Damian Marley's Ghetto Youths International releases full 16-track No Better Riddim
The compilation, produced by Jr. Gong, celebrates Jamaica's one-riddim tradition with voices from Romain Virgo and Alaine to Richie Spice and Queen Omega.
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Ghetto Youths International released the complete No Better Riddim on Friday 16 October, after a rollout of individual singles over several months.
The 16-track compilation was produced by Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and celebrates Jamaica's one-riddim, or "juggling", tradition, according to Brooklyn-based, Jamaican-born publicist Ronnie Tomlinson, chief executive of Destine Media.
In the juggling format, several artists bring their own lyrics, melodies and perspectives to the same musical track.
"The result is a collection that feels connected without sounding repetitive," Tomlinson said. She said the artists explore love, relationships, spirituality, consciousness, resilience and personal reflection.
Built piece by piece
The project began earlier this year with Jemere Morgan's "Know Better". Songs released ahead of the full compilation include Romain Virgo's "Lay My Head", Alaine's "Love Again", Pressure Busspipe's "So Amazing", Turbulence's "Twin Flames", Ghost's "Coming Again" and Jaz Elise's "Don't Spoil Love".
The full release adds previously unheard contributions from Sevana, Chino McGregor, Richie Spice, Medisun, Singing Melody, Da'ville, Zaila Jazz and Queen Omega, and closes with Marley's instrumental "No Better Riddim (Version)".
A meeting point between eras
"Rather than having an artist simply appear as a 'feature', each performer is given the same musical foundation and the freedom to build an entirely different song around it," Tomlinson said.
She said Marley's production blends roots reggae, lovers rock and contemporary influences while leaving room for each artist's character.
"From veteran voices and internationally recognised reggae artists to members of the genre's contemporary generation, No Better Riddim creates a meeting point between eras while remaining firmly rooted in Jamaican musical tradition," she said.
