Pick

Various Ragga Ragga Ragga 2008

• Words: Tomas Palermo
• Label: Greensleeves
• XLR8R Rating: 8/10

Another year, another Ragga comp, right? Wrong. 2007-08 has been a blazingly innovative period for dancehall music, with new artists, producers and styles boldly emerging. Ragga 08 summarizes new dancehall talents starting with Mavado’s epic “On The Rock,” one of several tracks included on the Baby G-produced Mission riddim. Other big tunes include Mykal Rose’s number-one song “Shoot Out,” newcomer Demarco’s breakout “Duppy Know Who Fe Frighten” and Tony Matterhorn’s bubbling “This Is How We Grow.” Alongside cuts by Bugle and Vybz Kartel (whose “Money Fi Spend” and “My Scheme” are included) is dancehall’s biggest talent, Busy Signal. His hip-hop-fused hit “Jail” and uptempo joint “Wine Pon Di Edge” are highlights on a comp busting with blingy bright stars.