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Review

Album Review: Penthouse Riddim

04/18/2014

by Lena Pletzinger

Right in time for the start of their 2nd Anniversary Tour, the Jugglerz DJ Meska and Shotta Paul come up with a brand new Riddim selection which follows up on big successes of their previous releases. The Street Soul (July 2012), Kickdown (October 2012) and Madskull Riddim (January 2014) have established themselves as a must-have on every big Reggae and Dancehall bash. Now the time has come for the new Penthouse Riddim to be placed in the spotlight of attention.

For this production, the two masterminds cooperate with no other than Supersonic-Selector and one of Germany’s best and influential producers Jr. Blender. They also managed to take on board Jamaica’s top saxophonist Dean Fraser who contributes a special flavor to the sound by his excellent saxophone playing.

As usual for a Jugglerz production this one also features once more many big international and national artists. The voicings of “The King” Beenie Man, Dancehall Veteran Burro Banton, Bermuda-Dancehall Ambassador Collie Buddz, Jugglerz’ protégé Miwata, Swiss (but most recently a Kingston citizen) Phenomden, UK’s super talented Randy Valentine and Penthouse Records insider Sanchez  – altogether 17 singers – make the vibeful instrumental a rounded selection. It comes with a much higher tempo than the Street Soul Riddim and speeds it up to a maximum.

The Penthouse Riddim is a homage to one of the most representative record labels of our time: Penthouse Records. Founded by Donovan Germain in the late 80’s, it counts a long list of Reggae and Dancehall artists whom Germain helped to get international recognition. Penthouse Records productions are famous for the “original” dancehall sound. That is reflected in the Jugglerz riddim: dancehall vibes combined with a roots reggae touch brought together in 2014 by the elders of back then and new artist of today...

Usually known for swiss-german lyrics, Phenomden proves in his track Gi Di Yutes A Chance that he does well putting out an English song. In Collie Buddz’ tune Nice Up Yourself he brings more than others the strongest positive vibes into this medley. Terry Linen says good bye to poverty and welcomes Money while Beenie Man enriches the selection with the high-spirited Survivor. Randy Valentine contributes a love song and dreamer Sanchez adds the romantic You Give Me Shelter. In Tell Me, Kingseys wants to know how he can improve his loving skills to fulfill the sexual desires of his beloved, meanwhile Perfect Giddimani struggles with questions of self-believe and inner strength.

Those contributions combined with a musical high class production can only result in another big success for Jugglerz and we can all be sure to find ourselves dancing on that riddim soon. Once you get into the tender flow your body moves automatically to the melody. Depending on your mood you either hit the dancefloor on your own or you celebrate it with a lover or a friend.

Unquestionably, does it have the potential to become this years’ summer hit.


LISTEN TO SIX FULL TRACKS ON THE RIDDIM BELOW

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