Honorable Mentions
Jambe-An Riddim (Kurt Riley/Techniques Records)
Originally released in 2014, the Jambe-An Riddim produced by the veteran Kurt Riley saw it’s full shine in 2016 as one of the most recognized riddims throughout dancehall, soca, reggaeton and afrobeats cultures alike. Its instantly recognizable melody has become synonymous with a good party, earning Charly Blacks global recognition and mainstream success with his single Party Animal.” Other huge forwards came from Mavado with Goodbye to My Haters,” Khago with Hey Yah Hey Yah Hey,” Pternsky’s Non Stop” and even a big soca x afrobeats linkup with Timaya and Machel. It’s always refreshing to see dancehall and soca stars on the same riddim, and have it all make sense.
Fire Starta Riddim (Yellow Moon Records)
Another release from 2015 that didn’t reach its full potential until this year was Yellow Moon’s Fire Starta. This is hardcore dancehall juggling at its best with a scorching single from Masicka who bodies raw lyrics on “Hard Ball” – to one of the biggest dancehall forwards of the year thanks to Alkaline’s “Champion Boy.” I rated Beenie on it too with “Suh Mi Grow.” Just bere badness all around.