Walshy Fire Drops Reggae Collaboration ‘Green Rose Riddim’

Warning: dubstep fans who are expecting some heavy beats and relentless wubs when you see the word riddim, Walshy Fire’s track mix is not where you’ll find it. BUT, his riddim will still get you moving and grooving until the sun rises no matter what genre you’re into. The word “Riddim” is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of “rhythm” and Leighton Paul Walsh’s use comes directly from home. Born in Jamaica, but based in Miami, this one-third of Major Lazer is back with a collaborative track mix just a few months after he released his debut album, ABENG. Bringing Afrobeats and pure Reggae in and out of the scene, his mission is to connect cultures in every way possible and remind us what music is all about.

Back in 2015, he launched his label, Walshy Fire Presents, with roots in Jamaica’s sound and culture to bring together a variety of artists, genres, and listeners. Distributing these influences via live-sets, mixes, and original releases, the Walshy Fire soundscape is diverse, yet inclusive. Of course, being apart of Major Lazer has put him on stages around the world, but as Walshy Fire his success is just as boundless. His debut album, ABENG, is an amalgam of different sounds including reggae, dancehall, and soca, but the beats are all mostly Afrobeats. Each track that follows pulls from these roots and showcases his artistry. Major Lazer has a saying, “making the world smaller by making the party bigger,” and that motto carries over to Walshy Fire’s music too.

His latest release with Gacha, GREEN ROSE RIDDIM, is a compilation of 4 tracks that maintain the same bassline and upbeat consistency one after the other while showcasing different artists on vocals. It’s a 13-minute perfected freestyle flowing into each other while still masterfully allowing each track to stand alone. Out now on Walshy Fire Presents, get into the riddim below.

The first track “Beat Dem,” is all about empowerment and speaking up for the ill-treated. Cocoa Tea and Louie Culture weave their high and low vocals into the island bells to start the mix off strong. Transitioning into “Clear My Head” with Jesse Royal, the vibe maintains those same bouncy, yet smoky sounds to carry us on through the irresistible dancing. “Caribbean Girls,” with Bunji Garlin, picks up the pace and shouts out all those beautiful island women before putting listeners in the hands of Malica’s tingling vocals. The first thing she says, “it’s real groovy.” GREEN ROSE RIDDIM is one of those releases that truly is a never-ending groove mix.

“Oh me oh my” it’s riddim! Walshy Fire will be bringing his Jamaica-to-Ghana infused beats to Salt on November 1st for Halloweekend. So, be sure to RSVP and get your tickets here. 

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