the rawer entries. Tommy Lee Sparta’s “Greasy” and Shane O’s “9 Night” sit comfortably in the darker corner of the project, both using the riddim’s heavy footing to push rugged street imagery. Blak Diamon’s “Suicide” and Urbann’s “Pon A Di Rifle” keep the pressure on, while Iyara’s “Real Killa” locks the whole thing into wartime mode.

What makes Zombie Riddim work is that it never softens the mood. It thrives on menace, with each voicing circling death, danger and the posturing that comes with dancehall badness. That’s the kind of riddim that leaves a mark in the dance.