Eastbound Riddim [2014] (Kaeczar Music Group)

In 2014, Kaeczar Music Group produced the “EastBound Riddim” is a brand-new nu roots riddim. It features Konshens, Erup, Adeeno, Cyba, Gal-X and Don’t Play. The riddim is based on a classic one-drop pattern. The warm organ and the melodic bass line are embellished by the vibrant and romantic sound of a Spanish-like guitar. The use of synth strings, and a a shrill lead synthesizer adds a touch of modernity.

A riddim that features love songs

The compilation features a couple of love songs like the heartbreaking“Love Har” by Don’t Play. In the latter, the artist relates how his girl left him for another man who is able to fulfill her material desires yet ill-treats her. “Missing You” by Erup is what we could call a “make-up” song.

Erup reminds us that love should never be taken for granted. Now that his other half and him have an opportunity to find their way back to each other, he realizes the mistakes he has made and how much he had been missing her. Next up, Adeeno expresses his unconditional love in a song titled “No Matter The Signs.”

“Only God Can Judge Me” by Cyba is a song dedicated to the ones he calls ‘false prophets.’ The title of the track says it all. ‘Only God can judge’ people. No matter your social status or how important you are, Cyba is here to remind you that you should not be judging other people. ‘Who are you to tell me what I’m doing is not right?’

But also conscious songs

In the song “One Life,” Gal-X calls our attention on the importance of life. As he gives thanks and praise to the most high for the gift that is LIFE, he also points out the fact that it is not worth selling our souls for material things.

‘Life is the greatest, and precious thing on earth. […]
One life i got to live it, to the most high, praise I give it,
Trouble dem a look tell dem fi leave it,
Bigga heads nah do nuttin tell dem fi beat it’
Gal-X – One Life

On a different note, Konshens delivers a very good ganja tune titled “Weed On Me (Trees On Me).” It is not just another song about smoking weed and getting high. Here, the artist raises the issue of mari juana’s illegality in Jamaica. He outlines more precisely how police still spend time arresting people for possession of mari juana instead of fighting criminality.

‘When so much man a kill man a road,
Mr officer you know seh a true,
You got a whole heap a better things fi go do.’
Konshens – Weed On Me (Trees On Me)

To sum up, the “Eastbound Riddim” is a warm riddim with a couple of nice tracks worth listening to. It somehow reminds me of the “Drop Leaf Riddim.” So if you like the latter, you should definitely check out the “Eastbound Riddim,” especially Konshens, Erup and Gal-X‘s tunes.