Riddims Watch: Jouvert Riddim

The compilation album Jouvert Riddim that came out in February was something I never saw coming. I never expected there to be a riddim where a soca beat would be outfitted with elements of dancehall , but the Jouvert Riddim is just that! Not only is the beat catchy and fast and the lyrics are raw, but the riddim is packed with dancehall heavyweights such as Tony Matterhorn, Demarco, Lisa Hype, Konshens, and Bugle. With a line-up like that, you are guaranteed a good time!

My favorite tracks on the album are “Bubble Up” by Bugle, “Soca Whine” by Lisa Hype, and “Gal Yuh Perfect” by Tommy Lee. “Bubble Up” is a perfect party track for the fellas since he is talking about how he feels as he dances with a woman at a party – and what man doesn’t like to have a lovely lady bust a whine on them at a dancehall party? “Soca Whine” is definitely a track for the ladies! Lisa Hype is clearly feeling the beat and singing about how she loves to whine and hopes whoever dances with her can handle it. Finally, Tommy Lee tones down the party tone of the riddim by singing a ballad of sorts over the beat about how perfect a girl is for him and how he just watches her in awe.

This riddim, though released in February, is perfect for the summertime. It is perfect for a party, driving in your car, lounging with friends, or for making those long hours at work more bearable (though I should warn you: it may distract you because you’ll feel an overwhelming need to dance). The Jouvert Riddim is a combination of the carribbean’s two biggest music genres – soca and reggae/dancehall – with a star studded line-up; it is definitely worth listening to. The Jouvert Riddim is available on iTunes.

By DJ Donnie D