As the royal horns introduce Rankin’ Scroo and Lutan Fyah who host this mixtape—DJ Child’s latest assembly of Jamaica’s most current “One Drop” riddims—Rankin’ Scroo on the title track over the “HMG Records” riddim sets it solid. Natural Black’s “intelligence” and then Jah Cure’s “I’m Still Around” flowing gracefully over this solid-as-green banana riddim mesmerize you to bow down into submission.

What a start as the even-denser hip-hop influenced “State of Emergency” riddim churns up the funky basslines and dubbed-out guitars for Lutan Fyah to blaze on “Equal Rights.” Even crooners such as I Wayne on “Life Service” and Fifth Element’s Richie Spice and Chuck Fenda ride this riddim silly. Then as the “Bingie Trod” and “Truth and Rights” riddim appear in the distance the dark, gloomy atmosphere of Rasta seriousness follows with the “Escape” riddim where Sizzla and Capleton break free, protected by H.I.M. of course.

Even though the more popular “I Swear,” “First Born” and “World Jam” riddims nice up the session perfectly, mixtape collectors will bawl and brace for Sizzla’s brilliant freestyle on “Like an Open Book” over Sade’s “King of Sorrow” riddim masterfully looped by DJ Child. Such a suprising turn for reggae-dancehall mixtapes, yet the sweetest “Truth” riddim, still to unfold offers great deliveries by Lutan Fyah, TOK and Gentleman.

“Above Dem” was the only Mixtape of the year to receive 5 stars & Album of the Month!!!