Dancehall Crazy

by Various Artists

The title comes from the fast-stepping, drum machine-dominated, hip-hop-inflected "riddim" track--further distinguished by rhythmic bursts of spooky organ chords--that runs throughout the set. A galaxy of second-tier reggae dancehall stars--with first-tier MCs Spragga Benz, Degree, and Frisco Kid the heavyweights here--climb aboard for a ride. In fact, there's nothing particularly Jamaican about the Dancehall Crazy riddim except these mic-rockers, especially with the international-minded legendary drummer-producer Sly Dunbar at the controls, and it doesn't take long for it to grow on the listener. By Frisco Kid's "Run Dun Things," the album has become a device of enchantment, relentlessly kickin' and sparse enough to give any talented MC room enough to craft a hit. Which is just what Spragga did with "Sick Bad" and Degree with "Pool Soul," both of which are running on reggae radio in Jamaica and elsewhere. Bad Greg Hines, Real T, and the triple-tongued Young Prince (who took a huge bite from Sizzla's style but is a welcome addition to the scene nonetheless) more than hold their own, as do dancehall singers Crissy D and Devonte (taking a reggae-jazz turn for "Sweet Honey"), and producer-MC Don Yute in the title track and its remix. --Elena Oumano