Dancehall / Ragga

Review: Here comes a heavyweight, summer ready dub designed for naughtiness. It lands just in time for pubs and bars reopening so expect to hear it bleeding out into he streets form cars, sound systems and balconies as people soak up some rays. The explosive a-side features legendary MC and Brixton local Brother Culture with his "Balance", featuring vocal odes to the herb and wobbling riddims. On the b-side is the superbly heavy "Use it With Caution Dub" where the brass of the Ital Horns takes centre stage alongside dub master Jamtone.

Review: Underrated yet prolific singer Horace Martin's debut album from 1985 remains his best. It is one that fetches high prices on resale markets - if you can find it - so now gets a welcome reissue by Mister Tipsy. It was written at the time when dub, reggae, dancehall and rocksteady were all cross-pollinated with one another and so the nine tracks that make it up are both fresh yet familiar. From sweet rolling odes like "My Ghetto Queen" to slower, more thoughtful tracks like "Give Me Your Love" this is an album for lovers and thinkers alike.

Review: Top Ranking Sound bring together a wealth fo dub masters for this four track 12". Frankie Paul opens up with a love struck ode that rolls on natty piano chords and is detailed with acoustic riffs to keep things moving. Yellow Man's "Gaze" slows it down, with echoing claps stacked up on top of each other and the sweet piano chords retained. Mikey General then steps up with a version, "I Love You", a tune to tug at the heart strings thanks to the lyrical depth and yearning. A final version of this one closes out a lovestruck package.

Review: Jamaican-American singer Shaggy's Hot Shot album was a huge commercial success back in 2001. It was the second highest-charting studio album of the year on the Billboard Year-End charts and featured four hit singles in "It Wasn't Me", "Angel", "Luv Me, Luv Me" and the double A-side single "Dance & Shout / Hope". Mixing up reggae fusion, pop and dance hall it laid out a blueprint for the sound that has been referenced ever since, as well as giving a whole generation a number of classic club anthems. Now re-released on Virgin almost 20 years later, it still sounds as vital.