LargeUp Premiere: Juss Kool Productions’ 86 Riddim

Words by LargeUp Crew

New York-based, Jamaican-born producer Juss Kool (RDX’s “Foot a Talk”) has been teasing tracks from his 86 riddim recently, and here he offers the full riddim for the first time with an exclusive stream on largeUp. The riddim features six tracks from a mix of veteran and up-and-coming artists: Future Fambo, Alozade, Stylez, Shane O, Seya and Di Artist Redd.

“I wanted to get back to the raw authentic dancehall sound that we all grew up to,” says Juss Kool. “I feel like the dancehall music being presented to the world now lacks that raw aggression of a classic Kingston dancehall, the Brooklyn basement party, the backyard parties in The Bronx and Queens.” If you thought the riddim’s title was a reference to Dave Kelly’s now classic 85 riddim, you’re right on the money. “The title 86 is used as a play on Dave Kelly’s 85 Riddim, and as an homage to Kobe Bryant going to number 24, paying homage to Michael Jordan’s number 23. Look out for a part 2 in the coming months.”

Stream the 86 Riddim below, and purchase on iTunes here.