Machel Montano - Go Down (Loudspeaker Riddim) by Mixpak

Nearly a year after producing Vybz Kartel’s “Kingston Story” and fresh from delivering Popcaan’s “Get Gyal Easy,” Dre Skull returns with a brand new riddim, featuring four original vocals from some of the biggest Caribbean artists.

The Loudspeaker Riddim, which is not just a name but also a serving suggestion, is a powerful and emotive track, with lingering echoes that build and fold over each other until the dancehall bassline kicks in and a minimal synth-stab leaves the track wide open for the vocalist to shine. King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man, sets the riddim alight with his fast- flowing ode to the female form on “Hot Like Fire,” while Mixpak family member Natalie Storm delivers a classic braggadocios take on “Rock The Runway.” Normally found voicing the upper echelons of bpm, Soca Monarch Machel Montano makes a rare appearance on a dancehall riddim, keeping his energy intact for an expressive tune dedicated to winery – “Go Down.” Popcaan rounds off the release with 'The System', an epic, conscious track that sees the young deejay describe the trials and struggles of ghetto youth in the face of the system.

The Loudspeaker Riddim is not only a testament to the versatility of the artists featured, but to dancehall itself, a proud addition to the ever-growing Mixpak dancehall catalogue.