Reggae compilation: Damian Marley releases 16-track project
The full version of No Better Riddim arrived on Oct. 16, featuring unreleased work from established stars and emerging artists on a shared musical base.
By John Wisniewski ·
Ghetto Youths International released the complete 16-track compilation No Better Riddim on Friday, Oct. 16. The project was produced by Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. It marks the final step in a multi-month rollout that introduced individual tracks to the public.
Ronnie Tomlinson, CEO of New York-based Destine Media, Inc., explained that the album celebrates the Jamaican one-riddim tradition. In this format, multiple artists write their own lyrics and melodies for a single shared musical track. Tomlinson noted that the result connects the songs without making them sound repetitive.
The rollout began earlier this year with Jemere Morgan’s “Know Better.” That song introduced the warm, melodic foundation of the riddim. Subsequent singles included Romain Virgo’s “Lay My Head,” Alaine’s “Love Again,” and Pressure Busspipe’s “So Amazing.” Other pre-releases featured Turbulence’s “Twin Flames,” Ghost’s “Coming Again,” and Jaz Elise’s “Don’t Spoil Love.”
With the full release, listeners now hear contributions from several artists for the first time. These previously unreleased tracks come from Sevana, Chino McGregor, Richie Spice, Medisun, Singing Melody, Da’ville, Zaila Jazz, and Queen Omega. The compilation concludes with Damian Marley’s instrumental track, “No Better Riddim (Version).”
Tomlinson said Marley’s production blends roots reggae, lovers rock, and contemporary influences. This approach leaves space for each performer’s individual character to stand out. She described the lineup as a meeting point between veteran voices and the genre’s contemporary generation.
The project reflects Ghetto Youths International’s focus on substance and musicianship. Tomlinson stated that the album demonstrates how the traditional riddim format can evolve for a global audience while remaining rooted in Jamaican musical tradition. The release offers a complete vision of how different storytellers interpret a single musical base.
Source: Caribbean Life
