Review of Triple Spin 2

The idea behind this series is simple enough: each release features three currently hot dancehall riddims and the handful of artists whose singles are built upon these riddims.

This sophomore entry features three riddims by Tony "CD" Kelly: the Kiki riddim, the Doctor riddim, and the unexplainably-hot Unda Wata riddim.

The Kiki riddim is a pretty simplistic, straight-forward dancehall riddim that doesn't really stand out from the rest, but isn't nearly as offensively bad as many others. Flexing on this riddim are 10 singers and DJs, including Merciless ("Let Dem Have It"), Degree ("Gwaan Good"), Buju Banton (obviously the best rendition, "Opportunity"), and the entirely-too-popular Mr. Vegas ("Double Blank").

The Doctor riddim is a little more interesting and intense. If James Bond were Jamaican, I could see this being the riddim for his theme music. Seven artists contribute here including Beenie Man (the unremarkable, but phenomenally popular "The Doctor"), Mega Banton ("What a Gal" -- where's he been lately?), and Sadeki (the best version, "Love How Yu Tan").

Lastly, there are two tracks on the Unda Wata riddim -- the "Unda Wata Medley" and the "Unda Wata Megamix", both by Dancehall's Magnificent 7. Neither is terribly interesting, but the Megamix is slightly more listenable since it's remixed and some scratching is thrown in.

It's hard enough to listen to three outstanding riddims for 70 minutes, let alone three middle-of-the-road riddims. Triple Spin 2 isn't going to be an album-of-the-year nominee, but it should satiate those who want to hear the latest singles over the most popular riddims of the time.

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