Kingston, Jamaica — Following a rollout spanning several months and introducing listeners to a series of individual releases, Ghetto Youths International will unveil the complete No Better Riddim on Friday, October 16.
Produced by Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, the 16-track compilation brings together some of reggae’s distinctive voices while celebrating Jamaica’s one-riddim, or “juggling,” tradition. In this tradition, multiple artists contribute their own lyrics, melodies, and perspectives over a shared musical track.
The result is a collection that remains connected while allowing each artist to bring a distinct identity to the riddim. Across No Better Riddim, established performers and a new generation of reggae artists explore themes of love, relationships, spirituality, consciousness, resilience, and personal reflection, demonstrating the versatility of a single riddim in the hands of different storytellers.
The journey toward the full compilation began earlier this year with Jemere Morgan’s “Know Better,” which introduced listeners to the riddim’s warm, melodic foundation. Ghetto Youths International continued unveiling the project piece by piece, giving individual songs and artists an opportunity to establish their own identities before bringing the complete body of work together.
Songs released ahead of the full project include Romain Virgo’s “Lay My Head,” Alaine’s “Love Again,” Pressure Busspipe’s “So Amazing,” Turbulence’s “Twin Flames,” Ghost’s “Coming Again,” and Jaz Elise’s “Don’t Spoil Love.”
With the October 16 release, listeners will hear the complete vision for the first time. The compilation also features previously unreleased contributions from Sevana, Chino McGregor, Richie Spice, Medisun, Singing Melody, Da’ville, Zaila Jazz, and Queen Omega, before closing with Damian Marley’s instrumental “No Better Riddim (Version).”
